Accessible Kyiv - is it? What instuments we can use to make it so.

Good day! I decided to write my first post on this topic and not to repeat obvious things. I live in Kyiv, Ukraine for a decade and within this period I see the development of accessibility both from city authorities (rather poor) and business (as in most cases - faster and cooler). My friends been wheelchaired faced a problem of going out somewhere in a wheelchair: streets are overparked by cars, underground paths are not suitable for safe use - you need to ask for assistance or be guided, doors to narrow, sometimes stuff is rude and doesn’t want to see you in their place, toilets are rather hard to use (if possible). Complains and even written quarrels are not the best option to change the situation. It pushed to start http://dostupnoua.org project. The idea is to mark on map places to drink/eat been checked by professionals in accessibility, make short description of pros and cons + make it readable to foreign people. Answering fast questions Accessible/not doesn`t provide enough information for people, does it in a “light” way - so you would not understand if its good to visit with twin-children, being visually impaired of wheelchaired. Another big point is stuff working their and making its you best-ever experience or nightmare, after which all STARS in rating would not help. More precise description saves time and nerves of visitors and providing positive stimulus to the owners - more people to come, being marked is a privilege they need to care and another important point - people start to think about it before they open their cafe/restaurant/bar. Doing changes before saves their money and improves guest experience. Please check up page of project with accessible places in Ukraine (not all cities, but growing) and my list of wheelchair accessible places in Kyiv - https://goo.gl/maps/pKURGABfcKk5kLCD7. Enjoy your day!

2 Likes