Protection of the rights of people with disabilities
We work with government and business representatives to build a barrier-free space and an inclusive society. All activities are carried out within the framework of the "Inclusion without Borders" program.
Our goal is to promote the creation of appropriate conditions in society for people with limited mobility to be able to move freely on the streets, use public transport, parking spaces, get to government buildings, exercise their right to education and medical care, visit private recreation facilities or shops, etc.
We also work towards a positive perception of people with disabilities by society.
We still observe the existence of stereotypes/prejudices against people with disabilities, communication, and assistance to people with health problems, so we aim to work on reducing the number of stereotypical judgments and forming a normal perception of people with disabilities.
The direction has been working since 2011, when the organization was founded. During this time, we have been working on changes both locally in Chernivtsi and the region, and regionally in different regions of Ukraine, supporting NGOs and initiatives that share our values.
The "Barrier-Free Handbook" is a guide to correct communication, which sets out the new norms of barrier-free language. Maria Nikitina, the head of the Chernivtsi Association "Zakhyst" joined the creation of the guide as an expert on barrier-free communication.
In April 2021, Ukraine adopted the National Strategy for Creating Barrier-Free Space. The strategy was developed as part of the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska - "Without Barriers" and handed over to the President of Ukraine for implementation. As a result of the work on the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space, the Barrier-Free Handbook was created.
We are currently cooperating with educational institutions, the Department of Social Protection, inclusive resource centers, the trolleybus department, local NGOs, and local media to spread knowledge of the barrier-free language through various structures and communication channels.
We started to make changes in the areas of barrier-free accessibility and inclusion back in 2011, and now we see positive changes, but at the same time we see that the work is not decreasing. However, we are ready to work, to work together and to create changes together. Therefore, we are open to partnerships and cooperation.
