Incorporating disability justice into post-war spatial development in Ukraine: Gaps and recommendations

Authors: Gala Korniyenko (corresponding author), City and Regional Planning, National Youth Advocate Program, Ohio State University, USA, korniye[email protected] , ORCID: 0000-0003-3228-3132 Oleksandra Pantiukhina, Department of Architecture, Pryazovskyi State Technical University, Ukraine, [email protected] , ORCID: 0000-0002-2376-9432 Debate article SPECIAL ISSUE: Reflections and Learnings for a Post-War Urban Planning Incorporating disability justice into post-war spatial development in Ukraine: Gaps and recommendations Gala Korniyenko, Ohio State University Oleksandra Pantiukhina, Pryazovskyi State Technical University Introduction Ukraine urgently needs to transform its built environment to make it accessible and safe for an increasing number of injured and disabled population, including war veterans, aging adults, and children. Researchers have extensively explored inclusiveness, universal design, and spatial equity in a global context. What makes this issue unique for Ukraine is the urgent need to reform existing planning policies and practices to address the needs of the rapidly growing number of people with disabilities. The challenge goes beyond developing new, more comprehensive policies aligned with the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030; it also includes ensuring their effective implementation to address the immediate and evolving needs of the disabled population. Drawing from the disability justice framework, Ukrainian policymakers and planners should promote spatial equality and dignity for the increasing number of injured and disabled Ukrainians Abstract This study examines the policy making efforts and challenges in ensuring spatial equality and dignity for an increasing number of injured and disabled Ukrainians, including war veterans, aging adults, and children during the war and for post-war reconstruction. Findings suggest that reconstruction of Ukraine with inclusivity in mind requires the creation of a holistic approach from the regional to the local level, from protecting the spatial rights of people with disabilities to ensuring involvement in public participation and decision making, from upgrading laws and regulations to monitoring the implementation of them. Keywords Inclusivity, postwar, Ukraine, planning, reconstruction, disability, spatial development European Journal of Spatial Development 22(3) 52 during the war and for post-war reconstruction. This can be achieved by “ensuring public provision of user-led support, circulating anti-ableist counterdiscourses, and strengthening disability counterpublics – in order to achieve parity of participation for disabled people in the post socialist region” (Mladenov, 2016, pp. 13-14). Looking through the sixty years of visible protest in the disability struggle for equality, justice, and inclusion in the USA, disability justice approach confirms that “what must change is not disabled people, but unjust and ableist institutions and cultures that oppress, exclude, and disadvantage” (Pettinicchio, 2024). The purpose of this debate article is to engage in a discussion of challenges in addressing the needs of the disabled population into spatial development while war is still ongoing, as well as in plans for post-war reconstruction. Accessibility challenges Ukraine inherited a significant amount of Soviet-era architecture and public realm infrastructure, which was largely designed without consideration for accessibility for disabled (Inclusion Europe, 2022). The issue of pre-existing 5-stores Khrushchevki apartment blocks without elevators, public buildings with numerous stairs and narrow doorways, and a general lack of ramps, an accessible transportation fleet, and other accessibility features may not be easily retrofitted to meet modern accessibility standards and growing number of disabled due to war (Humenyuk, 2024). There are significant limitations to spatial development when it comes to accessibility in post-war recovery. One major challenge is the lack of resources and funding dedicated specifically to accessibility improvements. In the aftermath of conflict, priorities often shift towards immediate needs such as housing and infrastructure, potentially sidelining accessibility considerations. Additionally, there may be a shortage of expertise in inclusive design among local planners and architects, which can result in poorly executed accessibility features that do not fully meet the needs of people with disabilities (EU4Recovery, 2024). Another challenge is the insufficient training and awareness among urban planners and architects regarding inclusive design principles. Many professionals in the field may not have the necessary knowledge or experience to effectively incorporate accessibility features into their projects (Johnson et al., 2025). This can lead to designs that are technically compliant but not user-friendly for people with disabilities. Furthermore, there is often a lack of collaboration with disability advocacy groups during the planning process. For example, as late as in 2024 the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Universal Design School for architects, designers, urban planners, and civil engineers in Ukraine to encourage work in European Journal of Spatial Development 22(3) 53 interdisciplinary teams to address real-world challenges, ensuring that public spaces, buildings, and services are designed for everyone, including people with disabilities (UNDP, 2024). Impact of war on disability rates in Ukraine At the start of the war, there were over 2.7 million people with disabilities in Ukraine, of whom about 260,000 had intellectual disabilities (Inclusion Europe, 2022). According to the calculations of the National Assembly of