Ukraine Scales Up Accessibility Tracking Initiative
Ukraine is set to broaden its accessibility monitoring efforts and expand the Barrier-Free Map to include 90,000 locations. Deputy Minister of Communities and Territories Development, Nataliia Kozlovska, announced this during the LUN City 2026 conference. Currently, the map features nearly 80,000 sites, but only about 20% of them are barrier-free.
New Categories Added to Monitoring
This year, the following types of facilities will be added to the monitoring scope:
- housing
- shops
- banks
- pharmacies
- post offices
- restaurants and cafes
- hotels
More than 800 communities are currently working on creating barrier-free routes as part of the 'Movement Without Barriers' project. This initiative serves as a flagship program of Ukraine's Ministry of Communities and Territories Development.
'Despite the full-scale war and daily challenges, Ukraine continues to rebuild. Our task today is not just to restore what was destroyed by Russian aggression, but to create a qualitatively better space than before—a space where accessibility is embedded from the start. That is why barrier-free access has become one of the core principles of the country's recovery policy,' said Nataliia Kozlovska.
Expanding accessibility monitoring and updating the Barrier-Free Map represents a significant step toward ensuring equal access for all citizens, especially people with disabilities. It reflects the Ukrainian government's commitment to implementing inclusive policies and improving living conditions, even amid ongoing conflict. Furthermore, the 'Movement Without Barriers' project aims to build an obstacle-free environment, which is essential for social integration and promoting equality across society.
As Ukraine enhances its accessibility initiatives, it is crucial to recognize the broader context of these efforts. The recent announcement about the expansion of the Barrier-Free Map aligns with the government's goal to assess various facilities for accessibility, including homes, hotels, cafés, and gas stations. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all citizens, particularly those with disabilities.