90,000 Social Workers to Undergo Accessibility Training in 2026

Ukraine’s National Accessibility Week

According to Міністерство соц. політики: Ukraine’s National Accessibility Week kicked off with a meeting of the Accessibility Council, marking the first step toward rolling out new social protection initiatives. As part of its ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive environment, the Ministry of Social Policy is continuing its training program for social sector professionals in 2026. This initiative will reach approximately 90,000 workers, including:

• social work specialists,
• trainers,
• supervisors,
• staff from the Pension Fund of Ukraine,
• the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities,
• the State Service of Ukraine for Children,
• the National Social Service Service of Ukraine,
• and social service providers.

Training sessions already conducted under the program have covered resilience building, accessibility issues, gender equality, and domestic violence prevention. Webinars on barrier-free interaction with children and youth have also been organized, reflecting a commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all population groups.

Planned Initiatives

Additionally, an online series titled “Resilience for Professionals and Communities” is set to launch on the Diia.Osvita platform, providing an extra learning resource. The creation of a National Digital Platform for the Professional Development of Social Sector Workers is another key step toward upgrading specialists’ qualifications. New training sessions and educational programs for staff at resilience centers are also planned, which will help improve the quality of social services and advance accessibility across Ukraine.

Accessibility development is a cornerstone of Ukraine’s social policy, aimed at ensuring equal access to services for all citizens, including those with disabilities. These initiatives and training programs are designed to raise the professional standards of social sector employees and build a more inclusive society.

As the Ministry of Social Policy continues to enhance the skill sets of social workers, the recent reduction in staff turnover at resilience centers by 85% demonstrates the positive impact of comprehensive training programs. This success highlights the importance of ongoing professional development in fostering a stable workforce, which is crucial for implementing new accessibility initiatives effectively.