Dmytro Shchebetyuk, founder of Dostupno.UA and a wheelchair user, argued this Friday in Palma that the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war should have accessibility as a central focus.
The Ukrainian activist Dmytro Shchebetyuk visited Palma to advocate for the reconstruction of his country after the war to be accessible for all. At a meeting organised by the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in the Balearics, he warned that many liberated cities are being rebuilt without inclusion criteria.
Accessibility, a pending issue in reconstruction
Shchebetyuk, who moves in a wheelchair, has denounced that “there are still not enough experts” and that many small towns lack the necessary knowledge to build inclusive spaces. His organisation, Dostupno.UA, promotes campaigns to “eliminate architectural barriers and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past”.
The activist emphasised that the war has changed the perception of disability in Ukraine, due to the high number of soldiers returning with injuries. Therefore, advocating for accessible cities will allow these individuals to “fully integrate into the social, work, and cultural life of the country”.
Europe, more advanced but with obstacles
During his Open Road tour, Shchebetyuk has travelled through several European countries analysing accessibility policies. Although he acknowledges that Europe is “much more advanced” than Ukraine, he pointed out shortcomings such as the lack of adapted bathrooms or the need to request assistance in advance to travel by train in some countries.
Regarding Mallorca, he gave a positive assessment after his first day on the island. He noted that mobility has been easier than in other Spanish cities, although he pointed out some damage in the area around Parc de la Mar in Palma.
An event with music and remembrance for the victims
The meeting included performances of several songs composed by Shchebetyuk himself and a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the war in Ukraine. The activist urged to take advantage of the reconstruction to build a more inclusive country, where no one is left behind.
You may also like
