Europe Direct Valletta, together with Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), launched a new initiative aimed at making geographical information and learning more accessible to persons with visual impairments.The initiative involves the development and production of two types of tactile maps: one representing the Maltese Islands and the other the European Union. Produced using 3D printing technology, these maps feature raised surfaces, tactile indicators and Braille labels, enabling users to explore geographical information through touch.Through these maps, persons with visual impairments will be able to identify key locations across Malta and Gozo, explore geographical boundaries and become familiar with the Member States of the European Union in a practical and interactive way.A total of 30 maps were produced, 15 maps of Malta and 15 maps of the European Union. These will be distributed to schools, libraries and organisations working directly with persons with visual impairments, helping to make geographical learning resources more widely accessible.The official launch took place in an educational setting, where students with visual impairments, together with their classmates and educators, had the opportunity to explore the maps and experience how they can support inclusive learning.The project is a joint initiative funded by CRPD and Europe Direct Valletta, which is hosted by Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta. It reflects the Agency’s commitment to bringing the European Union closer to citizens and ensuring that information about Europe is accessible to different audiences.More importantly, this initiative demonstrates how collaboration and innovation can address real educational needs, helping to create a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to participate, explore and discover.Want to experience these maps for yourself? Get in touch with Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta via email here or call 27797300.•