Week of barrier-free accessibility

For the second consecutive year, Ukraine is holding the National Week of Barrier-Free Accessibility within the framework of the implementation of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space in Ukraine until 2030, developed on the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska.

National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space in Ukraine until 2030 Berdyansk State Pedagogical University supports this initiative and is implementing a university-wide Week of Awareness on Barrier-Free Accessibility from May 25 to May 31, 2026.

The purpose of the National Week of Barrier-Free Accessibility is to promote the development of a culture of accessibility within the university community, particularly among academic staff and students. Main Objectives:

1. Raising awareness about barrier-free accessibility;
2. Encouraging positive change and promoting examples of equal opportunities for all.

The Week of Barrier-Free Accessibility is a комплекс of informational, educational, scientific-practical, and awareness-raising activities aimed at fostering an inclusive culture, ensuring equal access to education, and developing a barrier-free educational environment.

The modern understanding of barrier-free accessibility extends beyond physical accessibility and encompasses informational, digital, educational, and social dimensions. It represents a holistic system of values grounded in the principles of equality, respect for human dignity, and acceptance of diversity.

As part of the Week of Barrier-Free Accessibility, the university has planned a series of events, including:

• informational meetings and awareness campaigns;
• the scientific and communication digest “PROBarrier-Free Accessibility”; a curator-led session titled “Barrier-Free Stories that Inspire” featuring video materials prepared by the NGO “Barrier-Free Accessibility”;
• a reflective survey for students;
• the interuniversity round table “Accessibility Roadmap: Challenges and Solutions”; a scientific workshop on “The Use of VR Technologies in Psychological Practice” conducted by the NGO “Govory!” (“Speak Out!”).

The Week of Barrier-Free Accessibility is an important step toward creating a modern educational environment in which every individual has equal opportunities for learning, development, and self-realization.

Useful Resources  

The following materials may be used in preparing barrier-free events and creating accessible information:

• 🔗Barrier-Free Handbook https://bf.in.ua
• 🔗Guide to Barrier-Free Events http://surl.li/smnqm
• 🔗Barrier-Free Brand Book https://barrierfree.crevv.com
• 🔗Recommendations for Accessible Communication https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1046-2023-р#Text
• 🔗Design and Color Recommendations for Communications https://mcsc.gov.ua/…/2025/02/rekomendacziyi-brendbuk.pdf

Prepared based on the materials
of the Competence Center for Inclusive Education
of Berdyansk State Pedagogical University