Odesa hosted the final meeting of the Accessibility Council chaired by the city's mayor.
The event was attended by veterans, representatives of civic organizations, experts from the Accessibility Council, city department heads, ambassadors of the «Barrier-Free Movement» project, and specialists from the education, health, and social sectors.
During the meeting, key initiatives implemented in the first half of 2025 were presented. These include ensuring barrier-free access to city beaches, creating the first barrier-free route in Odesa, and actively promoting adaptive sports, particularly yachting.
«We are not just removing barriers — we are building a new culture of urban space. In these six months, we have managed to implement concrete solutions: from access to beaches and transportation to involving people with disabilities in management processes. But the most important thing is the trust of the community. It empowers us to keep working and expanding the realm of possibilities,» emphasized Odesa's mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov.
A work plan for the second half of 2025 was also approved.
«By announcing our plans for the upcoming months, we clearly understand that everything outlined is achievable. Each item has a dedicated team, deadlines, and accountability,» noted the deputy head of the Accessibility Council Oleksiy Morozov.
The meeting concluded with a general summary: Odesa confidently continues its course towards systematically expanding accessibility 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 various needs relax there daily. This proves that our city is becoming comfortable for everyone, and we will continue to develop all directions,» stressed acting deputy mayor Serhiy Kotsyuba.