The service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Mykolaiv explained why it is impossible to create a barrier-free space: «The building is old»

Nina Khmelevskaya, chief specialist of the communications sector of the Regional Service Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, screenshot from the YouTube channel NikVesti

In Mykolaiv, the MIA service centre building is over 50 years old, so it is not yet possible to create a barrier-free space for people with disabilities.

This is discussed in the NikVesti article «The only one in Mykolaiv region: how a driving school for people with disabilities works and why passing a theory test in Mykolaiv is still a problem».

The regional service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that people with disabilities can take exams at any service centre in Ukraine, including in Novyi Buh, which is adapted to barrier-free requirements.

«Given the need to adapt the building to accessibility requirements, attempts have been made repeatedly in recent years to attract funding for reconstruction and the creation of a barrier-free space. Considering that a significant proportion of visitors to the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre are residents of Mykolaiv, and the MIA service centres make deductions to the local budget for each service provided, the management has repeatedly approached local authorities with relevant proposals,» explained Nina Khmelevska, chief specialist of the communication sector of the regional service centre of the MIA in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions.

The building of the MIA service centre in Mykolaiv, photo: Ombudsman of Ukraine

The building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre in Mykolaiv, photo: Ombudsman of Ukraine

According to the service centre, in 2025, 12 people with disabilities took the theory test in Mykolaiv. It is worth noting that none of them used a wheelchair.

As a reminder, women affected by the war in the Mykolaiv region are taught to drive free of charge. Thirty women are learning to drive cars, and another ten are learning to drive tractors.

According to Olena Pashchenko, head of the Desiate Kvitnia (Tenth of April) public organisation project, women who have suffered as a result of the war or find themselves in difficult life circumstances can participate in the programme. In particular, these are women with disabilities and from large families.