People with Disabilities, more than 45,000 Ukrainians received a disability in 10 months of 2022, while in 2021 the rate of disability was 3.5 times slower (NAIU, 2023). Following the estimates of the Ministry of Veterans, by the end of the war 4-5 million of veterans and their family members will be disabled, which will make up 14% of the country's population. The number of injured and disabled civilians, type and severity of disability due to war is hard to estimate now, as war is still ongoing, with some people migrating to other regions and countries, and a slow and outdated system of medical examination for disability. Ukraine is now the world’s largest minefield, with approximately a quarter of its territory potentially affected (UN Security Council, 2024). Additionally, the World Health Organization’s forecast says there are going to be around 10 million people with cognitive disabilities in Ukraine (WHO, 2024). Table 1 - Number of Disabled in Ukraine (WHO, 2024) 2022 2024 2030 Total 2 . 7 mill ion 3 mill ion 15 mill ion Cognitive Disabilities 260 000 no data 10 mill ion People with disabilities often face severe discrimination, a restriction of their autonomy and institutionalization when their families can no longer provide care for them (Yasenovska M., 2024). During military conflict, they also have to deal with inaccessible shelters and the inability to evacuate (Felix A., 2023). Gaps in Ukrainian disability policies The need to rebuild a devastated country has already collided with the reality of the outflow of labor abroad (International Labor Organization, 2024), and the involvement of disabled people in an active socio-economic life will be beneficial for both the country and for individuals with their families. The Ukrainian Ministry of Economy has already stated that over the next 10 years the country will have to attract an additional 4.5 million people to the labor market (Ministry of European Journal of Spatial Development 22(3) 54 Economy of Ukraine, 2023). However, Ukraine's cities are inaccessible due to the lack of comprehensive inclusive spatial planning policies, limited nature of building codes, and absence of clear strategy for implementation of policies and regulations that address disability accommodations. Even though in April 2021 Ukraine approved the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment by 2030, there is currently no policy that mandates the creation of an action plan to remove physical barriers to accessibility, nor is there a requirement for an accessibility inventory or for periodic updates until full accessibility is achieved. How do we define disability? The findings of the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Analytical Note, n.d.) over the past 18 years in the context of assessing the level of disability/limitation of functions, taking into account the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), are of great importance for understanding the evolution of approaches to assessing disability in the global context:  A changing paradigm in disability assessment: The assessment of disability is no longer based solely on medical or physical impairments, but on the barriers in society and the environment that limit the ability of people to participate in society equally with others. This is in line with the concept defined in the UN Convention, which recognises disability as the result of the interaction between the person with the impairment and social or physical barriers.  The role of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF): The ICF reflects the shift from the traditional assessment of disability as physical impairments to a more comprehensive assessment that includes activity and participation limitations. This allows for a more accurate understanding of how physical, psychological and other impairments affect a person’s ability to function in various areas of life, such as mobility, communication, self-care, etc.  WHODAS tool: An important role in modern disability assessment practices is played by the WHODAS 35 tool, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This tool allows for an empirical assessment of functional limitations in various areas of life, in particular in cognition, mobility, self-care, communication, life activities and participation in society, and promotes a more objective and comprehensive assessment of the impact of impairments on a person’s real capabilities.  Problems of legislation and practices: One of the main problems in the legislation of most countries is the insufficient consideration of social barriers in the process of disability European Journal of Spatial Development 22(3) 55 assessment. Many countries still focus mainly on the medical aspects of disability, without paying sufficient attention to social adaptation and accessibility of the environment, which limits the effectiveness of the approach. What needs to be done to improve inclusion and participation? Changes in approaches to disability assessment, in particular through the use of the ICF and the WHODAS instrument, will better reflect the real needs and capabilities of people with disabilities. This will stimulate improved policies that ensure the integration of people with disabilities into society and improve their access to various areas of life. It should also be remembered that Ukraine's integration into the EU is impossible without the adoption and implementation of the European Disability Strategy (European Commission, 2021), which obliges to ensure equal opportunities and access to justice, education, culture, sports and tourism, health services and employment. Integration with the EU Disability Strategy 2021–2030 Integrating the EU Disability Strategy into spatial development in Ukraine offers a holistic approach to creating inclusive and equitable