Study of the development of built environment inclusiveness in Ukraine

Abstract

The development of accessibility in Ukraine is a justified necessity, as an inclusive and sustainable built environment provides a decent level of quality of life for people with disabilities and improves standards for all citizens. Not only millions of people with disabilities, but also elderly people, patients with temporary injuries, pregnant women and mothers with children in strollers, as well as other categories of citizens, the total number of which can reach half of the population of Ukraine, belong to the population groups with reduced mobility. All of them experience difficulties due to the improper organization of public space and the built environment during independent movement, communication or receiving any services. In addition, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians were seriously injured during the war, and tens of thousands became disabled, and in the process of rehabilitating the survivors and rebuilding Ukraine, unprecedented challenges will have to be solved. When creating inclusive infrastructure, close cooperation with local communities is necessary, as depending on the region, the degree of infrastructure destruction and the number of people with limited mobility will differ. In a smart city, interactive accessible infrastructure creates an inclusive environment for people with disabilities, in which they can integrate into society, realizing their civic, cultural, political, social and economic rights and responsibilities. Accessibility extends to learning and working conditions, housing, public facilities, infrastructure and the urban environment. Inclusion involves the removal of barriers and the development of concrete solutions for the equal involvement of all citizens in various spheres of life. The Ministry of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure is improving building regulations to meet barrier-free requirements, and all renovated facilities must meet accessibility regulations and standards by the end of 2024. The national strategy for creating a barrier-free space is calculated until 2030 and provides for the elimination of barriers in six main areas: physical, social, economic, educational, digital, and informational. Five key stages in the development of the concept of inclusivity in Ukraine are highlighted and it is indicated that under the conditions of successful implementation of the national strategy and adaptation of the best international experience of architectural inclusivity, Ukraine can become a good example of barrier-free environment for all.