At the session of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies of the 28th convocation, issues of creating a barrier-free environment were considered
The discussion focused on the progress of implementing measures in 2023 under the subprogram "Accessible Environment for People with Disabilities and Physically Weak Individuals" of the State Program "Social Protection" for 2021–2025.
As noted by the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, much is being done in the region to adapt for people with disabilities.
– This year, funds were allocated to correctional and developmental centers in all regions of the oblast for the purchase of equipment and strengthening of the material and technical base. Playgrounds have been equipped for children with disabilities in various districts. In Vitebsk, a large playground will be solemnly opened on June 24, which includes a separate zone for children with developmental disabilities, and this is a good example. Five-story buildings with elevators have appeared in the region – this is also an important step. We must not forget that special people are next to us. And only together can we solve existing problems, – emphasized Vladimir Terentyev.
– The task is to ensure the accessibility of main buildings, structures, trade facilities, healthcare, social services, street and road networks, road and electric transport for urban and suburban transportation for people with disabilities, – explained the Chairman of the Committee for Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Oblast Executive Committee, Boris Efremov. – 490 thousand rubles are allocated from the regional budget for these purposes, and 116 thousand have been utilized.
Creating a barrier-free environment is very important, as more than 56 thousand out of 1 million 100 thousand residents of the oblast are people with disabilities, including 3.6 thousand wheelchair users. In addition, there are over 260 thousand elderly people in the region who also need special conditions for movement, stressed Boris Efremov.
Over the past two years, more than 180 facilities have been equipped in the region, and work continues this year. Special groups have been created to monitor the progress of this work, including representatives of housing and communal services, transport, and public associations of disabled people.
A minor flaw or oversight can nullify the entire construction of a facility, emphasized Eduard Avetisyan, chairman of the regional organization of the public association "Belarusian Association of Disabled People".
– If, for example, a step is higher than it should be, or a handrail is not completed to the end of the stairs by 15–20 cm, a disabled person cannot climb it. An accessible environment is also needed for the elderly, young mothers with strollers, people who have temporarily lost their health, and small children. But for us, disabled people, it is vital. We need to equip railway stations; there are not always sanitary rooms for disabled people everywhere. I would like this to be paid attention to, – noted Eduard Avetisyan.
He raised issues of social adaptation, rehabilitation of disabled people, and interaction with various structures.
Important decisions were made at the session to support citizens with disabilities, ensure their free access to social facilities, transport infrastructure, and street and road networks. Work in this direction will continue.