A series of events dedicated to barrier-free accessibility and inclusion took place at the leading educational institution of Dnipro’s Jewish Community — Jewish Lyceum No. 144 named after Levi Yitzchak Schneerson. The initiative, titled “Barrier-Free Week”, was carried out under several powerful mottos: “Let there be barrier-free access: together we create a world of equal opportunities!”, “Barrier-free is about each of us”, “Don’t be indifferent to the problems of others”, “My world without barriers”, and “We are different. We are together. And together — we are strong!”
“‘Barrier-Free Week’ is not just a set of activities,” says Deputy Director Svitlana Romenska, “It’s an opportunity to reflect on how we can make our world more open, understandable, and comfortable for everyone, regardless of individual abilities. This important initiative aims to raise awareness among students, teachers, and parents about the principles of inclusion and the importance of creating an accessible environment for all.”
The week began with a major awareness campaign titled “Barrier-free is about each of us.” Informational materials and brochures explaining the concept of accessibility and its relevance to everyone were placed in all classroom corners.
Particular attention was given to the “Barrier-Free Calendar”, which visualized key dates and events related to inclusion and encouraged everyday actions to support accessibility.
Throughout the week, class teachers conducted discussions with students on the topic “Rules of barrier-free communication.” For the youngest students who are just beginning to understand the world around them, school psychologist Valeriia Ryazanova held an engaging training session titled “Don’t be indifferent to the problems of others.” Through games and interactive activities, the children learned to express empathy, understand the feelings of others, and offer help to those in need.
Special attention was also given to fostering children’s creativity around the theme of universal accessibility. In art classes led by teacher Olena Bilash, students enthusiastically created artwork on the topic “My world without barriers”. Their vivid and sincere drawings reflected a child’s vision of an ideal, inclusive, and friendly environment where everyone feels comfortable and safe.
The highlight of “Barrier-Free Week” was a unified school-wide lesson titled “We are different. We are together!” During this session, students talked about the uniqueness of every individual, equal opportunities, and the need to support one another. The week concluded with a photo challenge “Let kindness flow from heart to heart,” where students showcased examples of good deeds, mutual support, and helping those in need.
“We are confident that such initiatives will help our students understand the value of inclusion, develop tolerance, and become active contributors to an inclusive society,” Svitlana Romenska adds. “We thank all participants for their sincerity and engagement! ‘Barrier-Free Week’ is over, but the spirit of mutual understanding and kindness will stay with us. We are different. We are together. And together — we are strong!”
