Key points
- Applications have opened for the Barrier-Free Routes School 2026.
- The programme aims to develop accessible infrastructure in communities.
- 20 community teams from across Ukraine will take part.
- The project is implemented by UNDP with support from the Government of Japan.
- Training will include theory, practical work, and mentoring support.
- Communities will design barrier-free routes to key public spaces.
- Applications are open until 28 April 2026.
The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine has announced the launch of applications for the Barrier-Free Routes School 2026.
The programme is aimed at developing accessible environments in Ukrainian communities and is implemented within the flagship initiative “Movement Without Barriers”, which is part of the project “Barrier-Free” launched by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.
The new training cycle will begin in May 2026. It is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine with support from the Government of Japan. Twenty community teams from different regions of the country will take part.
During the training, participants will design barrier-free routes to key public spaces, developing infrastructure that takes into account the needs of people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and elderly people.
In 2025, 15 communities completed a similar training programme. They developed their own barrier-free route projects, some of which have already moved into the implementation stage, which led to the continuation of the programme.
The training will combine several formats: an in-person module in Kyiv, practical work in communities with mentors, project development, and final presentations.
Online meetings with experts will also be held to discuss and further refine the solutions.
Applications can be submitted via the provided link until 28 April 2026. The selection of teams is expected to be completed by 4 May.
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