The draft law on reasonable accommodation could significantly expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities — from providing compensation to employers for workplace modifications to supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Daria Kukurika, Executive Director of “The League of the Strong,” spoke on Ukrainian Radio about these changes and their significance for the labor market.
What exactly will change for people with disabilities once the law on reasonable accommodation is enacted?
Above all, it will change people’s ability to work where they want to work, since smart adaptation involves creating the necessary conditions for performing work in accordance with their needs.
The provision of workplace accommodations for people with disabilities will no longer be left solely to the employer’s discretion. The law establishes a mechanism to reimburse employers for the costs of such accommodations. In other words, if an employee requires certain adaptations or equipment, the employer will be eligible for reimbursement.
What are the working conditions for people with disabilities today?
As of today, there are approximately 3.2 million people with disabilities in Ukraine, and about 1.5 million of them require workplace accommodations. In other words, nearly half of all people with disabilities need some form of support in order to be able to work fully. This highlights the critical nature of the problem and the systemic lack of accessible working conditions.
Importantly, the bill establishes a new mechanism: a person with a disability will be able to obtain reasonable accommodations either through their employer or while job hunting through an employment center. This is a first for Ukrainian legislation, expanding opportunities for access to employment as early as the job placement stage.
What do assistive devices look like?
The concept of reasonable accommodation encompasses a very wide range of solutions. It is important to note that there is no exhaustive list of what exactly constitutes a reasonable accommodation, as this is always determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual’s needs.
Reasonable accommodations may include the option to work remotely, part-time, or on a flexible schedule. In some cases, this may involve reducing noise levels in the office if equipment noise is distracting to an employee. If necessary, this may also include special equipment.
Another area is assistive technology and software. One of the most common examples is screen readers for people with visual impairments. These are programs that read aloud text from a computer screen: documents, Excel spreadsheets, emails, or website content. Thanks to this, a person can process information aurally and fully perform their professional duties — working in journalism, finance, administration, or any other field. If an employer purchases such software, they may be eligible for reimbursement of its cost.
Reasonable accommodations may also include specific modifications to the premises: creating an accessible route to the workplace, installing ramps, widening doorways, and adapting restrooms — anything that ensures a person’s physical ability to be present, particularly for those who use a wheelchair.
How will these changes affect the labor market and the return of veterans to work?
The impact of the bill on the overall labor market situation can only be assessed after it has been adopted and implemented. This will require additional sociological research, particularly regarding existing barriers to employment. It will be important to analyze whether employers will report a reduction in difficulties regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations and whether there will be an increase in the willingness to hire people with disabilities.
As for male and female veterans, upon their return from combat — and particularly in the event of disability — they will have more resources to help them reintegrate into the workforce. This includes support for those who wish to start their own businesses.
The bill provides that the compensation mechanism will apply not only to employers but also to individual entrepreneurs with disabilities and self-employed individuals. In other words, veterans with disabilities will be able to receive compensation for the costs of necessary accommodations both as employees and when running their own businesses. This expands opportunities for professional fulfillment and economic independence after service.
What should people with disabilities do right now — while the bill is still under consideration?
People with disabilities shouldn’t wait for the bill to be passed before entering the job market. It’s important to start looking for work right now in the field where they want to pursue their career and to take advantage of the support tools currently available.
In particular, current regulations provide for the appointment of specialized career counselors for people with disabilities. Such a specialist can provide personalized support, including assistance with job searches, interview preparation, career guidance, and psychological support.
A person with a disability has the right to openly discuss their needs and remind their employer of the need to provide appropriate working conditions. It is important not to be afraid to specify exactly what accommodations are needed to work effectively.
At the same time, it is important to understand that improving legislation is just one step toward systemic change. People with disabilities, regardless of whether they sustained injuries during the war or have had a disability since birth, can and should be part of the open labor market. This is a call not only to people with disabilities themselves — to not be afraid and to give it a try — but also to employers: to be open to collaboration, because this is about mutual empowerment and development.
We would like to remind you that on February 18, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and the Protection of Veterans’ Rights held a meeting, during which it also considered a draft law amending the Law of Ukraine “On the Fundamentals of Social Protection for Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine” to improve the mechanism for ensuring reasonable accommodation No. 14389 dated January 21, 2026.
To participate in the development and refinement of Bill No. 14389, “The League of the Strong” has formed a working group of 17 experts from organizations representing people with disabilities.