Given the lifestyle differences between Cyprus and many parts of Europe, the wonderful weather and facilities available, Cyprus presents itself as a great place to bring up your family. In Cyprus family values are at the heart of most issues and the Cypriots place their family above all else.
The climate is much healthier for growing children, with greatly reduced rates of allergies and environmental factor problems. Extended family support for disabled members provides a fantastic network and social grouping.
A disabled person may be exempt from road tax on application to the Inland Transport Department & Licencing Authority (Ministry of Communications and Works), if the application is accepted. There is a form that must be completed, available from the Nicosia offices.
Inland Transport Department & Licencing Authority
Tel: 22 807 139 / 22 807 137
There are generally a few parking bays marked for disabled drivers in municipal car parks.
The international stickers for the disabled are recognised in Cyprus and their use is legally enforced. Stickers are available from the Pancyprian Organisation for Disabled Persons.
Pancyprian Organisation for Disabled Persons
At: 50, Pendelis Str.
CY 2013 Strovolos
Tel: 22 426 301
Fax: 22 31 32 50
The blue badge is also 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 town hall.
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 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
There are two nature trails for the disabled:
· Kampos tou Leivadiou in the Troodos area is a 1.6 kilometre circular walk
· Mandra tou Kampiou in the Machairas forest in a 1 kilometre circular walk
There is a summer wheelchair ramp over the sand to the sea at Polis Beach.
Both airports (Larnaca and Paphos) have wheelchair hoists. Advance notification is advised.
Other associations
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
Paphos Mobility offer mobility vehicles of all typrs thrughout the region.