environments. Ukraine's alignment with the European Disability Strategy 2021–2030, through policy harmonization and international support, establishes a robust foundation for this integration. By adopting EU standards and implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Ukraine is not only enhancing accessibility and inclusion but also setting the stage for comprehensive spatial development. This approach ensures that urban planning and infrastructure development are inclusive of all citizens, and foremost of people with disabilities, fostering environments that support independent living, equal opportunities, and full participation in society. Here are specific ways this alignment is occurring: Alignment with EU Standards via the Association Agreement EU-Ukraine Association Agreement: This agreement encourages Ukraine to adopt EU standards in several areas, including social policy and human rights. This has pushed Ukraine toward aligning its disability policies with the EU’s norms, especially in areas like accessibility, anti-discrimination, and inclusion in employment and education. Policy Harmonization: As part of the broader EU integration effort, Ukraine is reforming its disability-related policies to align with European practices, ensuring that national policies reflect the European Disability Strategy’s goals of inclusiveness, equality, and accessibility. European Journal of Spatial Development 22(3) 56 Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) The European Disability Strategy is deeply connected to the principles of the UN CRPD, which Ukraine ratified in 2010. Ukraine’s commitment to implementing the CRPD is central to its efforts to reform its legal framework, ensuring greater accessibility and participation for people with disabilities. Ukraine has passed several laws and initiatives aimed at ensuring equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities, echoing the European Disability Strategy’s core pillars, such as promoting independent living and improving accessibility in infrastructure and services. EU Financial and Technical Assistance EU Humanitarian Aid and Development Programs: Following the ongoing conflict, the EU has provided humanitarian aid focused on supporting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities. This assistance often includes the development of accessible infrastructure, rehabilitation services, and inclusive education systems. EU-funded Projects on Accessibility: Ukraine has benefited from EU-backed initiatives designed to improve public infrastructure and accessibility in alignment with the goals of the European Disability Strategy, particularly in the areas of transportation, urban planning, and housing. Capacity-Building and Training EU-Ukraine Twinning Projects: The EU has engaged in capacity-building initiatives through twinning programs, where EU member states share best practices in disability policy, accessibility standards, and inclusive employment programs with Ukraine. This collaboration helps Ukraine improve services for persons with disabilities, especially in local government and social services. Professional Training and Knowledge Sharing: European disability experts work with Ukrainian civil servants and local authorities to raise awareness and implement inclusive policies, from inclusive education reforms to creating more accessible public spaces. Post-Conflict Reconstruction Efforts Accessible Reconstruction and Recovery: Given the destruction caused by the war, the European Disability Strategy’s focus on creating accessible environments aligns with Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction plans. Ukraine can leverage EU principles on accessibility in its efforts to rebuild cities and towns, ensuring that public buildings, transport systems, and housing are accessible to all, including persons with disabilities. European Journal of Spatial Development 22(3) 57 International Partnerships: The EU and other European agencies support Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts by prioritizing inclusive, disability-friendly environments in post-war recovery, ensuring that new infrastructure is built with universal design in mind. Inclusion in the Labor Market European Support for Employment Initiatives: The European Disability Strategy promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in the labor market, and Ukraine is benefiting from EUbacked programs that support vocational training, employment services, and entrepreneurship for disabled people. These initiatives are part of broader reforms to make employment in Ukraine more inclusive and accessible. Promotion of Social Enterprises: The EU, through its development programs, supports social enterprises that specifically focus on providing job opportunities for people with disabilities in Ukraine, contributing to their economic independence and reducing social stigma. Inclusive Education EU-backed Inclusive Education Programs: Ukraine has been reforming its education system with a growing focus on inclusive education, a goal closely linked to the European Disability Strategy. The EU supports projects that provide teacher training, create accessible learning materials, and ensure that educational environments accommodate students with disabilities. Cross-border Collaboration on Educational Reforms: Ukrainian educators and policymakers work with EU counterparts to exchange knowledge and implement best practices, especially in relation to inclusive curricula and accessible school facilities. Participation in EU-led Dialogues and Networks European Networks and Forums: Ukraine participates in various European dialogues and networks that address disability rights and inclusion. This includes conferences, expert groups, and joint projects that align with the European Disability Strategy’s goals, providing