Almost 18,000 people with disabilities live in Mykolaiv: the executive committee has highlighted accessibility issues

In Mykolaiv, over 1,200 people use wheelchairs. Illustrative photo: Rexels

As of 1 January 2026, there were 17,804 people with disabilities living in Mykolaiv. Of these, 1,254 use wheelchairs. Although the number of accessible transport options in the city has increased, there remains a problem with pavements and ramps, particularly in high-rise blocks where people with disabilities live.

This is outlined in the draft programme «Mykolaiv Without Barriers» for 2027–2029, which is due to be considered at the executive committee meeting on 28 October.

The draft programme identifies the following issues facing the city: the lack of a systematic policy on the accessibility of the urban environment, the low level of accessibility of facilities, including public services, footpaths and barrier-free pedestrian crossings, and the inadequacy of accessibility assessments of buildings.

According to the Department of Social Protection, as of 1 January 2026, there were 17,804 people with general disabilities living in Mykolaiv. Their number has changed over the past two years: in 2024 there were 19,900, in 2025 — 20,423, and in 2026 — 17,804. Of these, 1,254 people use a wheelchair. This figure was the same in 2024, whilst in 2025 the number stood at 1,235.

It is also reported that 2,303 children with disabilities live in Mykolaiv. Their number has increased: in 2024 there were 2,212, and in 2025 and 2026 there were 2,303.

Furthermore, there has been an increase in the number of people with disabilities resulting from the war. At the start of January 2026, there were 863 such people. Over two years, their number has tripled: in 2024 there were 285, in 2025 there were 460, and in 2026 there were 863.

Over 17,000 people with disabilities live in Mykolaiv. Screenshot of the draft decision by the executive committee

The analysis of the issues the programme aims to address states that there is a significant need in the city to ensure barrier-free access to infrastructure and services. After all, their inaccessibility limits communication and participation in society, and reduces the educational, economic and social opportunities of people with disabilities.

The draft programme provides information on high-rise blocks where people with disabilities live and where there are accessibility issues. In particular, the number of high-rise blocks where people with disabilities who use wheelchairs live – and where ramps need to be installed within two years – has increased: in 2024 there were 57, in 2025 — 69, and in 2026 — 77.

The number of buildings with ramps installed at their entrances has decreased: in 2024 there were 23, in 2025 there were 14, and in 2026 there were 3.

In 2024, 52 ramps were installed during pavement repairs; in 2025, 84; no such information is provided for 2026.

Over the past year, 84 ramps were installed on pavements in the city. Illustrative photo: NikVesti

At the same time, the city has seen an increase in transport adapted for people with disabilities: compared with 2024, the number of accessible buses rose by 25 to 82, whilst the number of trolleybuses reached 90 (an increase of 24). Only one new tram has been added.

There is now more transport in Mykolaiv adapted for people with disabilities. Screenshot from the draft decision of the executive committee

The programme noted that the Mykolaiv Regional Employment Centre is providing career guidance to help people with disabilities adapt to the labour market.

According to statistics, the number of people with disabilities and the number of unemployed people with disabilities who received services from the employment centre have not changed significantly over the past two years: in 2024 — 211, in 2025 — 206, in 2026 — 215.

In 2024, 72 people with disabilities were placed in employment; in 2025, 57; and in 2026, 64.

Similarly, the number of people with disabilities who undertook vocational training has not changed significantly: in 2024 there were 8, in 2025 — 14, and in 2026 — 11.

Indicators of support for the employment of people with disabilities. Screenshot from the draft programme

The Executive Committee is to conduct a preliminary review of the «Mykolaiv Without Barriers» programme for 2027–2029 and approve its consideration at a session of the Mykolaiv City Council.

As a reminder, the concept of a barrier-free route was presented in Mykolaiv. The route covers a 5-kilometre stretch from the Administrative Services Centre in the Zavodskyi district to Namyv. Implementation will require over 300 million hryvnias. However, the developers emphasised that they understand the realities of funding and that the proposals are of an advisory nature.