Mykolaiv decided to turn the city into a barrier-free space

Mykolaiv has approved an action plan to implement its barrier-free strategy. The plan includes the arrangement of accessible environments in residential buildings, schools, hospitals, shelters, public spaces, and the purchase of special vehicles for people with limited mobility.

The relevant decision was considered at a meeting of the Executive Committee of Mykolaiv City Council.

The Executive Committee approved a list of measures to ensure the implementation of the National Strategy for Creating Barrier-Free Space in the City for 2025-2026. The initiative covers residential buildings, educational and medical institutions, infrastructure, public spaces and transportation.

One of the key solutions is to create a list of people with disabilities living in multi-story buildings to further ensure convenient access to housing. It is planned to implement the "Movement without Barriers" project - safe routes in the city, renovation of administrative buildings, purchase of special vehicles with a lift, arrangement of shelters and public restrooms to meet the needs of people with limited mobility.

Educational and healthcare institutions should have the means to call a sign language interpreter via video, and inclusive classrooms should be set up in schools. It also provides for the arrangement of inclusive playgrounds and sports grounds, the creation of accessibility conditions in youth centers, ASCs, cultural institutions, shelters, tourist attractions, and even temporary structures.

Local authorities will engage civil society organizations in monitoring accessibility. In addition, social advertising will appear in medical, educational and administrative institutions to promote inclusiveness. All measures will be implemented in accordance with current legislation and building codes and will be part of the long-term development strategy of Mykolaiv until 2030.

Mykolaiv is also planning to set up an inclusive space for children with special needs. It will be a safe environment for classes and support from specialists who will work with children with developmental disabilities and those who have suffered psychological trauma due to the war. The sensory room will be located in the Pyramid of Knowledge children's development center, which has been helping children with special educational needs for over a decade.

Анна Бальчінос