Advancing Accessibility in Odesa: Achievements and Future Plans
The final meeting of the Accessibility Council under the Odesa Mayor took place.
The event included veterans, representatives of non-governmental organizations, experts from the Accessibility Council, and heads of city departments, ambassadors of the "Barrier-Free Movement" project, along with specialists from educational, medical, and social fields.
During the meeting, key initiatives implemented in the first half of 2025 were presented. Among them — ensuring barrier-free access to municipal beaches, creating and implementing Odesa's first barrier-free route, as well as actively developing adaptive sports, particularly rowing.
"We are not just removing barriers — we are building a new culture of urban space. Over these six months, we have managed to implement concrete solutions: from access to beaches and transport to involving people with disabilities in management processes. But the most important thing is the trust of the community. That is what gives us the strength to continue working and expanding the realms of possibility," said Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov.
A work plan for the second half of 2025 was also approved.
"By announcing our plans for the second half of the year, we clearly understand that everything scheduled is achievable. Because behind each item is a specific team, timelines, and accountability," emphasized Deputy Head of the Accessibility Council Oleksiy Morozov.
The meeting concluded with a general summary: Odesa is confidently pursuing a systematic expansion of barrier-free spaces in infrastructure, services, culture, and attitudes.
"At the recently opened inclusive beach at the 11th station of the Great Fountain - Beach 11 - over 100 individuals with diverse needs enjoy their time every day. This is proof that our city is becoming comfortable for everyone, and we will continue to develop all directions," stressed Acting Deputy Odesa Mayor Serhiy Kotsyuba.
