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A New Era of Accessibility: First Meeting of the National Barrier-Free Council

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The inaugural meeting of the National Barrier-Free Council was held, featuring First Lady Olena Zelenska, ministry heads, and representatives from international organizations and business.

Starting from 2023, all government websites and mobile applications must meet modern accessibility standards. This will enable people with disabilities to comfortably use digital services. To assist government agencies in implementing these standards, the Center for Digital Accessibility was established in August 2024 with UNDP's support.

Access to digital education is another priority. The Diia.Education platform offers over 200 educational series with subtitles in Ukrainian and English. Special attention is given to courses on digital accessibility: "Web Accessibility", "Barrier-Free Literacy", and "A State Without Barriers". Additionally, 20 courses are available in sign language, and all images on the platform include alternative descriptions for visually impaired individuals.

To secure digital barrier-free legislation, the Ministry of Digital Transformation is preparing a bill on "Digital Accessibility" which will define clear rules and responsible parties. It is anticipated that the document will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada by the end of 2025.

Barrier-free access is also essential in Administrative Service Centers (ASC). Over the past two years, their accessibility level for people with disabilities has increased by 16%. Today, ASCs are equipped with technologies to serve visitors with hearing and visual impairments, along with comfortable spaces for seniors and families with children. In 2025-2026, the Ministry plans to launch the "Barrier-Free ASC" project to make administrative services even more accessible.

Digital barrier-free access is not just about technology, but also about respect, comfort, and equal opportunities for everyone. The Ministry of Digital Transformation continues to collaborate with partners to ensure that digital services are user-friendly and inclusive.

Initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine by 2030 has been approved.