Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure and LUN Unveil Ranking of Regional Capitals by Accessibility

Regional Capitals Ranked on Physical Accessibility

According to Міністерство інфраструктури: Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development, in cooperation with the real estate platform LUN, has released a ranking of regional capital cities based on their level of physical accessibility. The assessment used seven key indicators, which are:

• availability of information about accessible facilities;
• adaptation of buildings and public spaces;
• development of barrier-free routes;
• accessibility of public transportation;
• funding for accessibility initiatives;
• performance of local accessibility councils;
• involvement of people with disabilities in community decision-making.

Each of these indicators was assigned its own separate index score.

According to the study, physical accessibility is a cornerstone of creating a higher quality of life in communities. Oleksiy Kuleba stated:

“Accessibility today is one of the fundamental principles for building a new standard of living in communities. It is about ensuring that every person can move freely around the city, use public transport, access basic services, and fully participate in public life.”

- Oleksiy Kuleba.

He emphasized that this issue affects a broad range of people, including veterans, older adults, parents with young children, and those with temporary injuries or mobility impairments.

Why This Ranking Matters for Communities

The resulting city ranking not only allows for comparisons between different urban centers but also helps clarify the current state of accessibility in each community and identify priorities for future improvements. This research aims to raise awareness and drive action on accessibility issues, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life for all city residents.

The presented ranking of cities by physical accessibility marks a significant step toward improving inclusivity for all population groups. By evaluating these indicators, it becomes possible to pinpoint which communities require additional efforts to create a barrier-free environment. This can serve as a foundation for developing new policies and programs focused on enhancing living standards and integrating people with disabilities into society.

In light of the recent ranking that highlights the importance of physical accessibility in urban environments, it's crucial to note that Ukraine is taking further steps to enhance this aspect. The government plans to expand its monitoring efforts to cover 90,000 locations, which will provide a more comprehensive understanding of accessibility challenges across the country. This initiative aims to ensure that the needs of all citizens are met, fostering a more inclusive society.