Accessibility begins with the individual and how we address them.

An Accessibility Hour dedicated to inclusive language was held at Minregion.

The event was held as part of First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska’s “Without Barriers” initiative.

Participants discussed language as part of an accessible environment: words can support people, acknowledge their experience and respect their dignity, or, conversely, reproduce stereotypes and exclusion.

“Accessibility is not about trends or slogans, but about fairness, comfort and mutual respect between people. It is not only about ramps, lifts and paving, but also about inclusive language as the foundation of communication and a respectful attitude towards one another,” stressed Ukraine’s Minister for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Vitalii Bezghin (Vitaliy Bezgin).

Creating an accessible environment requires both high-quality solutions in planning, construction, transport and public services, and a change in the culture of interaction. Every such decision must place the individual, their dignity, safety and ability to live a full life in their community at its centre.

“Around 800 accessibility projects have already been created in the DREAM system. Our common task is to make these projects a reality,” the Minister said.

The event also presented the exhibition “Accessibility is when you can see the person behind the words”, created by UNICEF in partnership with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Office of the Adviser and Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Accessibility, Tetiana Lomakina.