Barrier-free space as a new national social initiative

Abstract

The article analyzes barrier-free space as a new state social initiative. It was found that the creation of a barrier-free space is an important priority of social policy. The research objective is to analyze the general aspects of implementing a barrier-free environment at the personal and state levels in accordance with the main directions of accessibility.
Barrier-free environment is characterized as a general approach to the formation and
implementation of public policy in order to ensure unhindered, equal, and free access for all social groups of the population to various spheres of life. It was emphasized that the barrier-free strategy is based on the ideas of tolerance, humanism and empathy; on the basis of implementing the gender component of equality; social inclusion strategies (including educational inclusion); social responsibility, etc. The study found that achieving social accessibility is facilitated by adherence to the principles of gender equality, increasing the social role of alternative supplementary communication, eliminating barriers to obtaining social services that enhance the protection of families with children (services such as «municipal nanny», early intervention, simplification of the adoption procedure, etc). The key importance of creating a barrier-free environment for veterans (the «Veteran Assistant» social program, the «Social Rehabilitation» project, the work of social support specialists, etc.) is emphasized. Educational accessibility is achieved through the successful implementation of inclusive education, the «University of the Third Age» service, the study voucher service, the activities of child-safe spaces, etc. The «Business Without Barriers» initiative helps to implement economic accessibility. Information accessibility is realized through a special information space for all citizens (using adaptive tools for communication). Physical accessibility involves overcoming architectural barriers. The creation of a digital environment of online services (mobile applications of state institutions, as well as applications that ensure social security, provide social assistance, services, etc.) is an important aspect of the implementation of digital accessibility.