Over the past few years, Ukraine has made significant progress in shaping policies related to barrier-free and inclusive environment. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a meeting on barrier-free environment with the participation of First Lady Olena Zelenska.

"Ukraine continues to pursue a consistent course of creating a barrier-free environment for all citizens. This is in line with our European course and our values," the Prime Minister stressed and added that this topic had been a constant focus of attention for the Government and all ministries.

During the meeting, the results of a survey conducted by the Research Centre for Social and Behavioural Economics with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Expert Council on Barrier-Free Communications were presented. According to the survey, 83% of Ukrainians believe that barrier-free accessibility is a new value for society. 34% of respondents are convinced that in order to overcome barriers in various areas, attention should be focused on changing people's behaviour in society, 32% on creating an adapted environment, and 22% on ensuring access to education and work.

"Barrier-free access is a new value for our society. 83% of respondents called it such. This is a very large percentage, a great consciousness. It's about time. If so many people are aware of barrier-free access as a value, we are on the right track as a society," said First Lady Olena Zelenska.

According to Denys Shmyhal, a lot has already been done to create a barrier-free environment in our country. In particular, construction standards have been updated and are already being applied in the implementation of reconstruction projects, an action plan to reform medical and social expertise has been approved, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is being introduced.

In addition, Ukraine is introducing modern standards of accessibility in digital services, compensating businesses for creating workplaces for people with disabilities, and providing training and retraining services. Veteran businesses have more opportunities for development. Work is underway on a comprehensive rehabilitation system for different groups of the population. The Head of Government also noted progress in the reform of military medical commissions.

Approaches to the construction of shelters are also changing to make them accessible to all.

"Barrier-free accessibility means accessibility of all services and opportunities for every person in every part of our country," said Denys Shmyhal.

He stressed the importance of continuing to work actively in policy-making, implementing new projects and communicating them in an easy-to-understand manner. According to the Prime Minister, it is necessary to work with the regions and local authorities and talk to people about barrier-free accessibility in a plain language.