30 tactile maps to make geography more accessible
A new initiative by Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta, Europe Direct Valletta and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) will make learning geography more accessible to students with visual impairments. The project involves developing and producing tactile maps that let more students explore the geography of Malta and the European Union in an inclusive, accessible way.
The maps were officially launched during an event held at St Benedict College’s Filippo Castagna Primary School in Ħal Għaxaq, in the presence of the Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, the Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Julia Farrugia, Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disability Rhoda Garland, Chief Executive Officer of Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta, Rodrick Zerafa and representatives from the Department for Educational Services, the Malta Trust Foundation, and the Malta Society of the Blind.
Developed using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, the maps feature raised surfaces, tactile indicators and Braille labels. These features enable persons who are blind or visually impaired to recognise geographical boundaries, identify the Member States of the European Union and explore key locations across the Maltese Islands.
A total of 30 maps has been produced, comprising 15 maps of Malta and Gozo and 15 maps of the European Union. These will be distributed to schools, libraries and organisations working directly with persons with visual impairments. The initiative aims to provide students with more equal opportunities to learn through accessible educational resources of this kind.
During the event, students with visual impairments had the opportunity to explore the maps alongside their classmates, demonstrating how these resources can be used as educational tools in the classroom.
Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised that access to knowledge should be a right enjoyed by everyone.
“As a government, we want every child to have the tools and support they need to learn and develop their full potential. Through this initiative, we are removing tangible barriers to learning and making knowledge about Malta and the European Union more accessible. This is the Europe we want to bring closer to people: a Europe that creates equal opportunities and makes a real difference in everyday life,” said the Minister.
Minister Julia Farrugia stated:
“It was a pleasure for us to make this investment through the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, as this was not intended to be a one-off project. Rather, we want to ensure that inclusion is approached holistically, enabling children with visual impairments to participate in lessons just like any other child. Through this investment, we are also reaching out to a number of voluntary organisations, which will have the opportunity to take this project forward within their respective communities.”
Quiven Vella, a visually impaired Year 8 student at St Benedict College, Kirkop Middle School, explained that these maps are a useful tool that will help him learn more about Malta and the European Union and ensure he has the same learning experience as his classmates.
The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, Europe Direct Valletta, and Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta jointly funded the project.
