Ukraine Champions Barrier-Free Future

In a significant stride toward inclusivity, Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, actively participated in the inaugural meeting of the Community of Ambassadors for Barrier-Free Accessibility. This landmark event, held on October 7, 2025, united over 70 leaders from various sectors, including communities, businesses, government bodies, and the public sector, to champion accessibility in all areas of Ukrainian life.

Zelenska highlighted the evolution of the barrier-free concept in Ukraine, noting that it had broadened from mere physical accessibility to encompass social, economic, educational, digital, and informational aspects. These six pillars now underpin the Ukrainian government’s strategy for a barrier-free environment, a vision that has seen considerable progress over the past five years. Among the advancements, a program for barrier-free urban routes has been initiated, and significant collaborations with major national employers have been established under the Business Without Barriers initiative.

The meeting also marked the beginning of the national campaign “Barrier-Free Means When You Can,” reflecting a shift towards viewing accessibility as a universal right that caters to everyone’s needs. Appointed ambassadors for barrier-free accessibility are set to spearhead projects across various ministries to bolster interagency cooperation and promote accessible practices. Additionally, the event included training sessions and workshops aimed at formulating actionable plans for enhancing community accessibility by year’s end. These plans include audits for physical and informational accessibility and advocacy for educational rights for people with disabilities.

This gathering not only reaffirms Ukraine’s commitment to creating a more inclusive society but also sets a practical roadmap for achieving tangible improvements in accessibility across the nation.