A nationwide campaign for social change “Barrier-free means when you can” is being launched in Ukraine, which is aimed at promoting the principles of barrier-free access and involving people in creating a barrier-free Ukraine.

Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine - Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, took part in the presentation of the All-Ukrainian Communication Campaign for Social Change "When You Can" and the flagship projects of the ministries within the framework of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment.

The event was also attended by Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, Munir Mammadzade, Head of the UNISEF Representative Office in Ukraine, Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for the Barrier-Free Environment, and representatives of the Government.

Olena Zelenska emphasized that accessibility unites and enables a person to realize himself in his country and his community.

"Barrier-free is not about limitations – it’s about equality and dignity for everyone. For people with disabilities and without, for the eldest and the youngest, for babies in strollers and their parents, for those full of energy and those not feeling their best physically or mentally, because we all feel that way at some point in life. Accessibility doesn’t divide. It unites us all," the First Lady noted.

During a separate panel, the Ministry for Development presented the flagship project "Movement without Barriers".

Oleksii Kuleba emphasized that the project involves the creation of comprehensive barrier-free routes in 15 pilot communities. It is being implemented in close cooperation with communities, which independently determine priority areas - and become real drivers of change.

"Communities are taking the lead in building an accessible environment. Work on routes is already underway in 11 communities, architects, public activists and experts are involved. The project is being implemented as a true partnership. The state provides tools, communities initiate. We create conditions in which each city or village can build its own vision, but taking into account standards, with respect for people. I am especially proud that the village of Borodyanka, which suffered enormous destruction, has joined the project. But during the restoration, it is laying new approaches to space - including barrier-free", emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister.

Oleksii Kuleba gave examples of how the project is already changing the lives of specific people today and separately noted that people are at the center of all decisions.

"In the city of Dnipro, the project ambassador, Paralympian Anton Kohl, very aptly said: “When I want to get somewhere and I can’t, something is wrong not with me, but with the city.” I fully support this thesis, people should not have to prove their right to be present in public space every time,” said Oleksii Kuleba.

The all-Ukrainian campaign was created to raise public awareness of the principles of barrier-free space, to form new social norms based on dignity, equality of opportunity and accessibility. The campaign is implemented within the framework of the national strategy for barrier-free space and together with the flagship projects of the ministries and in cooperation with UNICEF within the framework of the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska “Without Barriers”.

"Creating a barrier-free society, where every child and family has a chance to realize their potential, is an investment in the present and future of Ukraine. We are pleased to support the Government of Ukraine on this path. This campaign carries a clear message: barrier-free is about opportunities for everyone. Its goal is to unite the government, business, society and media around a common vision - where everyone can do anything," said Munir Mammadzade, Head of UNICEF Ukraine.

The “When You Can” campaign is designed to show that accessibility is not just about infrastructure, but about everyone’s ability to live a full life. When you can move, work, study, and be part of society, that is a dignified life. This is becoming the new standard toward which the state is moving.

During the event, the following presented their flagship projects:

Deputy Minister of Economy Tetyana Berezhna — “Work without Barriers” — opportunities for everyone who wants to work.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov — “Barrier-Free ASCs” — state services accessible to everyone.

Deputy Minister of Health Maryna Slobodnichenko — “Development of the Rehabilitation Assistance System” — returning to life after injuries and war experience.

Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovych — “Supported Living” — a decent life for people with disabilities and the elderly.

Minister of Youth and Sport Matvii Bidnyi — “Active Parks: Barrier-Free Leisure Locations”.

Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova — “Formula for a Dignified Return to Civilian Life” — a systematic approach to supporting veterans, their families, and the families of fallen defenders of Ukraine.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Kateryna Pavlichenko — “Accessibility of Emergency Services” — equal access to emergency assistance and services for all.

Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochytskyi — “Information without Barriers” — equal access to public information for all.

Deputy Minister of Defense Yevhen Moysiuk — “Services for the wounded “Wounded Package” — a comprehensive solution for the first stage of rehabilitation, development of adaptive clothing for military personnel with disabilities.

Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi — “Educational Barrier-Free: Opening New Horizons” — equal access to education for all and “Touch Point” — a free educational project for people who lost their sight as a result of the war.

The all-Ukrainian campaign “When You Can” and the flagship projects of the ministries are systemic steps towards a Ukraine where everyone can do everything they need for a decent life.

These changes have already begun. And with each route implemented, accessible service or important initiative, barrier-free access is becoming the new norm.

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