Summary of the Accessibility Council Meeting in Odesa
A concluding meeting of the Accessibility Council took place in Odesa under the leadership of the city mayor.
The event was attended by veterans, representatives of public organizations, experts from the Accessibility Council, city department heads, ambassadors of the «Barrier-Free Movement» project, and specialists in education, healthcare, and social services.
During the meeting, key initiatives implemented in the first half of 2025 were presented. These included ensuring barrier-free access to city beaches, creating and implementing the first barrier-free route in Odesa, and actively developing adaptive sports, particularly kayaking.
«We are not just removing barriers; we are building a new culture of urban space. Over these six months, we have managed to implement specific 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 gives us the strength to continue working and to expand the boundaries of what is possible,» said Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov.
A work plan for the second half of 2025 was also approved.
«By announcing our plans for the second half of the year, we clearly understand: everything scheduled is feasible. Because behind each item stands a specific team, deadlines, and accountability,» noted the Deputy Chair of the Accessibility Council Oleksii Morozov.
The meeting concluded with a general summary: Odesa confidently maintains its course towards a systematic expansion of barrier-free space in infrastructure, services, culture, and attitudes.
«On the recently opened inclusive beach at the 11th station of the Great Fountain - Beach 11 - more than 100 people with various needs relax every day. This is proof that our city is becoming comfortable for everyone, and we will continue to develop all areas,» emphasized the acting Deputy Mayor of Odesa Serhii Kotsiuba.
