We would like to inform you that from May 25 to 31, 2026, Ukraine will host the National Barrier-Free Week - an initiative implemented with the support of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and within the framework of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space. Creating a barrier-free space in Ukraine is part of European integration. Barrier-free is when everyone, regardless of age, health status, gender or other characteristics, can live a full life: work, study, move and communicate.
You can support these days with simple everyday things that shape a culture of accessibility in our society, namely:
Keep the passage clear. Do not park your car in disabled spaces or on sidewalks.
Involve a variety of people. Planning an event or project? Check if it is accessible to people with disabilities, older people.
Respect personal space. Do not touch the person or their mobility aids (wheelchair, white cane) without permission. This is part of personal space.
Take a little more time to listen, not guess. If the person speaks differently or needs more time, be polite, don't interrupt, and listen to the end.
Help make public spaces accessible. Do not block elevators, special seats in transportation, or call buttons.
Speak clearly. Avoid complex wording in letters, advertisements, and everyday communication.
Spread a culture of accessibility.
Attend trainings, spread simple rules of accessibility.
Avoid the expressions «disabled, handicapped, person with special needs, infirm» – use «person with a disability, person with a disability». Avoid «wheelchair/bedridden, wheelchair user, wheelchair user» – use «wheelchair user; someone who uses a wheelchair». Avoid «blind» – use «blind, visually impaired person».
Distribute free resources related to creating a barrier-free environment:
