On October 23, 2024, the graduation ceremony of the School of Sign Language, organized by the NGO "Gesture of Help", took place in Kyiv. In this issue, 77 participants — policemen of the National Police of Ukraine and rescuers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine — received certificates of successful completion of the Ukrainian Sign Language course. Among the graduates of the course are 39 representatives of the National Police of Ukraine and 38 rescuers of the State Emergency Service.

The initiative aims to increase the capacity of services to communicate more effectively with people with disabilities, in particular with hearing impairment. Thanks to this, the police and rescuers can now respond more professionally and provide the necessary assistance in critical situations.

The issue of barrier-free access takes on special importance in the light of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which significantly affected the lives of many citizens, including persons with disabilities. A significant number of people have suffered physical and psychological trauma, which is why they need special attention and support. Training police and rescue workers in sign language is another step towards creating an inclusive society where everyone feels safe and secure.

Supporting inclusiveness and accessibility is not just about physical accessibility. It's about creating an environment where everyone can get help and protection without any barriers. The NGO "Gesture of Help" continues its active work aimed at forming a socially responsible society.