On 13 November, the world celebrates International Day of Blind People, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of creating equal opportunities for people with visual impairments and building a barrier-free society.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, combat injuries — shrapnel wounds, blast injuries, burns — have become among the causes of vision loss or deterioration. Thousands of Ukrainians, including military personnel, have suffered complex injuries that have changed their lives forever.
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Ministry of Veterans Affairs develops barrier-free environment for veterans and citizens
Today, it is important not only to provide medical and psychological assistance, but also to create conditions for the full participation of people with visual impairments in community life. This means accessibility to education, employment, public services, transport, digital services and cultural events.
Support for such initiatives has already become part of the state policy of accessibility. Educational programmes and inclusive adaptation centres for veterans with visual impairments are emerging in Ukraine, and audio description is being developed in cinemas, theatres and museums. Non-governmental organisations and volunteers are creating accessible online resources, recording audiobooks and teaching people how to use technologies that help in everyday life.
International Day of the Blind is a reminder that accessibility begins with respect. It begins with attention to the needs of others and a willingness to create a space where everyone can live, learn, work, and develop regardless of their physical abilities.
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Submission of applications to the International Register of Losses has been restored on the Diia portal
