Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many of the seven million people forced to relocate for their safety have entered the European Union, where they have been granted temporary protection. The majority are women and children. Teachers all over Europe are working to integrate Ukrainian children into local schools with language, learning and curriculum support. 

Those who are blind and visually impaired face additional obstacles, and the availability of reading material in accessible formats, such as Braille and digital audio, in the Ukrainian language plays a vital role in supporting education and integration. Libraries in the EU are seeking to quickly source accessible books and other reading materials to cater for this emergency need. 

What are the legal issues that need to be considered in serving the new arrivals? This information sheet seeks to uncover the answers.