The Cabinet of Ministers approved a bill to increase the accessibility of media content for people with disabilities
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a bill aimed at making media content more accessible to people with disabilities. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.
As the head of government emphasized, the bill defines requirements for television and online media so that people with disabilities have full access to information.
“That is, subtitles, sign language translation, audio description must be provided,” she specified.
The National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting will receive additional powers to monitor the implementation of these requirements. The bill aims to ensure that all people, regardless of their health status, can equally receive information, express their opinions and use the media.
The document obliges television channels and other media to ensure the accessibility of their programs by adding subtitles, sign language translation or audio descriptions for people with visual impairments. Other means, such as the use of plain language or easy-to-read formats, can be introduced voluntarily. Full accessibility should be implemented gradually – within ten years after the adoption of the law.
