ILSC 2025 - Partner Organisations

Introductions

Learn more about the countries participating in the ILSC 2025! We've asked our partners to write a short introduction on their home country and organisation:

Austria

Republic

Austria, with its capital Vienna, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It has a population of around 9 million.

One of Austria’s most popular dishes is Wiener Schnitzel – traditionally made from veal, breaded, and fried until golden-brown. It is typically served with potato salad.

Did you know: Tourists often confuse Austria with Australia, which is why in Vienna you can find T-shirts that say, ‘No Kangaroos in Austria!’

Our Austrian partner is the Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österreichs. One of the recent projects they are part of is BeauCoup – Cultural Participation Without Barriers.
A consortium of ten European institutions is developing multisensory solutions to improve access to cultural heritage, such as tactile maps, 3D models, pop-up exhibitions, virtual tours and other interactive experiences.

Belgium

Kingdom

Belgium, with its capital Brussels, is situated in North-western Europe, in a coastal lowland region known as the Low Countries, with the North Sea to the west. Belgium has a population of more than 11.7 million.

Belgium’s national dish is Moules-frites, i.e. a pot of steaming mussels swimming in a broth made of white wine, cream and garlic, and served alongside perfectly crispy fries.

Did you know: Belgium is home to the longest tram line in the world—the Kusttram, stretching 68 km along the coast. It’s a dream for visually impaired travellers: no complicated transfers, just one tram, a smooth ride, and the unmistakable scent of the North Sea.

Our Belgian partner is Inclusion Creates Chance Belgium. They have organized ICC Days and Weekends, creating spaces where visually impaired people can learn, connect, and grow. The AI-themed ICC Day was a game-changer: the participants explored cutting-edge assistive technology, from smart assistants to AI-driven navigation tools.

Chad

Republic

Chad, with its capital N'Djamena, is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of North and Central Africa. It has a population of 16 million.

One of Chad’s specialties is the long sauce, prepared with fresh or dried okra, smoked or dried fish, meat, local spices and red oil, sometimes mixed with baobab or sweet potato leaves to accentuate its smoothness. Its taste is both sweet and slightly viscous, which makes it go well with millet or corn paste.

Did you know: In Chad, husbands do not allow their wives to eat in restaurants, but if the women feel like dancing in night clubs, it is never forbidden.

Our Chadian partner is the Centre d’Éducation et de Formation des Déficients Visuels, who are in the process of creating their higher institute. This visionary initiative aims to train non-disabled people in Braille and sign language, thus promoting inclusion of the disabled in a more supportive, equitable society.

Czechia

Republic

Czechia, with its capital Prague, is a landlocked country located in Central Europe. It has a population of almost 11 million.

The Czechs are famous for their vepřo knedlo zelo, a hearty and comforting dish consisting of roast pork, bread dumplings and sauerkraut.

Did you know: The most popular type of Braille slate used all over the world is of Czech origin. That is why the Czechs call a Braille slate "pražská tabulka", which literally translates as Prague slate. It was developed in 1886 in Klar's Institute.

Our Czech partner is Czech blind United (SONS), who are especially proud of their cultural events. Their annual festival, Days of the Blind, connects visually impaired artists and musicians from all over the country. Additionally, every July, SONS holds a prestigious evening concert in Prague Castle, introducing two top-class soloists accompanied by a symphony orchestra, one from Czechia and one from abroad.

Denmark

Kingdom

Denmark, with its capital Copenhagen, is the southernmost Scandinavian country in Northern Europe, situated between the North Sea to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east. It has a population of close to 6 million.

The Danish National Dish is Stegt Flæsk med persillesovs - crispy pork belly with parsley sauce. Pork belly slices have been eaten since the Stone Age, and since the beginning of the 1800s, have been served with potatoes, white sauce and parsley.

Did you know: Hygge is a Danish, untranslatable term for well-being and warm atmosphere. In essence, it entails creating cozy social gatherings and intimate get-togethers with family and friends.

Our Danish Partner is the Danish Association of the Blind. One of the areas they are currently focusing on is to enhance audio description in theater and opera.

In December 2024, the association held its first Christmas market facilitated by VI members at Fuglsangcentret in Fredericia. The visitors could explore more than 20 stands with handmade products, participate in workshops, and enjoy traditional Danish Christmas cheer by drinking gløgg (mulled wine) and eating æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls).

Fiji

Republic

Fiji, with its capital Suva, is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific. It has a population of a little over 926 thousand.

