Public institutions should be open and accessible to everyone. But how do you ensure equal conditions for people with disabilities when even digital services often do not take their needs into account? The answer was found in the interactive Barrier-Free kiosk. Installed at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, this kiosk has become not just a technological solution, but a true symbol of inclusiveness and equality, providing every citizen with the opportunity to receive the necessary information and services without hindrance.
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine (MIA) is a government agency responsible for maintaining law and order and enforcing the law. As part of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space in Ukraine until 2030, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, the MoIA is actively implementing measures to make its services more accessible to all citizens, including people with disabilities.
According to research, more than 2.7 million people in Ukraine have disabilities, and most of them face information and communication barriers on a daily basis. Public services are often inaccessible to people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments. For example, only 10 per cent of government websites are adapted for visually impaired people, and access to sign language interpreters is limited due to a shortage of them. In addition, many institutions do not have convenient physical conditions for visitors with disabilities. That is why there is an urgent need to create a universal solution that will provide convenient access to information and public services for all categories of the population, regardless of their physical abilities.
The main goal was to create a touchscreen kiosk that would meet the principles of barrier-free accessibility. Three key tasks were identified for this purpose:
The development process lasted over 6 months and included several stages of testing together with experts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, UNDP consultants and digital accessibility specialists. We analysed hundreds of feedback from real users and made over 100 updates to the software.
Features of the kiosk:
The design of the kiosk was developed with aesthetics and ergonomics in mind. We used natural ash wood, which makes the device pleasant to the touch and harmoniously fits into any interior.
Implementation of an interactive barrier-free kiosk
The Interactive Barrier-Free Kiosk is not just a technology, but a real contribution to creating a barrier-free environment in Ukraine. It demonstrates how innovation can change society by making public services accessible to all citizens. This project is an important step towards a society where equality and inclusiveness become the new normal.
