MINSK, 13 July (BelTA) – Belarus plans to create an accessible environment for people with disabilities at approximately 41,000 sites by 2030, Head of the Department of Disability Affairs at the Belarusian Labor and Social Protection Ministry Viktoria Grechikha said at a press briefing held by BelTA.
Currently, more than 22% of sites are fully accessible. “The figure may not seem significant, but in absolute terms it represents over 28,000 sites. By the end of 2025, we aim to increase this share to 23.4%, or 30,500 sites. This year we are concluding the current program and actively working on a new state program for the next five-year period. By 2030, we must reach at least 30% fully accessible sites, which amounts to around 41,000,” Viktoria Grechikha stated.
The term “accessible environment” continues to expand. “It is not just about mobility, but also about access to social, transport, and industrial infrastructure, residential spaces, and services,” she added.
For example, the country has mandatory building code requirements titled "Accessible Living Environment for Physically Weakened Persons”. “This means that no building can be constructed today unless the project documentation includes provisions for comprehensive accessibility,” explained the specialist. An inventory of existing technical regulatory legal acts is conducted, and new ones are developed as needed. “For instance, since June of this year, eight new state standards have been introduced, setting requirements for accessibility in the tourism industry, visual and tactile-visual signage systems, and much more,” Viktoria Grechikha added.
Since November 2022, rules have been in effect to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities to social, transport, and industrial infrastructure, vehicles, and services, as well as to assess their level of accessibility. “These rules serve as a kind of roadmap for local authorities in organizing an accessible environment. For example, when existing facilities cannot be fully adapted to meet accessibility requirements, the owners of such facilities are obligated to take measures to ensure access for persons with disabilities to the service location. Where possible, services should be provided remotely or at the person’s place of residence,” she emphasized.
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