Accessibility is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all

As the world undergoes rapid transformation fueled by innovative technologies, digital accessibility opens new opportunities to boost inclusion. This holds particularly true for Ukraine, a digitally advanced country yet confronted daily with the ongoing challenges of a full-scale war.

In the past two years, the number of people with disabilities in Ukraine has surged by 300,000. Overall, we are talking about millions. While we cannot change this reality, we certainly can and must address it.

Accessibility lies at the core of our business at Mastercard. Our mission is rooted in offering consumers and businesses barrier-free access to innovative payment solutions, and we have been driving these efforts in Ukraine for more than 25 years.

In 2019, we partnered with the Atlas Weekend festival and the NGO Vidchui (Feel It) to develop the Mastercard Vibes zone, fostering a shift in the cultural perception and interaction with people with disabilities. This platform enabled people with hearing impairments to "feel" music through special built-in areas that transmitted vibrations and sound images. Additionally, they could comprehend the lyrics of the headliners' songs, thanks to language interpretation broadcasted on a large screen near the stage.

Another win for accessibility was last year’s launch of the Inclusive class of Cars, specifically designed for individuals who use a wheelchair, in partnership with the ride-hailing service Uklon. The usage statistics are impressive, with over 10,000 trips taken in Kyiv and other cities.

A project that holds particular significance for us is the Ferris wheel at Kontraktova Square in Kyiv. Earlier this year, we equipped it with an inclusive passenger cabin for people using wheelchairs, and added a specially adapted audio and video tour for those with visual and hearing impairments. Over 1,000 people with disabilities and their caregivers have already experienced the city in a new way by taking a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Recently, we held another digital Wheel of Surprises on the Mastercard Bilshe rewards platform, where users could donate their loyalty points to fund prosthetics and rehabilitation for the patients of our Superhumans initiative as well as to support inclusive local businesses.

For us, a barrier-free Ukraine is a country where every individual has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. After all, accessibility is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.