Ternopil introduces accessibility officers
11.02.2026
News
Ternopil has become the first city in Ukraine to introduce the institution of accessibility officers in municipal institutions. This is not a symbolic decision — it is a systematic step towards making accessibility the norm rather than the exception.
Who are accessibility officers?
They are specialists who:
- notice barriers where others do not see them;
- hear the needs of people with different abilities;
- look for solutions immediately, rather than putting them off until later.
Their tasks include:
- analysing the accessibility of premises, entrances and routes;
- adapting services and information;
- coordinating actions between structural units;
- responding promptly to residents' requests;
- implementing practical changes rather than formal reports.
It is important to note that this initiative did not come about by chance. Representatives of Ternopil studied European experience during an international training programme, in particular the model that works in Vienna. Now this approach is being adapted to Ukrainian realities.
This format of work changes not only the space, but also the management culture.
Barrier-free access is becoming not a ‘separate project’ but part of the daily management of the community.
Ternopil is setting the trend.
And it is important that other communities in Ukraine do not wait but act today — creating systemic mechanisms of responsibility for accessibility.
Because barrier-free access begins where there is a specific person responsible.
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Ternopil introduces accessibility officers
Ternopil has become the first city in Ukraine to introduce the institution of accessibility officers in municipal institutions. This is not a symbolic decision — it is a systematic step towards making accessibility the norm rather than the exception. Who are accessibility officers? They are specialists who: notice barriers where others do not see them; hear the needs of people with different abilities; look for solutions immediately, rather than putting them off until later. Their tasks include: analysing the accessibility of premises, entrances and routes; adapting services and information; coordinating actions between structural units; responding promptly to residents' requests; implementing practical changes rather than formal reports. It is important to note that this initiative did not come about by chance. Representatives of Ternopil studied European experience during an international training programme, in particular the model that works in Vienna. Now this approach is being adapted to Ukrainian realities. This format of work changes not only the space, but also the management culture. Barrier-free access is becoming not a ‘separate project’ but part of the daily management of the community. Ternopil is setting the trend. And it is important that other communities in Ukraine do not wait but act today — creating systemic mechanisms of responsibility for accessibility. Because barrier-free access begins where there is a specific person responsible.
11.02.2026
Read more