The Municipality of Ioannina organized an inclusive experiential walk, co-designed with the Regional Union of North-West Greece of the Panhellenic Association of the Blind and aligned with the theme of the European Mobility Week 'Mobility for Everyone'. The 'Blind Walk',was part of the 'Picnics Project', which is the Municipality's strategy to revitalise public spaces by engaging the local creative community and promoting sustainable mobility.
During the walk, sighted citizens walked alongside members of the association and their companions. This was the first time the event had been held in Ioannina, on the temporarily pedestrianised urban waterfront of the Pamvotis Lake.
Participants had the opportunity to cover their eyes and walk through a crowded area accompanied by a sighted person. Visually impaired participants guided others on how to move safely and avoid potential obstacles.
The aim of the event was to enable citizens to experience the challenges faced by visually impaired people in everyday situations and to navigate the urban environment through the sensory perception of a blind person.
The participation of local officials was highly symbolic, with the mayor and members of the municipal authority setting an example by being the first to take on the role of blind people.