The Odessa City Council has approved changes to the program previously known as «Equality», now renamed «Barrier-Free Odessa».

Among the main changes, a beach for people with disabilities is set to open this year at the 11th station of the Great Fountain.

Mayor Gennady Trukhanov stated that preliminary estimates for the capital works stand at 21.3 million UAH. Funds were allocated on February 5 during the Odessa City Council session for the development of project documentation, which will provide a more accurate figure.

The last renovation of the beach took place in 2019. The aggressive marine environment necessitates repairs to the ramp, beach stairs, and new decking. Medical facilities and restrooms will also be renovated, including upgrades to the sewage system.

«Our resort city is currently the only one providing conditions for seaside rehabilitation for people with limited mobility, including our veterans who have lost limbs in war and children with disabilities,» said Gennady Trukhanov.

The mayor also reminded that plans are in place to implement an inclusive sports playground project at the «Dolphin» beach for the upcoming health season, which has been approved by the Executive Committee.

Additionally, the municipality aims to create a robust health and rehabilitation base in Southern Ukraine. The program plans to purchase equipment worth over 20 million UAH for the outfitting of rehabilitation departments in hospitals and 1.2 million UAH for inclusive wards in other health care facilities in the city.

One of the program's objectives is to expand the capabilities of the «Social Taxi» service for transporting individuals with mobility impairments.