Yulia Svyrydenko: Barrier-free environment should become the norm in all areas of life

Today, under the chairmanship of Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the first meeting of the Barriere-Free Environment Council this year was held with the participation of First Lady Olena Zelenska.

“The format of the Council has already become a permanent platform for us to develop new policies and systemic solutions so that accessibility is not just reflected in numbers, but is tangible in practice for every person. Barriere-free environment is a principle that puts people and their interests at the center,” Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized.

She also expressed her gratitude to Tetiana Lomakina, Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment, for her systematic work, which brings together the state, communities, and partners.

Yulia Svyrydenko noted that the Government had recently adopted a number of decisions that make the environment in Ukraine barrier-free for all citizens.

1. A roadmap for reforming the prosthetics system and a plan for its implementation by 2026 have been approved.

This involves creating a single continuous route — from receiving medical care to selecting a prosthesis, learning how to use it, and further support. People will no longer need to search for solutions on their own in different institutions. Services will be digitized, enabling an increase in their quality and the development of national prosthesis production with transparent pricing.

2. The implementation of a new model of nursing care hospitals is beginning, with clear standards of care, accessibility requirements, a strengthened role for nursing, and integration with rehabilitation assistance.

The first pilot project will be the creation of a nursing care hospital in Lviv. It will combine palliative, rehabilitation, and psychosocial care, as well as training for specialists. This is in line with international practices and is an important step towards the formation of a modern long-term care system.

3. Government will encourage the employment of people with disabilities and develop a new model of interaction with employers.

Transition from penalties to incentives. The Government is introducing a mechanism that promotes the creation and adaptation of workplaces for people with disabilities in order to involve them in paid work on an equal basis with others. "We are eliminating ‘gray areas’ in calculations and moving to a clear and transparent formula for calculating contributions. This creates fair and understandable rules for business and expands opportunities for people," the Head of Government emphasized.

4. Involvement of accessibility ambassadors.

They will work on the basis of a memorandum with ministries and will help to spread the word about how ministries implement barrier-free environment principles in practice. Yulia Svyrydenko thanked the ambassadors who have already joined this work. Among them are Hero of Ukraine, veteran Dmytro Finashyn, Armed Forces captain Kristina Sanina, women's football development manager Olha Benda, and opera singer Yuriy Ivaskevych.

"These steps are a continuation of the comprehensive policy within the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine, which is being implemented by all Government's ministries. Barrier-free access should become the standard in all areas of life. Equal opportunities and respect for every person are the foundation of a strong and just State," the Prime Minister concluded.