Luxembourg can serve as an example for Kyiv in creating an inclusive environment
This is reported by Kyiv24
The capital of Ukraine is not prepared to provide adequate conditions for servicemen who have sustained severe injuries during the war and require special mobility aids. This was stated by Alexander Tolochenko, a veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian war, a volunteer of the Aidar battalion, and an athlete.
Accessibility Issues for People with Disabilities in Kyiv
According to Alexander Tolochenko, the existing urban infrastructure does not sufficiently take into account the needs of people with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs. The former military emphasized that despite some improvements, the number of places adapted for wheelchair users remains minimal. Such individuals often find themselves confined at home, as the city is essentially inaccessible to them.
“The situation is truly tragic. There are very few places that are adapted for someone in a wheelchair. I currently walk on prosthetics. But there are many people who will never stand on them, and they will spend their entire lives in wheelchairs. And these guys, more than anything, tend to isolate themselves at home, somewhere in their apartments,” assessed the situation Alexander Tolochenko.
The veteran pointed out that even if public transport in Kyiv is adapted for people with disabilities, the stops remain unsuitable. Additionally, the city lacks benches where individuals can rest while moving around.
European Experience of Inclusion: Luxembourg
Alexander Tolochenko shared his experience of being in Luxembourg. He noted that in this city, the infrastructure for people with disabilities significantly outpaces that of Kyiv — all elements of public space are well thought out and adapted, allowing for seamless use of transport and movement around the city even after serious surgeries.
“I went to Luxembourg right after my surgery, and I moved around the city in a wheelchair… This is a city that I fell in love with! I used all forms of public transport there, and it was nothing like here: on one side, you go down, everything is fine, but on the other side, you can’t do it. But there, everything is very well arranged,” shared the interviewee’s impressions.
The veteran emphasized that even a minor amputation is already a serious challenge, and the city must do more to support such individuals. He calls for adopting the experience of European countries, particularly Luxembourg, to create a truly barrier-free space in Kyiv.
More about the experience of prosthetics, returning to everyday life after amputation, and the readiness of cities to accommodate people with disabilities can be found in the new episode of the YouTube project ‘Kashtan. Interview’ at this link.