Ukraine with opportunities to learn from EU countries and share experiences. NGO Collaboration: Ukrainian disability rights organizations collaborate with EU-based NGOs, exchanging knowledge and advocating for reforms. These collaborations often lead to joint projects focused on disability rights awareness and legislative advocacy, advancing Ukraine’s alignment with EU policies. European Journal of Spatial Development 22(3) 58 Addressing Multiple Discrimination Intersectionality and Marginalized Groups: The European Disability Strategy acknowledges the multiple discriminations faced by disabled individuals from marginalized groups, such as women and ethnic minorities. Ukraine, particularly in its response to the war, has been addressing the specific needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) with disabilities, aligning its approaches with the Strategy’s focus on intersectionality. Adoption of Accessibility Standards EU Accessibility Standards: Ukraine has been gradually adopting EU accessibility standards in public buildings, transportation, and ICT. This is crucial for improving the everyday lives of persons with disabilities in both urban and rural areas and is a key focus of the European Disability Strategy. Incorporating disability justice into post-war reconstruction and spatial development of Ukraine While there is growing research and practical applications of more inclusive and participatory planning processes, it is less clear whether planning is driven by equity considerations and how it integrates them. Planning for social justice in times of increasing marginalization and uncertainty challenges planners to critically reconsider whose visions of the future they are planning for (Korniyenko, 2019; Zapata, 2021), or as Giessen puts it, we need to ask “whose visions of becoming are at the core of urban planning” (Gissen, 2022). Engaging with disabled individuals and war veterans in the planning process presents unique challenges, especially in the context of ongoing conflict and post-war reconstruction. For example, many veterans and civilians suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, which can hinder their ability to engage in public participation and decision-making processes, especially when such accommodations are not provided or considered. There is a lack of policies that specifically mandate the inclusion of disabled people, veterans or other specific socio-demographic groups in the planning processes, and should be urgently addressed. (Law of Ukraine on the regulation of city planning activities, 2011) In the long term, urban planning in Ukraine must address the needs of a traumatized population, especially in public spaces, transportation hubs, and homes (Hutson, Korniyenko, Chung 2024). Cities that have suffered significant damage, can use this moment to rethink their urban form with a focus on accommodation structure and functions. Focusing on human needs in urban planning can not only speed up recovery, but also create more resilient and viable communities in the future. European Journal of Spatial Development 22(3) 59 The problem is that much of the physical infrastructure inherited from the USSR, designed with the Soviet ableist ideal in mind (Mladenov, 2018), is inaccessible and inflexible. As a result, it will require significant financial and time investment to make these environments inclusive for people with disabilities. Therefore, as an initial step, in our opinion, new technological solutions could be sought for both the adaptation of the physical environment and the adaptation of the capabilities of people with disabilities, following modern approaches in assessment (ICF, WHODAS) and improving inclusiveness. When it comes to new planning and reconstruction in post-war Ukraine, we propose a bolder approach. The focus should be on prioritizing the disabled population, which becomes the majority due to the war, moving away from the able-bodied standards of the principles of modernist architecture. This inclusive approach from the very beginning will ensure a more equitable and accessible future for all and will add, according to World Bank calculations (The World Bank, 2008), no more than 1% to the cost of urban infrastructure, facilities and services. Universal Design principles should be integrated into various aspects of the urban environment more broadly, not limited to physical accessibility or isolated environments, which do not address systemic accessibility issues and may result in solutions that are only applicable to certain groups. Universal design should be seen as a holistic approach that encompasses physical, networked and social aspects, creating an interconnected environment where each element supports accessibility and inclusion. This requires a multidisciplinary approach and the participation of various stakeholders to integrate UD into educational institutions, transport systems and public spaces. In this way, we can ensure access to education, work and other important areas of life for all people, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities (Korniyenko, 2023) Based on the above studies and following the recommendations of the European Disability Forum (Šveřepa M., 2022) we can formulate seven basic principles for including disability justice in future Ukraine post-war spatial development plans:  Review Ukraine's disability assessment and implementation policies.  Harmonize Ukrainian legislation in the field of urban planning with EU norms and standards, in particular with EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 20212030.  Ensure the involvement of disability experts in decision-making on urban planning and integrated transport.  Educate planners about Disability justice framework, rights of people with disabilities and their integration into urban space.