Representatives of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine joined the thematic webinar “Barrier-Free Accessibility Begins with the Mind”, held as part of the National Accessibility Week.

The event brought together representatives of enterprises and institutions from the energy sector to discuss the psychological aspects of creating a barrier-free environment, developing inclusive communication, and promoting a people-centred approach in professional interaction.

During the webinar, Oksana Lapa, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Senior Researcher and Head of the Centre for Psychological Support of Vocational Education Staff at the Institute of Vocational Education of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, spoke about the importance of not only external but also internal accessibility.

The speaker emphasized that emotional exhaustion, stress, anxiety, and psychological overload may become internal barriers that affect interaction, teamwork, and a person’s sense of safety.

Particular attention during the event was devoted to the importance of psychological recovery under conditions of high responsibility and professional workload. Participants were introduced to practical techniques for psychological self-regulation, breathing exercises, and methods of emotional stabilization.

The webinar also addressed the development of a culture of respect, attentiveness to people’s needs, and the creation of an environment in which everyone can feel included, heard, and supported.

Participation in such initiatives contributes to raising awareness of accessibility principles, promoting people-centred approaches, and fostering a culture of mutual respect in the professional environment.

ℹ️ National Accessibility Week is being held within the framework of the implementation of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine until 2030, initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.