Guided tour for visually impaired people in Larnaka
An innovative initiative took place on Saturday 14/05 in Larnaka concerning a guided tour specifically for people with visual impairments, which was jointly organized by the Larnaka Tourism Development and Promotion Company, the Cyprus Youth Organization, and the Municipality of Larnaka together with the “Agios Varnavas” School for the Blind. The intention is that the action will act as a pilot program for guided tours for visually impaired tourists, while at the same time, the participants will give their suggestions to make Larnaka more accessible for these groups of people.
Youth Makerspace Larnaka of Cyprus Youth Organization’s pioneering action for this occasion was printing the replica of the head of the statue of Zeno of Kitias, on the 3D printers of Youth Makerspace Larnaka. The said copy was given to the participants to peruse while the tour guide informed them about the history of the Stoic philosopher.
The first tour was attended by 13 visually impaired people, including 6 blind and 7 visually impaired, as well as 6 companions.
The tour started with a visit to the Pieridis Museum – Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus, where the participants had the opportunity to touch authentic exhibits from different eras, the history of which was explained by the Director of the Museum, Mr. Peter Astzian. Also, they were allowed to discover ancient perfumes that were reproduced by the G. Lazarus Cultural Center based on archaeologists’ studies.
The group then toured the city’s points of interest with a tour guide, from Europe Square to the Medieval Castle of Larnaka. Along the route, the statues of the philosopher Zeno of Kition, Cimon of Athens, and Leo of Venice narrated their lives and how they are connected to the city of Larnaka, through the innovative application of Larnaka Storytelling Statues. This application is considered good practice for visually impaired people.
This was followed by an experiential visit to the Kyriazi Medical Museum, which is perhaps the only museum where the visitor can touch all the exhibits, explore them, and … use some of them under the guidance of Dr. Mario Kyriazis, owner of the Museum. The more daring did not hesitate to smell old medicines or taste the oil of salt which is a rare healing product.
Note: The tour is dedicated to the memory of Maria Kyriakou, who was Secretary General of the European Blind Association, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Pancypriot Organization of the Blind, President of the National Cypriot Committee of Blind Women and Special Educator of the Blind and Special Educator, as the thought of this initiative started by her in the context of the European Program meeting held by ETAP Larnaca in July 2021. Unfortunately, she passed away a few months later and did not have time to complete the action. However, her colleagues, friends, and partners continue Maria’s work, as her goal was to enable people with visual disabilities to enjoy their lives and have equal opportunities with the rest of their fellow citizens.
