“BARRIER-FREE UKRAINE”: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The article emphasizes that the creation of a barrier-free environment is an important direction of the development of the modern civilized world, because the sustainable development of society involves a combination of harmonious development in the economic, ecological and social spheres of modern society as a whole and each of its members, regardless of any signs of its identification, such as skin colour or nationality or health defects or religion. The main international legal documents designed to promote the development of a barrier-free environment in all countries of the world are outlined. In the context of Ukraine becoming a candidate for membership of the European Union in June 2022, the main attention is paid to the key EU Directives in this context. The main principles of creating a barrier-free environment are revealed. The components of the Ukrainian “Handbook of barrier-free accessibility” have been analyzed, which can be useful to anyone who aspires to live in a modern legal society. The situation regarding the organization of equal access to all spheres of life in some countries has been analyzed. It is emphasized that Ukraine has worsened its position in international leading ratings as a result of the war. Positive developments in the context of overcoming barriers in our country in 2022 have been revealed. Examples of the creation of a barrier-free environment in Ukraine already today (in particular, the implementation of the development directions of the National Strategy for the Creation of a Barrier-Free Space and, on the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska “Without Barriers” on the basis of the Dnipropetrovsk State University of Internal Affairs (opening of a driving school for persons with disabilities); creation of the Institute of Assistants of Veterans and their Families) and prospects for future development are outlined. It was noted that the postwar period will include not only the physical reconstruction of infrastructural facilities, but also the mental recovery of citizens, therefore, in this context, valid recommendations have been made regarding the creation of a barrier-free environment in the educational space. A mechanism for building a barrier-free environment has been developed, which covers all areas that require the creation of a barrier-free environment in the first place.