Recently, it has become increasingly common to see people in wheelchairs on the streets of Odesa, many of whom have been injured due to the ongoing conflict. The number of such individuals continues to rise daily, highlighting the urgent need for an accessible environment.
Odesa is leading the way in inclusivity, with Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov declaring 2025 as the Year of Accessibility. This initiative aims to implement significant changes across all sectors of life in the city.
The driving force behind these changes is the Accessibility Council, established at the end of last year. This advisory body brings together representatives from municipal bodies, civil society, and veteran organizations to collaborate on developing an accessible environment.
According to Hennadiy Trukhanov, who heads the Council, accessibility is not just about physical access; it embodies a philosophy where everyone has equal opportunities.
The Council operates expert groups focused on various areas and has adopted a City Accessibility Strategy for 2025-2026, which aligns with the National Strategy and sets key priorities for the upcoming years. Regular inspections of infrastructure and locations are conducted, involving recommendations from veterans and people with disabilities who are part of these expert groups.
“The priorities of our work are determined by people with disabilities, as they best understand the needs and challenges they face daily. This is a collaborative effort encompassing infrastructure, transportation, digitalization, social services, education, and rehabilitation,” emphasized Deputy Head of the Council, Oleksiy Morozov.
The main goal of the Council is to unite the efforts of the government, veterans, civil society, and businesses around accessibility as a vital contemporary challenge.
