Lviv has taken first place among Ukraine’s regional centres for its level of physical accessibility. The relevant ranking was published by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
In the overall ranking of regional centres, Lviv received the highest index — 19.22. For comparison, Kharkiv, which came second, scored 15.15 points, while Vinnytsia, in third place, scored 12.77 points.
As explained by Lviv’s Deputy Mayor for Accessibility Iryna Maruniak, the ranking was based on a number of key indicators. In particular, it assessed the availability of information about facilities, the adaptation of buildings and public spaces, the development of accessible routes, the accessibility of public transport, the volume of funding for accessibility measures, the work of local accessibility councils, as well as the involvement of people with disabilities in decision-making in communities. A separate index was calculated for each of these criteria, which made it possible to compare cities objectively. For most indicators, Lviv either topped the ranking or was among the top three, which secured it first place overall.
«I would like to stress once again: accessibility is one of Lviv’s key priorities. The city is systematically investing significant resources in creating a barrier-free environment so that residents and visitors with limited mobility can move around the city comfortably, safely and independently, and use all the necessary services. We are installing ramps and lifts in residential buildings, arranging accessible space around them, upgrading public transport stops, purchasing low-floor vehicles, and creating inclusive sports grounds. We are also actively implementing Lviv’s barrier-free route, which will connect the Shevchenkivskyi and Lychakivskyi districts of the city,» said Iryna Maruniak.
According to the official, particular emphasis is placed on improving the accessibility of higher education and cultural institutions. The city is ready to contribute financially to the implementation of such projects together with partners.
An important area of work is cooperation with the hospitality business: owners of establishments are encouraged to adapt their spaces to the needs of people with disabilities and other groups with limited mobility. Lviv also hosts training sessions, forums and residencies aimed at promoting a culture of accessibility and generating demand for an inclusive environment.
Lviv is one of 15 cities in Ukraine where, together with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, a large-scale project is under way to create barrier-free routes called ‘Movement without Barriers’. In the city, a route almost 15 km long is being created to connect the Shevchenkivskyi and Lychakivskyi districts.
The first branch of the barrier-free route operates in the Shevchenkivskyi district. It runs from the polyclinic on Mazepy Street to the prosthetics workshop on Mykolaychuka Street, covering Mykolaychuka, Mazepy, P. Orlyka, Viry, Nadiyi and Lyubovi streets. This area includes a polyclinic, hospitals, a rehabilitation centre, Zamarsynivskyi Park, social housing, a prosthetics workshop, residential buildings, as well as public transport stops, pavements and roads. Once the project is completed, all these facilities are to become fully accessible and inclusive.
At this stage, accessibility has already been ensured to the polyclinic on Mazepy Street, the UNBROKEN rehabilitation centre, St Panteleimon and St Nicholas hospitals, as well as to social housing for patients undergoing treatment. The area around the prosthetics workshop and the workshop itself is also fully accessible.
Within the first branch, 7 ramps and 22 lifts have been installed in residential buildings, and an inclusive playground with cardio and strength-training equipment and a children’s area has been created in Zamarsynivskyi Park. There are plans to create a ‘therapeutic garden’ between the polyclinic and St Panteleimon Hospital, and repairs are under way on Viry, Nadiyi and Lyubovi streets. All these facilities are to be linked by a ‘Linear Park’ — a green cycling and pedestrian space 1.5 km long with rest areas, comfortable street furniture and contemporary sculptures.
The second branch of the barrier-free route is being developed in the Lychakivskyi district around key medical and administrative institutions. It is delineated by Lychakivska, Pekarska, Patriarkha Dymytriya Yaremy, Akademika Mykhaila Kravchuka, Chernihivska, Tershakovtsiv and Kostya Levytskoho streets. Here are concentrated the Military Hospital, diagnostic and rehabilitation centres, the Administrative Services Centre (TsNAP), the Pension Fund, the City Service Centre for Combatants and other institutions.
When designing accessible locations along the routes, according to the city authorities, attention is paid not only to technical solutions but also to the substantive content of the spaces. They are being created as places for recovery and therapy, where people can not only move around without obstacles but also spend time in comfort.