Iryna Bordiian, a 56-year-old woman from Odesa, received her driver’s license after completing training at the Odesa Regional Department of Internal Affairs’ «Barrier-Free Driving School» and passing her exam at the Ministry of Internal Affairs service center. She has proven that driving is accessible to everyone.

Her journey began with a childhood tragedy – a fire in which Iryna lost her arm. Despite this, she went on to get an education, play sports, work, and raise her children.

«I'm not used to sitting around doing nothing. I can do everything: cook, take care of the kids, change diapers, clean. And all with just one hand», she says.

Today, Iryna dreams of starting her own business and gaining independence, so she decided to learn how to drive. She studied the theory on her own and took practical lessons at OSUIA «Barrier-Free Driving School» with an instructor.

She passed her practical exam at the Ministry of Internal Affairs service center on her first try. It’s not just a piece of paper – it’s the freedom to move about.

Thanks to the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ flagship project, «Barrier-Free Driving Schools», Iryna was able to learn how to drive an adapted vehicle. Despite her initial fears, the training proved that barriers can be overcome.

The «Barrier-Free Driving Schools» project is about equal access to opportunities, independence, and freedom of movement.

Unit of Communication of the OSUIA