Grant Map EU

a case of social exclusion of persons with disabilities and is in conflict with Article 30 of UN Convention. Modern technology offers now a possibility to reduce the gap in accessibility of visual art to persons with blindness or low vision. The range of exhibits which are accessible needs no longer to be limited to sculpture. Paintings as well as objects which are too small (e.g. jewelry) or to large (e.g. buildings) to explore manually can be presented in a range of formats which totally blind persons can access – tactile graphics, “talking” tactile drawings and diagrams, 3-D models and audio-description. Samples of adaptations of exhibits which can be manually explored at 4 museums in Lublin receive highly positive feedback not only from persons with a visual impairment but also from sighted visitors who find tactile versions of paintings and 3-D models interesting (and educational at the same time). The micro project offers a chance not only to expand the range of adapter exhibits in Lublin but also to introduce the idea in Ivan-Frankivsk museums which have no provisions for persons with a visual impairment. Lublin (Poland) and Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine) are united by a twin city agreement. Relatively close distance and frequent coach service make travel between the cities easy. By addressing the challenge of increasing accessibility of cultural heritage to persons with a visual impairment the project will increase the potential of both cities as a tourists’ attraction and will make a major contribution to inclusion of persons with a disability of sight. The fact that neither Lublin nor Ivan-Frankivsk are the first choice as tourist destinations is in fact an advantage. With a mixture of Polish, Ukrainian and Jewish heritage.