New Opportunities for People with Disabilities in Odessa

As of October 1, 2024, there are 63,000 people with disabilities living in Odessa, including over 4,500 with mobility impairments, 5,229 children with disabilities, and nearly 1,000 individuals with visual impairments. 

To create favorable conditions for barrier-free mobility for people with mobility impairments, individuals with visual disabilities of groups I and II, as well as children with disabilities, the decision of the Executive Committee of the Odessa City Council has implemented a new social service called 'Social Taxi'. 

The service will be provided free of charge and will serve as an important step towards ensuring equal opportunities for all residents of Odessa. 

According to Elena Kytayska, the director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, a vehicle can be ordered by calling the short number 15-01 three days prior to the trip. The service can be used no more than 10 times a month. 

«At the launch of this important project, we have 6 vehicles equipped for transporting individuals with disabilities. These include 2 cars purchased through the city program, 2 vehicles provided by our partners from Regensburg, and 2 vehicles from our partners - the public organization 'Barrier-Free', with whom we signed a Memorandum», said Gennady Trukhanov.

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The 'Social Taxi' service is provided for travel within the city of Odessa from their residence to local government offices, state executive bodies, courts, healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, banks, social, cultural, and educational institutions, as well as to transport terminals. The service is available on working days from 08:30 to 17:30, and the waiting time should not exceed 2 hours. Cancellations must be reported at least 2 hours before the scheduled time. If the service is declined after the special vehicle arrives at the location, it will be considered used. 

Note
Transport services for citizens suffering from chronic kidney failure for travel to dialysis sessions are provided by the Municipal Institution 'Emergency Medical Aid Center' upon request from their family doctor.