One of the most popular dishes in Fiji is lovo, i.e. chicken and fish in coconut milk wrapped in taro leaves together with root crops such as cassava, taro or yams. Lovo is normally cooked on hot stones in a pit covered by banana leaves.

Did you know: Fiji Water, a popular bottled water brand sold worldwide, comes from an underground aquifer in Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island.

Our Fijian partner is the United Blind Persons of Fiji. They have formed a band comprising blind musicians known as the UBP Band. Their most recently recorded song, Nothing About Us Without Us, is often performed during advocacy and awareness sessions or disability related events.

France

Republic

France, with its capital Paris, is a country located primarily in Western Europe, the area of which extends from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea. It has a population of over 68 million.

One of the most popular French dishes is Beef Bourguignon, considered the mother of all stews. It is beef, bacon lardons, carrots, onions and mushrooms slow cooked in a rich red wine sauce.

Did you know: Originally constructed in 1889, The 330m tall Eiffel Tower, was only originally intended to be a temporary structure. It was created to be the centrepiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair held in Paris.

Our French partner is Accompagner, Promouvoir et Intégrer les Déficients Visuels. Their initiative, CampusDV supports visually impaired students throughout their university journey by providing accessible learning resources, helping take part in internships or organising job interviews. Another current project of ApiDV’s is The Right to Touch, which consists in advocating for tactile access to artworks, following the example of major institutions, such as The British Museum.

Germany

Federal Republic

Germany, with its capital Berlin, is a country in Central Europe, lying between the Baltic and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. It has a population of over 82 million.

The most renowned German dish is bratwurst, a type of sausage made from finely minced pork or veal and, less commonly, beef. It is most often served with Kartoffelbrei (creamy, smooth potato puree with a mild butter taste) and sauerkraut (pickled cabbage).

Did you know: Germany has the world’s largest cuckoo clock, to be found in Schonach im Schwarzwald. It was built by local craftsman Josef Dold and took over five years to complete. Visitors can even step inside the clock to see its intricate mechanism in action.

The International Low-Vision Song Contest is organised by the Deutscher Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverband e.V. Last year, two of our colleagues developed Punktum, an innovative and fun braille learning course for adults who lost their eyesight later on in life. It is a course book with interactive software which can also be used by sighted learners. Apart from that, in August we are organising a week long hike in nature, the goal of which is to challenge the vi participants to find their way in the woods and countryside using the Komoot app.

Greece

Republic

Greece, with its capital Athens, is a country in Southeast Europe, located on the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of the mainland, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Sea of Crete as well as the Mediterranean Sea are to the south. Greece has a population of over 10 million.

The most popular Greek specialty is moussaka, a traditional multi-layered casserole made from minced lamb or beef, potatoes, aubergine and tomatoes, topped off with a creamy béchamel sauce. This dish is always made on special family occasions and served in every restaurant in the country.

Did you know: The Greek have a unique Easter tradition, celebrated especially on the island of Corfu. As the clock strikes 11:00 on Holy Saturday, the air resonates with the sound of crashing pots, pans and earthenware which have just been thrown out of all the windows. This custom is a physical manifestation of the Easter spirit of rebirth and renewal.

Our Greek partner is the Center for Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind. They published a course book aimed at learners and instructors of certified Braille training centres. It includes the centre’s curriculum, and aims at preparing learners for Braille code certification exams.

Hungary

Republic

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, situated in the Carpathian basin. It lies within the drainage basin of the Danube River and is dominated by great lowland plains. Hungary has a population of 9.6 million.

Hungarian cuisine is best known for goulash, a beef stew-soup with paprika, tomatoes, potatoes, other vegetables and pasta cooked in the same pot. Parsley and sour cream are often added to make goulash heartier and tastier.

Did you know: Various linguists and writers have been researching the origins and structure of the Hungarian language. George Bernard Shaw wrote: “After studying the Hungarian language for years, I can confidently conclude that had Hungarian been my mother tongue, it would have been more precious. Simply because through this extraordinary, ancient and powerful language it is possible to precisely describe the tiniest differences and the most secretive tremors of emotions”.

Our Hungarian partner is MVGYOSZ, the Hungarian Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted. Since 1978, they have been running a Guide Dog Training Centre, where 8-10 guide dogs are trained every year. Keeping with the times, MVGYOSZ’s traditional Audio Library has been converted to online technology, enabling their blind and partially sighted members to read the continuously growing collection on their smart devices.”

