Access City (RTCY)

Access City is a Community Service Project organised by RT7 Paphos of Round Table Cyprus

- Status: to be verified by RT 7 Paphos
Source: RT Cyprus Website & Facebook


Access City is a community-driven project initiated by Round Table 7 Paphos in June 2015. Its core mission is to promote accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities within the city of Paphos. Through awareness, infrastructure improvements, and strategic partnerships, the project aspires to reshape public attitudes and enhance mobility for all.

Objectives

    • Raise public awareness about the importance of accessibility
    • Improve access for individuals with disabilities across Paphos
    • Encourage businesses and institutions to adopt inclusive practices
    • Facilitate cultural and recreational participation for everyone

Key Milestones

2015 – Project Launch

    • Seminar: “Changing Mindsets… An Accessible City for All” held on June 3, 2015, at the Old Powerhouse venue.
    • Featured presentations, open discussions, and a short film illustrating the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Strategic Collaborations

Partnered with:

    • Local actors
    • City Roaming (Polis Prosvasis) initiative
    • Paphos 2017 – European Capital of Culture

Outcomes:

    • Accessibility audits at cultural event venues
    • Donation of a portable wheelchair ramp for public use at events

2017 – Infrastructure Improvements

    • Donation of a floating wheelchair (mobi-chair) to the Municipality of Paphos
    • Acquisition of two additional mobi-chairs by the municipality
    • Funding of a wooden ramp at SODAP municipal beach for improved wheelchair access

Future Plans

Round Table 7 Paphos continues to advocate for:

    • Accessibility enhancements in existing public and private infrastructure
    • Greater engagement from local businesses
    • Ongoing public education and inclusion initiatives

2023 – Access City Festival in Nicosia

In May 2023, the Access City Festival expanded to Nicosia for the first time, bringing the campaign’s message of inclusion and accessibility to the capital. Hosted in Eleftherias Square, the festival featured interactive activities, performances, and workshops designed to engage the public and raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

The event was organized as part of the wider Access City campaign, with support from Round Table Cyprus and local partner organizations. The festival created a dynamic and welcoming environment where participants of all abilities could learn, contribute, and celebrate progress in accessible urban living.

By hosting the festival in Nicosia, the campaign strengthened its national reach and continued its mission to promote equality, dignity, and accessibility across Cyprus.

2025 – Accessibility Treasure Hunt in Nicosia

On May 3rd, 2025, Round Table Cyprus organized an innovative accessibility-themed treasure hunt in Eleftherias Square, at the heart of Nicosia. The event brought together people with and without disabilities to explore the city collaboratively and identify both challenges and opportunities related to urban accessibility.

Participants used a smartphone application to navigate key points in the city center, document environmental barriers, and highlight positive examples of inclusive design. This engaging activity was part of the ongoing Access City campaign, originally launched in 2015 by Round Table 7 Paphos.

The initiative was a joint effort between Round Table 5 Nicosia, Round Table 1 Nicosia, and local advocacy organizations, including Οργάνωση Παραπληγικών Κύπρου (ΟΠΑΚ) and Γκολ στη Ζωή – Goal in Life. The data and feedback gathered during the event will be submitted to the Nicosia Municipality to support future accessibility improvements.

This project exemplifies how Round Table groups can partner with communities to promote inclusion and create lasting, positive change. Tables interested in similar projects are encouraged to reach out to Round Table Cyprus for guidance and shared resources.

Contact & More Information

For more details or to get involved, visit the official project page:
👉 Access City – Round Table Cyprus