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Barrier free castle in Stará Ľubovňa

SocialCulture and sustainable tourism
By project CRinMA
Publication Published on 04 June 2018
Location
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Slovakia
Východné Slovensko
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.

About this good practice

Stará Ľubovňa Castle brings new way of presentation for the people with special needs. Barrier free Castle is the answer on the basic requirement- to be open to every visitor. Making Castle barrier free is the most successful event in the history of the Castle. Implementation of international strategies and conventions on accessibility of culture of marginalized groups is a small part of museum work, but the most visible by media. The castle and open air museum is open for blind people, deaf people and also to people with various mental disorders.
Making castle available:
- for deaf - use of modern technologies that allow inserting video, that contains narrated text in sign language. Records are stored on internet cloud, where visitors can download it via QR code to their mobile phone or borrowed tablet.
- for visually impaired there is a guiding line allowing passing part of the castle. Part of the line is a 3D bronze model of the castle designed especially for the blind people.
Besides during the seasons, Castle is realizing projects focused on animotherapy. Therapies use birds of prey as a means of treating and rehabilitating psychological problems.

Expert opinion

This is a remarkable initiative that demonstrates how to create an enabling environment for people with disabilities by facilitating their access to cultural heritage sites.

Recognising that accessibility requires more than physical adaptations, the project prioritised direct engagement with individuals with disabilities to understand their unique needs and perspectives. This collaborative approach has ensured that the solutions implemented are practical, meaningful, and genuinely enriching for the targeted visitors.

The intiative has also enhanced the Castle’s visibility, attracting media attention, earning awards, and elevating its reputation among tourists and visitors.

The practice can serve a positive and inspiring example for cultural institutions in other regions and cities how to improve access to heritage sites for disabled people and their experience when visiting such sites.

Resources needed

Costs in 2011year was about 300€.
There was also some donors and grant from the Ministry of Culture. Also human resources are very important, because is necessary upgrade existing parts, to maintain them and ensure their realization.

Evidence of success

It is the one of the most meaningful projects. There is ability to stop decline of thinking in many cases. You give blind person a chance to see something, you can not imagine from narrartive, touch something unimaginable and to gain self-confidence. It is not possible to measure the results of such projects. Visit rate is negligible, but even if only one has come, thats what it means.

Potential for learning or transfer

It should be noted that although the project was designed for disadvantaged groups, at least the same contribution it had for the museum. Media self-presentation, high-ranking by visitors and tourists and awards by various organizations involved these kind of activities are indisputable contribution, but also commitment for the future. If you want to implement it, its important to learn and compare knowledge and experience. Its necessary to communicate with people on the other side of the "barier". Its important to prepare complex projects and create quality outputs. Everyone is the member of the society and should be involved in the process.

Further information

Website

Website

Good practice owner

You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.

Organisation
Organisation

Presov Self-governing Region

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Slovakia
Východné Slovensko
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