Strength, dignity and equality - Ukrainian women are changing the world
08.03.2026
Events
Dear women!
We congratulate you on International Women's Day.
Ukrainian women today are a symbol of strength, dignity and resilience. You defend the country on the front lines, save lives in hospitals, support families, work, volunteer and bring about change in communities.
This day is not just about spring and flowers.
It is about respect, equality, opportunities and the right of every woman to live without barriers.
Among the women of Ukraine, there are many who overcome difficulties every day - women with disabilities, mothers, displaced persons, veterans. But despite all the challenges, you continue to build a strong, humane and just society.
We sincerely thank each of you for your strength, care, professionalism and faith in the future.
We wish you health, support, warmth and new opportunities.
May there always be dignity, respect and equal opportunities in your life.
Happy holiday!
Luhansk Association of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (LAOPD)
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When ‘digitalisation’ creates new barriers: queues due to the transfer of social payments
In recent months, people across Ukraine have been queuing for hours at the service centres of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. Among them are pensioners, internally displaced persons, young parents and people with disabilities. The reason is the transfer of social payments from social protection agencies to the Pension Fund. The reform was supposed to simplify the social support system, but in practice, many difficulties have arisen. What caused the problems: During the transfer of personal files from social protection agencies to the Pension Fund, errors occurred in the registers. Some of the data had to be restored manually, which significantly slowed down the system. The Pension Fund was simultaneously tasked with administering dozens of new types of social benefits, including assistance to people with disabilities, families with children, and subsidies. The system was not fully prepared for such a workload. The ‘online services’ that the state is banking on are not accessible to everyone. For many elderly people, people with disabilities, or those who do not use digital services, electronic identification or video calls are a new barrier rather than a simplification. Physical barriers also add to this: not all Pension Fund offices are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Stairs, lack of ramps or other obstacles make it even more difficult to access services. Barrier-free access is not just about infrastructure. It is also about the accessibility of public services, understandable procedures, simple digital solutions and respect for people's needs. Reforms of the social system are indeed necessary. But it is important that they do not create new barriers for those who need support the most.
11.03.2026
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News
Online accessibility: government websites are becoming more accessible
Digital accessibility is an important part of a barrier-free environment. For many people, government websites are the main way to obtain information, submit applications or use services. According to the results of a new accessibility monitoring of 100 websites of executive authorities, conducted by the United Nations Development Programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, 52 government websites already have a sufficient or high level of basic accessibility. This is significant progress: the number of websites with a high level of accessibility has increased from 7 in 2024 to 29 in 2025 another 23 websites have a sufficient level of accessibility in total, more than half of government online resources already meet the basic requirements for digital inclusiveness During the assessment, key elements of web accessibility were checked: text contrast alternative text for images clear link names accessibility of forms and buttons ability to control the website with a keyboard At the same time, almost half of government websites still have a medium or low level of accessibility. This means that barriers remain for people who use screen readers, have visual impairments, or have other specific needs when using digital services. Accessibility is not just about ramps or lifts. It is also about the accessibility of information and government services online. A digital state should be convenient for everyone, regardless of age, health, or technical skills. It is important that the principles of digital accessibility become the standard for all government services.
10.03.2026
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News
‘Accessible’: Ivano-Frankivsk will celebrate barrier-free spaces
Ivano-Frankivsk has introduced a special city award, ‘Accessible,’ for establishments and spaces that truly care about accessibility. This initiative is designed to support businesses and institutions that adapt their premises to the needs of people with disabilities, veterans, parents with prams, and older people. Various establishments are eligible for the award: cafes, restaurants, shops, pharmacies, beauty salons medical centres, banks, hotels, sports clubs residential complexes and buildings that have been renovated with accessibility in mind public spaces - parks, shopping centres, educational institutions, co-working spaces The facilities will be inspected by a special monitoring group involving accessibility experts, representatives of public organisations for people with disabilities and the veteran community. Facilities that meet the criteria will receive an ‘ACCESSIBLE’ sign for their façade and will be included on the city's online map of accessible places. The LAOPD considers such initiatives to be very important. After all, accessibility does not begin with laws and regulations alone — it begins with examples that show that accessibility can and should be the norm. And when the city recognises responsible businesses, it encourages others to make their spaces accessible to everyone. This is how, step by step, a truly barrier-free environment is created.
09.03.2026
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