On April 25, USAID RADA: Next Generation held an online presentation titled "How to Make the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine's Web Resources Barrier-Free and Inclusive," which was attended by over 40 representatives from the Verkhovna Rada's Сommittees and Secretariat.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Program Director Tetiana Bibik underscored the importance of accessibility: "The goal of the barrier-free policy is to create a virtual, informational, and physical environment where people can fully participate in society, especially in social and political processes. This is a value of a modern democratic country, and the Parliament should be an example of inclusive practice. Information about the activities of the Parliament should be available to everyone."
Dmytro Popov, an expert from the Digital Accessibility Laboratory, noted the significance of digital accessibility: "Implementation of digital accessibility enables all citizens, including three million people with disabilities in Ukraine, to use websites and applications easily. This is especially important for government websites, which are the main source of official information." He discussed web accessibility and detailed audit methods, using the main page of the Verkhovna Rada website as an example.
Dmytro Popov stated, "Making digital platforms accessible allows all citizens, including three million people with disabilities in Ukraine, to easily navigate websites and applications. This is especially crucial for government sites, which serve as primary sources of official information. The Verkhovna Rada's website, for example, holds unique content about Ukrainian legislation that isn't found elsewhere. Ensuring these websites are accessible is central to promoting inclusivity and respecting the rights of all citizens without exception."
Representatives from the Verkhovna Rada acknowledged the need for inclusiveness in web resources and expressed interest in ongoing collaboration with the Program.
USAID RADA: Next Generation has launched an initiative to make the Verkhovna Rada's virtual and physical facilities and legislative processes accessible to people with disabilities. This is part of the national barrier-free policy to foster a society without restrictions.
"Ensuring that the web resources of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine are accessible to people with different needs is not just a technical task, but a human rights issue and a contribution to creating an inclusive society," stated Iana Verteba, coordinator of USAID RADA: Next Generation.