Today, more and more individuals in wheelchairs are seen on the streets, victims of the ongoing war. Unfortunately, the number of such individuals is rising daily due to the war's impact. Thus, creating an accessible environment for everyone, regardless of health status, has become crucial. 

Odessa is leading the way in inclusivity: Mayor Gennady Trukhanov declared 2025 as the Year of Accessibility. The plans for this year encompass all aspects of urban life.

The driving force behind these changes is the Accessibility Council, established last year. This advisory body brings together representatives from municipal authorities, civic, and veteran organizations to collaboratively work on developing an inclusive space. 

According to Gennady Trukhanov, the head of the Council, accessibility is not just about physical access, but a philosophy of a city where everyone has equal opportunities. 

Expert groups are operating within the Council, and a City Accessibility Strategy for 2025–2026 has been adopted, which aligns with the National Strategy and sets key priorities for the next two years. Regular inspections of infrastructure are conducted, with recommendations provided by veterans and individuals with disabilities who are part of these expert groups. 

«The priorities of our work are determined by individuals with disabilities, as they understand their needs best. This is a collaborative effort encompassing infrastructure, transportation, digitalization, social services, education, and rehabilitation,» emphasized Deputy Head of the Council, Oleksiy Morozov. 

The main goal of the Council is to unite the efforts of authorities, veterans, and businesses around accessibility as one of the key tasks of our time.