A modern society is measured not only by the number of new buildings, digital services or educational programs. What matters is whether every person can use them on equal terms: leave home, get to the university, obtain information, study, work, take part in community life and feel safe.
An expert working group has been established at the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA): “KNUCA Accessibility”, led by Artem Honcharenko, PhD, head of the Institute for Reintegration, Rehabilitation and Professional Development of Veterans “Architecture of Resilience”.
The Institute develops this area as an interdisciplinary platform for architects, engineers, educators, researchers, veterans, people with disabilities, community representatives, business and the international community. Our goal is to help move from declarations about barrier-free environments to verifiable solutions that take into account people’s real experience.
Four concepts — one system
Accessibility — a systemic policy of eliminating physical, informational, digital, educational, economic and social obstacles.
Accessibility — the real ability to use the environment, services and information without discriminatory obstacles. An accessible entrance does not in itself mean an accessible route to a lecture room or a service.
Inclusion — full participation of different people in learning, work, decision-making and public life, and not merely formal access to premises.
Universal design — designing objects, buildings, spaces and services so that the widest possible range of people can use them without the need for special adaptation. Where a universal solution does not meet individual needs, reasonable accommodations are required.
Who this area of work is for
First and foremost — for everyone who faces barriers: veterans, service members, people with disabilities, wheelchair users, people with visual or hearing impairments, older people, people with temporary injuries, parents with strollers, children, students and other citizens.
A barrier-free environment does not create a “separate world” for a particular category of people. It improves the quality of everyday life for everyone.
Our areas of work
- Expert group “KNUCA Accessibility”. Coordination of specialists, discussion of solutions and cross-sector cooperation.
- Physical accessibility. Architectural and spatial solutions for buildings, routes, campuses, public places and evacuation.
- Inclusive education. Learning pathways and environments that take into account the different needs of students and learners.
- Universal design. Integration of human-centered principles into construction, digital services and public services.
- Digital and information accessibility. Clear content, accessible documents and websites, alternative communication channels.
- Barrier-free communities. Practical approaches for local self-government bodies, educational institutions and employers.
- Expert support. Consultation requests, analysis of barriers and recommendations for overcoming them.
- Science and learning. Research, seminars, methodological materials, professional development.
How we understand the result
A true result is not the number of ramps installed or conferences held. It is a person’s ability to complete the full route: to reach the building independently, enter, find one’s way around, use the necessary service, obtain information and leave the space safely. We propose assessing solutions through users’ experience, and not merely through the presence of individual infrastructure elements.
Get involved
We are open to professional dialogue with communities, universities, business, non-governmental organizations and international partners. You can propose a joint project, an educational event or a study, or ask a question about the accessibility of a specific environment.