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Sochi officials review accessibility standards in public spaces after inspections

Can Sochi's public spaces truly welcome everyone? Experts and disability advocates team up to expose barriers—and fix them fast.

The image shows a bustling city street with vehicles driving on the road, a person walking on the...
The image shows a bustling city street with vehicles driving on the road, a person walking on the footpath, a dustbin with a sign that reads "Wash Your Hands" on the side of the street, traffic signals with poles, sign boards with text, a metal fence, plants, trees, buildings with windows, and a clear blue sky.

Sochi officials review accessibility standards in public spaces after inspections

A working group of specialists from different departments and agencies gathered in Sochi for a Zoom meeting. The session focused on assessing accessibility at local facilities after concerns emerged during earlier checks. Nine sites in the Central District were inspected during the visit.

The meeting took place on Chebrikov Street and Donskaya Street, where inspectors reviewed compliance with accessibility standards. Oleg Stekolnikov, head of the Regional Competence Center for an Accessible Environment, attended the session alongside other experts.

Alexander Devin, acting director of the Resort, Tourism, and Consumer Services Department, stressed the need to accommodate all visitors, particularly those with limited mobility. The inspections involved collaboration with representatives of people with disabilities to spot and resolve issues quickly.

This year, over 500 consumer service facilities across Sochi have undergone similar surveys as part of ongoing monitoring efforts. Regular on-site checks aim to ensure that public spaces remain accessible to everyone.

The working group's findings will guide further improvements at the inspected locations. While no specific data on 2025's accessibility fixes is available, the city continues its push for barrier-free environments. More assessments are expected as part of the ongoing initiative.

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