First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, together with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and representatives of relevant ministries, took part in the presentation of the results of a public opinion survey on accessibility. The survey was conducted by the Center for Social Change and Behavioral Economics with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Expert Council on Accessibility Communication.
83% of respondents believe that accessibility is a new value for society. 34% of respondents are convinced that in order to overcome barriers in various fields, attention should be focused on changing people's behavior in society, 32% – on creating an adapted environment, and 22% – on ensuring access to education and employment.
"Accessibility is a new value for our society. 83% of respondents called it that. This is a very large percentage, a great consciousness. Finally. If so many people recognize accessibility as a value, we are on the right path as a society," the First Lady emphasized.
The survey also showed that more than half of the Ukrainians surveyed believe that the creation of an accessible environment and society should be the responsibility of the state and local authorities. At the same time, nearly one in four is already personally contributing to removing barriers.
"This means that people are willing not only to accept, but also to join in. That is, our society is active. Now, the task of officials at all levels and in ministries is not to lose this percentage of those who care and to increase it. We need to talk to people and listen to them," Olena Zelenska is convinced.
According to the First Lady, accessibility is needed not only for the wounded and people with disabilities but for everyone to feel comfortable and free. Thus, according to the survey, the first priority is to address the issue of barrier-free access to employment – 57% of respondents believe so, 51% mentioned the need for changes in infrastructure, and another 37% of respondents said that barriers for older people should be removed.
For his part, Denys Shmyhal noted that Ukraine continues to pursue a consistent course of creating a barrier-free environment for all citizens.
"This topic is constantly in the focus of attention of our government and all ministries. Accordingly, communication at both the state and community levels in this area should be systematic and active. This is an integral element of the change strategy we are implementing," he said.