The Head of the automotive training department of the “Barrier-Free Driving School” of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, Oleksandr Marunchak, and a graduate of the driving school, a participant in hostilities, Andrii Liubimenko, took part in an interdepartmental information meeting “Accessibility of services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centers for veterans: interaction and accessibility of state services”, which was held at the territorial service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kamianets-Podilskyi.

The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centers, local governments, patrol police, veterans' community and other institutions to discuss issues of ensuring barrier-free access for veterans to state services.

During the thematic block dedicated to the activities of barrier-free driving schools, Oleksandr Marunchak presented the experience of KhNUIA in training drivers with disabilities. He spoke about the organization of the educational process, the use of adapted vehicles, the features of training and the opportunities that the driving school opens up for people with disabilities, in particular war veterans.

“A barrier-free driving school is an opportunity for people who need special training conditions to acquire the necessary skills in driving vehicles and become more mobile and independent. We strive for each student to receive high-quality training and self-confidence,” said Oleksandr Marunchak.

Andrii Liubimenko, who works as a personnel inspector in the personnel department of the ERI No. 4, shared his own story. He said that studying at a driving school was an important stage in his adaptation after the injury and helped him return to active professional activity.

“After the injury, studying at the “Barrier-Free Driving School” was a new step forward for me. Here I received knowledge, practical skills, as well as support that helped me believe in my own abilities,” Andrii Liubimenko emphasized.

Meeting participants also discussed the accessibility of administrative services for veterans, the possibilities of vehicle conversion, the development of digital services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and further interaction of state institutions to ensure accessibility.