Miory Regional Executive Committee
Issues concerning the creation of an accessible living environment for persons with disabilities and physically weakened individuals were addressed at the session of the 28th convocation of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies.
The discussion concerned the implementation progress in 2023 of measures under the subprogram "Accessible Living Environment for Persons with Disabilities and Physically Weakened Individuals" of the State Program "Social Protection" for 2021–2025.
As noted by the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, significant efforts are being made in the region to facilitate the adaptation of people with disabilities.
– This year, funds were allocated to rehabilitation and developmental centers across all districts of the region for the purchase of equipment and strengthening of the material and technical base. In various areas, playgrounds have been equipped for children with disabilities. On June 24, a large playground will be officially opened in Vitebsk, featuring a separate zone for toddlers with developmental special needs, which serves as a positive example. Five-story residential buildings with elevators have also appeared in the region – this is another important step. We must not forget that people with special needs are among us. Only together can we solve the existing problems, – emphasized Vladimir Terentyev.
– The task lies in ensuring accessibility of major buildings, structures, retail facilities, healthcare and social service institutions, street and road networks, as well as urban and suburban automobile and electric transport for people with disabilities, – explained Boris Efremov, Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee. – An amount of 490 thousand rubles has been allocated from the regional budget for these purposes, of which 116 thousand have been utilized.
The creation of a barrier-free environment is of great importance, as more than 56 thousand out of 1 million 100 residents of the region are persons with disabilities, including 3.6 thousand wheelchair users. Furthermore, there are over 260 thousand elderly people in the region who also require special conditions for mobility, emphasized Boris Efremov.
Over the past two years, more than 180 facilities have been adapted in the region, and work continues in the current year. Special monitoring groups have been established to oversee the implementation of these tasks, comprising representatives of housing and communal services, transport authorities, and public associations of persons with disabilities.
Even a minor flaw or oversight can compromise the entire construction of a facility, emphasized Eduard Avetisyan, Chairman of the regional organization of the public association "Belarusian Society of Disabled Persons".
“For instance, if a step is higher than required, or a stair handrail falls short by 15–20 cm at the end, a person with a disability will be unable to ascend it. An accessible environment is also necessary for elderly individuals, young mothers with strollers, people with temporary health impairments, and young children. However, for us, persons with disabilities, it is of vital importance. Railway stations must be properly equipped, as accessible restrooms are not available everywhere. We would appreciate it if due attention were given to this matter,” noted Eduard Avetisyan.
He raised matters concerning the social adaptation and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, as well as cooperation with various agencies.
Important decisions were adopted during the session aimed at providing social support to citizens with disabilities and ensuring their unrestricted access to social sector facilities, transport infrastructure, and the street-and-road network. Work in this area will continue.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by