Notes for the Disabled

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Notes for the Disabled

Though most towns and cities in Cyprus have a flat layout, getting around by wheelchair can be a challenge as pavements are often blocked by shrubs, trees or cars, ramps can be inadequate and paving is uneven. But, more useable ramps are being built and people in Cyprus are generally quite willing to help.

Disabled Transport and Travel

Driving

Disabled vehicle owners may be exempt from paying road tax in Cyprus. Application for the exemption must be made at the Inland Transport Department & Licencing Authority (Ministry of Communications and Works) Nicosia offices.

• Ministry of Communication and Works
  At: Acheon 28, 1424 Nicosia
  Tel: 22 800288
  Fax: 22 776266
• For more information about road tax in Cyprus see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Buying and Registering a Car in Cyprus 

Parking

There are generally a few parking bays marked for disabled drivers in municipal car parks (though they are often occupied with vehicles belonging to non-disabled drivers). 

The EU Blue Badge is recognized in Cyprus. It is a standardised European Community disabled person's parking permit which provides parking entitlements to badge holders in all complying European countries - a Blue Badge from one country is valid in another. A person coming to Cyprus from another EU country can apply in their home country for this universal badge which allows the use of reserved parking.

To apply for a Blue Badge, contact the Service for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled (a department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance). 

• Service for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled
  At: Byron Avenue, 1463 Nicosia
  Tel: 22 400824
  e-mail
  Website

Things to keep in mind about parking in Cyprus:

• Disabled spaces in car parks reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol
• Do not park or drive in pedestrian zones unless there is a sign stating that vehicles with disabled stickers or badges are allowed
• Do not park on roads where parking is not allowed
• Most car parks allow vehicles displaying a disabled parking sign to park free of charge
• Disabled drivers may park without time restrictions on roads with parking time limits
• Disabled parking is free on roads where payment is required

Drivers with a blue badge from another European country may display this translation beside a badge written in another language (text from the UK Automobile Association):

Car Hire

Unfortunately, rental cars with hand controls are not available in Cyprus.

Hire Transport 

C&A Taxi specialises in disabled transport (including airport transfers) and can accommodate electric wheelchairs as well as power scooters. Transport must be booked ahead of time.

• C&A Taxi
  Tel: 99 485976 
  Fax: 26 322856
  e-mail
  Website

Oberon Explorations specialises in disabled transport (including airport transfers) and can accommodate wheelchairs and 3-wheeled scooters. Transport must be booked ahead of time.

• Oberon Explorations
  Tel: 26 941528 / 99 376886
  Fax: 26 941834
  e-mail
  Website

Leisure Time

Travel and Tourism

C&A Taxi and Oberon Explorations offer day trips and excursions in Cyprus in wheelchair adapted vehicles. 

• C&A Taxi
  Tel: 99 485976 
  Fax: 26 322856
  e-mail
  Website
• Oberon Explorations
  Tel: 26 941528 / 99 376886
  Fax: 26 941834
  e-mail
  Website

There are numerous choices of accommodation that has been modified for disabled guests in Cyprus. Modifications vary from establishment to establishment and it is therefore recommended to contact them directly to find out if they meet requirements. 

• For a searchable database from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation of accommodation for the disabled: Click here

Larnaca and Paphos airports offer assistance for reduced mobility passengers. 

Both airports (Larnaca and Paphos) have wheelchair hoists. Advance notification is advised. 

• For more information, see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Cyprus Airports

Nature Trails

There are two nature trails for the disabled in Cyprus. Kampos tou Leivadiou in the Troodos area is a 1.5km circular trail. It starts and ends at Kampos tou Leivadiou picnic area. 

Mandra tou Kampiou in the Machairas forest is a 1km circular trail

Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

There is a summer wheelchair ramp over the sand to the sea at Polis Beach (the ramp is removed in the off-season). 

Libraries

Calibre Audio Books: UK charity, Calibre, supplies audio books in English on cassette or disk to visually impaired and disabled people. The free service is available to members (registration can be made via the website). Free postal service is available to anywhere in Europe. 

• Calibre
  Tel: + 44 1296 432339
  Fax: + 44 1296 392599
  e-mail 
  Website

The English Language Library for the Blind in Paris provides books on tape in English to English-speakers all over the world by post. The selection of available audio books is quite large.

• English Language Library for the Blind
  At: 35 rue Lemercier, 75017 Paris
  Tel: +033 1 42 93 47 57

Organisations

• Cyprus Paraplegic Organisation, Nicosia
  Tel: 22 496494
  Fax: 22 423540
  e-mail
• The Pancyprian Organisation for Disabled Persons
  At: 50, Pendelis Street, Strovolos, Nicosia
  Tel: 22 426301
  Fax: 22 313250
• Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Persons
  At: 30, 28th Octovriou Street, Strovolos, Nicosia
  Tel: 22 871 300
  Fax: 22311 176
• Pancyprian Organization of the Blind, Nicosia
  e-mail
  Website
• Agios Varnavas School for the Blind
  At: 30, 28th Octovriou street, Nicosia
  Tel: 22 403300
  Fax: 22 403340
• Cyprus Deaf Federation
  At: 21 Makedonitissis Street,1512 Nicosia
  Voice: 22 464197
  Fax: 22 464197
  e-mail
• Cyprus School for the Deaf
  At: 21, Makedonitissis street, Nicosia
  Tel: 22 305422 / 25
  Fax: 22 305423
  e-mail
• Help Cyprus Hear
  Volunteer-led organisation providing island-wide advice, information and companionship to the hearing impaired. Website has information on where to get hearing aids and batteries in Cyprus
  Offices in Larnaca
  Tel: 24 622390 
  Website

Related Information

• For information on disability benefits offered by the Cyprus government, see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Social Security Insurance Services in Cyprus
• See The AngloFILE directory for Opticians & Hearing Technology
• Freedom Mobility: rental of wheelchairs and scooters in Limassol
• GC Paraquip Cyprus: rental of wheelchairs, hoists and scooters
• Evas Tourist Apartments: fully equipped disabled access holiday accommodation in Polis

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