Ukraine’s First Lady Explores Inclusive Transport in Austria

Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, and Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig visited one of the Austrian capital's centers dedicated to promoting accessibility.

Zelenska shared details of the visit on Facebook, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

"Today I have the opportunity to explore various dimensions of accessibility in Austria. Together with the mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, I am visiting a center focused on accessibility. The U2/U5 Infocenter — an interactive space dedicated to the development of Vienna's public transport and its future infrastructure — demonstrates how Austria integrates accessible mobility and space. These centers systematically incorporate inclusivity into transport planning and collaborate with organizations representing people with disabilities to account for their needs at all stages of project development," Zelenska wrote.

She stressed that Austria's experience offers an important example for Ukraine's Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, which is currently implementing the "Movement Without Barriers" project. By the end of the year, 15 communities in Ukraine are expected to establish safe, convenient, and fully accessible routes connecting hospitals, schools, transport stops, cafés, and administrative buildings.

Zelenska also visited the Vienna Social Fund.

"Accessibility in opportunities and quality of life — this is what the Vienna Social Fund is about. It offers a wide range of services for people with disabilities. I learned today, for instance, about a day center in Vienna for elderly people and persons with disabilities that follows the supported living model. These centers combine care, therapy, and social interaction. People engage in hobbies, go on excursions, take walks, and study with the help of social workers," she said.

Zelenska said that this is also a valuable experience for Ukraine. The Ministry of Social Policy is currently establishing similar supported living residences in the Lviv, Volyn, Vinnytsia and Chernivtsi regions, and the city of Kyiv. These facilities allow people with disabilities to live full, independent lives, as an alternative to the outdated institutional care system.