People with special access needs
A number of facilities are available to visitors with special access needs who wish to visit Cyprus. Some hotel establishments provide a range of facilities to meet special needs and requirements. Since facilities vary from hotel to hotel, it is recommended to contact the hotels directly in order to ascertain that they have the right facilities for a particular disability. Hotels offering facilities for the disabled, a list of accessible beaches and other information can be found on the Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s web-site: www.visitcyprus.com
Both Larnaka and Pafos international airports are accessible to visitors with all kinds of access needs.
Facilities include available accessible washrooms, charging stations for electric wheelchairs at departure gates, ramps to allow a person on a wheelchair to enter or exit the buses and additional assistive services, meeting European Regulation 1107/2006 concerning the right of disable travellers.
In 2007, the Cyprus Parliament approved and introduced the use of the European Blue Badge for parking at designated places for the disabled, available all over the island, both on public roads and parking areas. The authority responsible for issuing the Blue Badge is the Service for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled, part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance. It can be contacted at +357 22 406 406, e-mail: [email protected].
Most Cyprus’ towns are fairly accessible with a wheelchair but much work is yet to be carried out to improve infrastructure. A person using a wheelchair is advised to be accompanied by an able person for assistance in inaccessible areas.
Transportation around the island can be arranged if prior notice is given to the transport companies. Special buses are available with low gradient ramps, safety belts and a/c as well as special taxis that may carry a person seating on a wheelchair.
Detailed information about places of interest accessible to wheelchairs can be obtained from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation offices in Cyprus and abroad and the Web-site: www.accessible-cyprus.com
For further information please contact:
CYPRUS PARAPLEGIC ORGANISATION
Tel: 22496494
www.opak.org.cy
