At the session of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies of the 28th convocation, issues of creating a barrier-free environment were considered.

Issues concerning the creation of an accessible environment for people with disabilities and physically weak individuals were discussed at a session of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies of the 28th convocation.

The discussion focused on the progress of implementing measures in 2023 under the subprogramme "Accessible Environment for People with Disabilities and Physically Weak Individuals" of the State Programme "Social Protection" for 2021–2025.

As noted by Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, much is being done in the region to adapt for people with limited mobility.

– This year, funds were allocated to correctional and development centres in all regions of the oblast for the procurement of equipment and the strengthening of the material and technical base. In various districts, playgrounds have been equipped for children with limited mobility. In Vitebsk, a large playground will be solemnly opened on June 24, featuring a separate zone for toddlers with developmental peculiarities, which is a good example. Five-storey buildings with elevators have appeared in the region – this is also an important step. We must not forget that special people are around us. And only together can we solve existing problems, – emphasized Vladimir Terentyev.

– The task is to ensure the accessibility of essential buildings, structures, trade facilities, healthcare and social services, street and road networks, and road and electric transport for urban and suburban routes for people with limited mobility, – explained Boris Efremov, Chairman of the Committee for Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Oblast Executive Committee. – For these purposes, 490 thousand rubles have been allocated from the regional budget, of which 116 thousand have been utilised.

The creation of a barrier-free environment is very important, as over 56 thousand out of the 1 million 100 thousand residents of the oblast are people with disabilities, including 3.6 thousand wheelchair users. Furthermore, the region has over 260 thousand elderly people who also require special conditions for movement, stressed Boris Efremov.

Over the past two years, more than 180 facilities have been equipped in the oblast, and work continues in the current year. Special groups, including representatives from housing and communal services, transport, and public associations of disabled people, have been established to monitor the execution of this work.

A minor flaw or oversight can nullify all the construction of a facility, emphasized Eduard Avetisyan, Chairman of the regional organisation of the public association "Belarusian Society of Disabled People".

– If, for example, a step is too high, or a handrail does not extend the required 15–20 cm to the end of the staircase, a person with a disability cannot use it. An accessible environment is also needed for the elderly, young mothers with prams, people with temporary health issues, and small children. But for us, people with disabilities, it is vitally important. Stations need to be equipped, and not all of them have sanitary facilities for people with disabilities. I would like this to be taken into consideration, – noted Eduard Avetisyan.

He raised issues of social adaptation, rehabilitation of people with disabilities, and interaction with various structures.

At the session, important decisions were made to support citizens with limited mobility, ensuring their free access to social facilities, transport infrastructure, and the street and road network. Work in this area will continue.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by