As part of the National Accessibility Week, a survey was conducted at the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts among students, academic and teaching staff, as well as administrative and technical personnel.

The aim of the survey was to assess the level of awareness of the academic community regarding the principles of accessibility, to identify the main barriers faced by participants in the educational process, and to gather suggestions for creating a more accessible and inclusive educational environment.

The survey results indicated that the majority of respondents have a good or moderate level of awareness of the concept of accessibility and understand its components: physical, informational, digital, educational, social, and economic. Among the most pressing issues, respondents highlighted physical, informational, digital, communication, and socio-psychological barriers.

• Physical Accessibility. Survey participants pointed out the need for further improvements to the physical accessibility of certain Academy facilities, particularly regarding barrier-free movement and access to classrooms and studios.
• Digital Barriers. Respondents highlighted challenges associated with the use of multiple platforms for communication and the distribution of learning materials. Particular attention was drawn to the inconsistent use of Google Classroom, the Academy’s official educational platform, which may create digital barriers and limit equal access to educational resources. Participants expressed support for the mandatory use of a unified digital platform throughout the educational process.
• Informational Barriers. Survey participants also noted difficulties in searching for, receiving, and timely processing important information. Some of the proposals included expanding information support and duplicating important announcements through the Academy’s official communication channels. Respondents emphasised that access to information is an essential component of a barrier-free educational environment.
• Communication and Socio-Psychological Barriers. Some of the respondents drew attention to the need for further development of a culture of mutual respect, support, and non-discriminatory communication. The importance of psychological support and creating an environment in which every individual feels accepted and heard was particularly emphasised.

At the same time, some respondents stated that they had not personally encountered barriers within the Academy’s educational environment, indicating that significant progress has already been made in creating an inclusive and accessible space.

The results obtained will serve as an important foundation for further improving KSADA’s accessibility policy and implementing practical solutions aimed at creating a comfortable, accessible, and friendly educational environment for all members of the academic community.

We sincerely thank everyone who took part in the survey and shared their thoughts, suggestions, and vision for the future of an accessible barrier-free environment at KSADA.