Ministry for Communities and Territories Development approves Model educational program for training barrier-free specialists

The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine has approved a Model educational program for advanced training of barrier-free specialists. It will serve as the basis for launching new specialized training in higher education institutions starting in 2026. The program was developed by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development in cooperation with the country's leading specialized universities and agreed upon with the Ministry of Education and Science.

The document defines uniform standards and requirements for future professional development programs that will be developed on its basis. Thus, higher education institutions have been given the opportunity to create their own professional development programs, adapting them to their needs and necessarily agreeing those programs with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development. The goal of the program is to increase the number of trained specialists in the field of accessibility who will have the skills to conduct a high-quality assessment of the accessibility of different types of buildings and structures, the requirements for which vary significantly.

As noted by Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba, today, accessibility is not a one-time initiative, but a long-term transformation of the culture of management, design, and interaction. It is the path to a country where everyone can live with dignity, safety, and independence.

"The need to train specialists in inclusiveness is particularly relevant at present. Much of the work involves surveying, assessing, and modernizing existing facilities, from hospitals and schools to administrative service centers and streets. The country is systematically introducing accessibility approaches in reconstruction and urban planning, and implementing a National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment. One of the key areas is the flagship project “Barrier-Free Movement”, under which comprehensive transport and pedestrian routes are being modernised in 15 pilot communities. The experience of implementing the project has also shown that communities need more qualified specialists with up-to-date knowledge of design, accessibility monitoring, and assessment of the compliance of buildings and spaces with barrier-free requirements. The new educational program is designed to meet this demand," emphasized Oleksii Kuleba.

The Model educational program consists of five training modules with a total duration of at least 60 academic hours and covers all key aspects of physical accessibility:

Theoretical part: Legislative component, basic provisions of state policy on the creation of barrier-free space in Ukraine, as well as the study of international experience.

Practical part (Survey): Monitoring and assessment of the degree of physical accessibility of urban environment facilities (transport infrastructure, street and road network, public amenities, etc.).

Report preparation: Training in report preparation and providing professional recommendations on ensuring the physical accessibility of a facility.

Specialists who already have a bachelor's degree in the following specialties will be allowed to undergo the relevant training: “Architecture and Urban Planning” or “Construction and Civil Engineering.” Confirmation of the acquisition of the “Barrier-Free Specialist” competency will be a certificate issued by the educational institution based on the results of professional development.

Upon completion of the course, specialists will have knowledge of national and international legislation in the field of accessibility, know how to apply regulatory documents, and determine the parameters for creating barrier-free access for all people.

Background Information

Amendments to the Monitoring and Assessment of the Degree of Barrier-Free Accessibility of Physical Environments and Services for Persons with Disabilities, approved by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 537 of May 26, 2021 (as amended by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 311 of March 18, 2025), it is provided that “barrier-free specialists” may be involved in the inspection of buildings and structures for accessibility.