A course on inclusion development was held at Bukovel for tourism industry employees. The training aimed to emphasize the importance of creating a barrier-free environment and raise awareness about the needs of individuals with visual, hearing, and musculoskeletal impairments, mental disorders, and epilepsy.
The event was organized by representatives of a public organization, which currently runs an inclusivity social project. The initiative focuses on educating businesses and employees on effective communication and interaction with people with disabilities, increasing inclusivity, and reducing societal prejudice.
Building a barrier-free environment is crucial as Ukraine moves towards EU integration and adopts European and international inclusivity standards. For Bukovel, accessibility means implementing measures to improve mobility for people with disabilities, ensuring hotels, restaurants, and infrastructure are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and individuals with other physical limitations.
Disability-friendly staff must acquire various skills, including knowledge of professional guidance techniques for visually impaired individuals according to European Blind Union standards, understanding the basics of sign language and communication with people with hearing impairments based on Red Cross standards, and learning proper accompaniment and communication techniques for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders following Red Cross and Active Rehabilitation Group guidelines. Additionally, they must be familiar with non-discriminatory terminology, fundamental principles of environmental accessibility, and first aid procedures for assisting individuals during an epileptic seizure.
Bukovel employees received training in all these aspects during the course. The event also served as a first step toward making the resort a fully barrier-free destination.
The concept also includes the creation of a rehabilitation hub for Ukrainian military personnel, and Bukovel has already made significant progress in implementing this project. More details will be shared soon.