Barrier-free access in focus: Government approves draft law on accessibility of television and on-demand media services for people with disabilities

Television and on-demand media services will become more accessible for people with disabilities. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the corresponding draft law, developed by the Ministry of Culture. It must now be adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Television programmes and on-demand programmes will be made accessible with subtitles, sign language interpretation, and audio description (typhlo-commentary). This will also apply to social advertising.

The draft law also establishes uniform rules on how the state and media must ensure information accessibility. The transition to full programme accessibility will be gradual – over ten years.

The initiative aims to create a modern system that guarantees equal access to information, news, and other programmes for all citizens.

“This draft law is about respect for the viewer and their needs. We are working to make content and information more accessible, regardless of circumstances,” stated Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna.

The draft law also aligns Ukrainian legislation with European standards. This is an important step towards the EU and the creation of a barrier-free media space in Ukraine. The document opens a transparent media accessibility market, stimulates the development of new technologies and partnerships, creates jobs, and attracts investment.

The draft law was prepared with support from UNDP under the project “Inclusive Recovery Support for Resilience and Human Security in Ukraine”, implemented by UNDP in Ukraine with financial support from the Government of Japan.