From May 19 to 25, Ukraine is hosting the National Barrier-Free Week — an initiative implemented within the framework of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space by 2030, in accordance with the action plan for 2025–2026.

The Social Pedagogy Department of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University actively participated in the implementation of the Week's events, supporting the ideas of inclusivity, equal opportunities and accessibility for all members of society. During the week, teachers and higher education students of the department held information and educational events, discussions, and review of materials on the principles of inclusion and equality.

Special attention was paid to the project "Barrier-Free Handbook" — an open online resource that helps to form a culture of barrier-free and mutual respect in Ukrainian society. The initiator of this important project was Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine (https://bf.in.ua).

The participants also got acquainted with the “Guide to Barrier-Free Events” - a practical guide that contains useful recommendations for organizing public events taking into account the needs of all participants. This guide was created within the framework of the “Without Barriers” initiative and is part of the “Guide to Barrier-Freeness” (https://bbu.org.ua/gaid-bezbar-iernih-podii).

Such events contribute to raising awareness among young people about the importance of accessibility, inclusion and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of physical, social or other limitations.

According to the ER IPP