First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the first meeting of the Barrier-Free Council this year, chaired by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko.
Participants included government representatives, heads of relevant committees of the Verkhovna Rada, representatives of the United Nations and the Council of Europe, heads of regional military administrations, community leaders, and civil society activists. The meeting was moderated by Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Barrier-Free Environment Tetiana Lomakina.
“Over five years, much progress has been made in the field of barrier-free accessibility. From the first steps and first discussions – when for many it expanded beyond the topic of people with disabilities – to today’s stage, where every ministry is implementing its own accessibility project. In total – 25 projects covering all spheres of public life,” the First Lady emphasized.
Ministers reported on the implementation of flagship projects, as well as the introduction of new barrier-free practices at the local level.
Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba spoke about the project “Development of Institutional Capacity of Local Self-Government in Accessibility.” It aims to implement accessibility standards in Ukraine’s infrastructure and public services in 2026.
Head of the Coordination Center for Family Upbringing and Child Care Development under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Iryna Tuliakova presented the project “The Pathway of a Child with a Disability.” It is designed to build a unified system of continuous support for a child with a disability and their family – from early detection to transition into adulthood.
Minister of Youth and Sports Matvii Bidnyi introduced the “Future Hubs” project, aimed at creating a network of hubs based on youth centers that will help teenagers and young people (ages 14–35) overcome barriers in career planning and professional self-realization.
Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi outlined the key tasks of the “STEP. Comprehensive Development, Education and Career” project, aimed at creating conditions for in-person learning and professional integration for about 10,000 children with developmental disorders.
Minister for Veterans Affairs Nataliia Kalmykova presented the “Barrier-Free Veteran Spaces” project, which provides for the creation of a nationwide network of public spaces providing comprehensive support to veterans and their families in every district and regional center.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Taras Vysotskyi spoke about the “Experience Matters” project, aimed at combating prejudice and developing a culture of employment for older professionals.
The Council determined that this year’s priority will be barrier-free language.
“It is not enough to do something useful – it must be properly explained and communicated. That is why the Barrier-Free Handbook – a communication guide – appeared and continues to expand. Barrier-free accessibility is also unique because language itself becomes both its component and its tool. The need to formally establish humane wording has long been overdue,” the First Lady emphasized.
Olena Zelenska also noted that next week the State Standard of Correct, Barrier-Free Language will be presented.
“It is very important that this standard reaches every official. Correct language must become the language of education and healthcare, administrations, law enforcement, services – everything that surrounds us daily. Language must also be barrier-free,” the President’s wife concluded.