A service for increasing housing inclusivity has appeared in Russia

68% of the surveyed residents of Russia faced restrictions in their apartment or entrance, according to a survey conducted by Cyana and Leman PRO.

The majority of respondents believe that their housing is not affordable (47%) or partially accessible (40%) for people with limited mobility. This applies not only to people using a wheelchair, but also to the elderly, people with injuries, parents with young children, and pregnant women, the researchers note.

The respondents most often encountered problems when entering the entrance (69%) and the elevator (59%). In apartments, the bathroom and toilet are called inconvenient (45%). Also, 30% of respondents faced difficulties due to narrow interior openings, and 14% experienced inconveniences in the kitchen.

According to respondents, the most popular solutions for a barrier—free environment are the absence of thresholds (50%), the use of a handrail for a bathroom or toilet (41%), and wide doorways (35%). It is also important to place switches and sockets at a comfortable height (35%), an anti-slip bath mat (35%), a shower with a low tray, without a tray or a bathtub with side handles (35%).

To draw attention to the problem and solve it, Cyan and Leman PRO launched the More Comfortable information and consulting service. "Many people think that housing adaptation requires major repairs and large investments. Developing the direction of inclusion, we realized that small but thoughtful changes are often enough: rearrange furniture, install additional fixtures, replace door handles," said Alexandra Babkina, Director of Sustainable Development at Cyana.

"We see a growing demand for housing adapted to any needs, from temporary to permanent. This is a long—term direction with great potential, which we are developing systematically, making affordable and comfortable solutions a part of everyday life," said Ekaterina Fokina, Head of Leman PRO's inclusion department.

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