Key Strategic Directions for the Organization’s Development in 2025–2028
1. Ensuring barrier-free communication between sign language users and non-sign language users through modern digital online services that connect users with sign language interpreters:
1.1. Support and improve existing digital services for online communication with sign language interpreters.
1.2. Scale up the use of digital services for online communication with sign language interpreters across various sectors — both public and private.
1.3. Advocating for the integration of digital services into the systems of public and private institutions (public service centers, healthcare facilities, financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, taxi services, etc.).
1.4. Improving the convenience and functionality of the service (adding video recordings, chat, and feedback).
1.5. Lobbying for government support for digital solutions in the field of disability.
2. Translation of important information into Ukrainian Sign Language:
2.1. Production of videos featuring Ukrainian Sign Language translations of key news stories, legislation, instructions, educational programs, and more.
2.2. Building partnerships with media outlets, museums, libraries, and educational institutions to ensure content is accessible to people who use sign language.
2.3. Expanding the team of interpreters to translate important content into Ukrainian Sign Language.
2.4. Publishing content translated into Ukrainian Sign Language on open platforms, social media, the Organization’s YouTube channel, and other open sources.
2.5. Collaborating with the media to create sign language versions of major news programs.
3. Policy and Advocacy. Collaboration with Government and Local Authorities.
3.1. Participation in working groups, expert panels, advisory groups, and public discussions during the drafting of new legislation and the amendment of existing legislation regarding accessibility.
3.2. Lobbying for necessary amendments to Ukrainian legislation regarding the implementation and strengthening of accountability, including for public officials, in cases of violations of accessibility requirements.
3.3. Responding to cases of discrimination against sign language users with hearing disabilities.
3.4. Initiating and promoting legislative changes regarding the use of Ukrainian Sign Language.
3.5. Conducting advocacy campaigns at the local level (appeals, petitions, public hearings).
4. Monitoring the accessibility of physical public sector facilities, critical services, and websites for people with hearing disabilities.
4.1. Conducting an assessment of the accessibility of public institutions (state authorities, local self-government bodies and their structural units, healthcare facilities, banking and financial institutions, and other critical facilities), websites, and infrastructure, taking into account the needs of people with hearing disabilities—users of hearing aids and Ukrainian Sign Language.
4.2. Preparing reports with conclusions and recommendations based on the results of monitoring activities.
4.3. Advocating for legislative changes to neutralize and effectively counter the most common cases of discrimination against sign language users with hearing impairments, as documented in monitoring reports.
4.4. Collaborating with central and local authorities, businesses, and architects on the implementation of accessibility measures for people with hearing impairments.
5. Development of a voice-free emergency call system.
5.1. Maintaining the operation of the system for free processing of non-voice emergency calls in the “Translator SL” mobile app.
5.2. Advocating for the development of an effective non-voice emergency call system by government agencies (State Emergency Service, police, emergency medical services).
5.3. Monitoring and analyzing the operation of the non-voice emergency call handling service to further improve it.
6. Collaboration with the business community.
6.1. Conducting accessibility audits of companies, their premises, and services for people with hearing disabilities.
6.2. Organizing training sessions for staff on interacting with sign language users (communication etiquette, basic phrases for greetings and expressions of gratitude in Ukrainian Sign Language).
6.3. Creating incentive programs to engage businesses in the initiative to build a barrier-free environment for people with hearing impairments.
6.4. Issuing “Accessible to Sign Language Users” certificates as part of corporate social responsibility.
6.5. Developing a package of educational materials on accessibility and the ethics of communicating with sign language users.
6.6. Organizing and participating in training sessions and informational campaigns that promote accessibility.
6.7. Establishing an advisory service for businesses on inclusive design for people with hearing impairments.
7. Educational and cultural activities.
7.1. Supporting and raising the status of Ukrainian Sign Language.
7.2. Establishing cooperation with museums, theaters, galleries, and the creative industries.
7.3. Organizing inclusive tours, artistic events, and festivals with sign language interpretation.
7.4. Supporting youth initiatives, educational clubs, and cultural communities of sign language users.
7.5. Collaborating with theaters, museums, and television to create sign language content.
8. International cooperation and fundraising:
8.1. Participation in international projects and grant programs; identifying and submitting applications for grant programs offered by the EU, the UN, foreign institutions, embassies, and representative offices, etc.
8.2. Establishing long-term partnerships with donors.
8.3. Building a network of partnerships with organizations of people with disabilities in Ukraine, Europe, and around the world.
8.4. Participating in international forums on disability and linguistic diversity.
8.5. Conducting training sessions for the fundraising and donor relations team.
9. Building the Organization’s organizational capacity:
9.1. Automating and improving internal processes within the Organization.
9.2. Strategic planning of communications, PR, and volunteer engagement for the Organization.
9.3. Conducting regular training for team members and volunteers.
9.4. Developing the Organization’s communications strategy (brand book, website, social media, press office).
10. New promising areas of focus for the Organization:
10.1. Sign language education and mentoring for parents of children with hearing impairments (developing materials to support families, advocating for the implementation of family-oriented programs in preschool and school education).
10.2. Monitoring the implementation of accessibility policies for people with hearing disabilities at the local level (monitoring of adopted accessibility strategies at the local level, preparing reports based on monitoring results, providing recommendations to local government bodies, responding to cases of discrimination against people with hearing disabilities during the adoption and implementation of strategies at the local level, organizing and conducting training sessions for officials, etc.)