Inna Solodka: Equal access to support and services is the foundation of Ukraine's European future

Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine Inna Solodka spoke at the Forum “The European Future of Ukraine in the Field of Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” emphasizing that the main focus of state policy is to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and older people to all necessary services and opportunities for development in the community.

In her speech, she stressed that the right to independent living begins with the opportunity to receive quality services where a person lives: "Today we are talking about the right of every person to live independently and be part of the community. For persons with disabilities and older persons, this means being able to choose where and with whom to live and to have equal access to services and facilities, just like everyone else," said Inna Solodka. She added that the development of a modern social services system is a key step towards overcoming the practice of isolation. Currently, more than 47,000 people live in psychiatric hospitals and other institutions where monitoring visits have recorded violations of the rights to privacy, medical care, and safety.

A key tool for change is the Strategy for Reforming Residential Institutions and Deinstitutionalising Care by 2034, which complies with European standards and is supported by partners within the Ukraine Facility. The document aims to ensure that every person can receive support in accordance with their needs within the community.

The main areas of development include the creation of legislative and administrative mechanisms that guarantee equal access to services; the development of long-term care, assisted living, etc.; the modernization of assistance models focused on the needs of specific individuals; and the formation of an inclusive social attitude and increased community capacity.

Implementing the Strategy is an investment in development. We are creating a system where people do not lose opportunities because of their age or health status. Equal access to services is what makes communities stronger and the country - European not only on paper, but in practice.