Where does being barrier-free start? Of course, from communication. We see this every day. In fact, it is the manner of communication in a society that indicates the level of its development. That is why barrier-free communication is extremely important.
That is why the implementation of the National Strategy for creating a barrier-free space in Ukraine, initiated by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, includes a significant component – "The Barrier-Free Handbook", which was presented and launched last year. The publication has already become a table book for all progressive citizens.
Most of our compatriots, thanks to the guide, understood all the intricacies of correct communication, as well as why we should use, for example, the term "wheelchair" instead of "invalid chair" or "person with a disability" instead of "disabled".
But that's not all.
We are very proud to present the result of one of the first joint projects with our partner NGO "BarrierFree" – now "The Barrier-Free Handbook" has also become accessible and transmits information in Ukrainian sign language.
We have to say that this is actually a very creative work. We and our partners can be called pioneers because for the Ukrainian sign language to fully convey modernity, it was necessary to expand its vocabulary. To date, many words that are in common use simply did not exist in SL. The fact that our team has found a system for many new words is very important.
And for those who perceive information by ear, we provided audio description with a simple scheme of use – just turn on the sound on the gadget.
Another important fact. The handbook extends beyond Ukraine and becomes available in English and Russian.
To use the translation, go to the website of the Handbook https://bf.in.ua, open any publication, click on the widget at the top – a blue circle with the image of the hands, then a window with the translator will appear.
The result of our team's work with a group of some of the best SL interpreters in the country is the best in Ukraine, Europe, and the world.
We are sincerely grateful for the joint work of all those who initiated, created, embodied, helped, and believed.
Ukraine without barriers – to be!
The whole planet without barriers – to be!
