The Social Protection Agency of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with Yandex Maps, has expanded information regarding the accessibility of urban infrastructure for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.
As part of this project, additional information on the accessibility of over 5,000 organizations in Tashkent was collected, including cafes, restaurants, medical institutions, shops, service enterprises, and other public places. This data allows Yandex Maps users to check in advance whether a specific establishment is suitable for people with limited mobility.
The information collection was conducted through on-site inspections. Of the more than 5,000 surveyed locations, 39% had entrances marked as accessible for wheelchair users. Specialists also recorded the presence of ramps in 794 organizations, automatic doors in 613, wheelchair lifts in 502, specially designated parking spaces in 361, and accessible toilets in 249 establishments. Other noted accessibility features included tactile paving and staff call buttons.
Overall, Yandex Maps now registers at least one accessibility feature for 16,000 organizations in Tashkent. This information is available for over 30,000 organizations across Uzbekistan.
The expansion of data is intended to help people with disabilities better plan their movements around the city. Users can check the accessibility of an entrance and the availability of necessary infrastructure before visiting any facility.
Husniddin Kutpiddinov, head of the Inspection for Social Supervision at the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of Uzbekistan, emphasized that an accessible urban environment also depends on clear and understandable information about it. He noted that it is extremely important for a person with a disability to know in advance whether they can enter a building independently and if the necessary infrastructure is present. Cooperation with Yandex Maps makes this information more accessible and helps people plan their daily routes with greater confidence.
Sardor Kadyrov, Vice President for Strategic Development at Yandex Uzbekistan, stated that the company strives to consider the needs of various population groups, including people with disabilities, in its technologies and services. He added that such partnerships help the company gain a deeper understanding of real user needs and develop systemic solutions. He expressed gratitude to the National Agency for Social Protection for the cooperation and the opportunity to jointly develop this area in Uzbekistan.
To find a suitable organization, users can select a category in Yandex Maps, such as a cafe, hospital, or shopping center, and activate the 'Entrance accessible for wheelchairs' filter. Detailed information is displayed in the organization's card and indicates on-site confirmed accessibility features, such as a ramp, automatic door, special parking space, or accessible toilet.
Yandex Maps users can also contribute to the accessibility information themselves. They can open an organization's card, select the 'Suggest an edit' option, and then go to the 'Accessibility' section to indicate existing features. This information can be added through the Yandex Maps application or the web version. Organization owners also have the ability to add and update accessibility data through their personal accounts.