In 2024, in collaboration with partner organizations advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), we conducted a crucial monitoring in Batumi concerning the accessibility of six central city streets for PWDs. Our aim was to demonstrate how accessible education is for PWDs when the routes to university spaces are filled with artificial barriers. Therefore, six streets connecting to Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University were selected for monitoring.
Within the project's initial phase, through our joint efforts, a detailed action plan was developed, and a working group was formed. Coordination and informational meetings were held, after which we commenced intensive fieldwork. During this process, our team meticulously inspected the condition of the selected streets' infrastructure – the existence and compliance of ramps with standards, the width and surface of sidewalks, zero-barrier sidewalks, and other important elements. Great attention was also paid to the issue of adherence to parking regulations. Each identified violation and barrier was documented with photo and video materials to substantiate our findings with solid evidence. Concurrently with the monitoring, informational brochures on PWD rights and the importance of an inclusive environment were developed and disseminated.
Based on the problems identified and data
collected as a result of the monitoring, the working group developed specific
recommendations. These recommendations, along with the monitoring report, were
presented to the Batumi Municipality City Hall and City Council. Our goal was
to initiate a dialogue based on this research and for concrete steps to be
taken towards creating a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment in the
city, which would provide every individual, including PWDs, with equal
opportunities for education and full participation in public life