Italy

Republic

Italy, with its capital Rome, is a country in South-West Europe. It consists of a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, with the Alps on its northern land border, as well as nearly 800 islands, notably Sicily and Sardinia. It has a population of almost 60 million.

One of the most renown dishes from Central Italy is undoubtedly Carbonara, a simple but far from trivial dish of spaghetti, dressed with a creamy sauce made out of raw eggs, guanciale (cured hog jowl) and Parmigiano or Pecorino cheese (no cream added!).

Did you know: Romans are said to adore their feline friends so much that they are considered a bio-cultural heritage. Anyone convicted of killing a cat – owned or a stray – could face a € 10,000 fine and up to 3 years in prison.

Our Italian partner is the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted. Between 2019 and 2022, they ran a large scale project to tackle educational poverty as one of the main causes of social exclusion of people with visual impairment. In 2024, the UICI organised  the 29^th edition of the International Camp on Communication and Computers – ICC, hosting national groups of vi youngsters from 12 different countries, including Japan.

Lithuania

Republic

Lithuania, with its capital Vilnius, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe, lying on the eastern shore of the sea. It has a population of nearly 2.9 million.

One of the popular Lithuanian dishes is Saltibarsciai, a refreshing, cold beetroot soup served with potatoes on the side. It consists of a creamy blend of pickled or boiled beetroots and tangy kefir or buttermilk, poured over grated cucumbers and hard-boiled eggs.

Did you know: Because Lithuania has underground water sources and over 6000 lakes, it has the cleanest drinking water in Europe and the world.

Our Lithuanian partner is the Lithuanian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted (LASS). Next year, LASS will proudly celebrate their 100th anniversary, marking a century of dedication to inclusion, accessibility, and the empowerment of the visually impaired people in Lithuania

Morocco

Kingdom

Morocco, with its capital Rabat, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Atlas Mountains extend across the country, and the Moroccan desert is known for its vast dunes. Morocco has a population of approximately 27 million.

One of the most popular Moroccan dishes is tagine, a lamb or chicken casserole braised with spices, garlic, onion, olives, and preserved fruit. Its name refers to the shallow clay vessel with a cone-shaped lid in which the dish is traditionally cooked.

Did you know: Rather than the heart or rose, the liver is the organ that symbolizes love and romance in Morocco. In Moroccan culture, the word ‘liver’ is used in different expressions to convey a range of emotions, including fear, disdain, affection or attachment.

Our Moroccan partner is L'Association Louis Braille des Aveugle et les Malvoyants. They support creative talent by organising the International Festival for Blind Musicians in Tetouan. To increase its members’ knowledge of history and culture, the association facilitates accessible field visits to historical places, such as the Punic-Mauri site of Tamuda.

Nigeria

Federal Republic

Nigeria, with its capital Abuja, is a country in West Africa, situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It has a population of more than 230 million.

The Nigerians are famous for their rice. Each tribe has their own kind, e.g. the Hausas’ Towo, Yaruba’s Gari and Igbo’s Alabo.

Did you know: With over 250 ethnic groups, Nigeria is the most diverse country in Africa.

Our Nigerian partner is the Nigeria Association of the Blind. They are currently implementing two projects: accessible books and accessible transport.

Norway

Kingdom

Norway, with its capital Oslo, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. This country has an extensive coastline facing the Skagerrak strait, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Barents Sea. Norway has a population of about 5.5 million.

The most popular dish in Norway is taco, a shell or a tortilla with sour cream, salsa, minced meat and vegetables. Every household have their own take on a perfect taco, which is traditionally served family style on Friday.

Did you know: Norway gave the world the cheese slicer. Invented in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund, it became a compulsory element of every Scandinavian kitchen, and still proves popular.

Our Norwegian partner is the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted who are celebrating their 125^th anniversary this year. They are working on funding eye surgery for people in developing countries. This year, they are also taking part in the national tv fundraising campaign together with the Atlas alianse.

Slovenia

Republic

Slovenia, with its capital Ljubljana, is a mostly mountainous and forested country in Central Europe. To the south-west, it has a short coastline within the Adriatic Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea. Slovenia has a population of just above 2 million.

Slovenia's most popular dish is likely IDRIJA ŽLIKROFI, i.e. small pockets made from pasta dough, filled with a mixture of potatoes, bacon, onions and spices, and served with various sauces.

Did you know: Slovenia is the only country on the continent that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain, and the Karst. It is often said that the geographical outline of Slovenia resembles the shape of a chicken.

Our Slovenian partner is the Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Slovenia. Their Library for the Blind and Partially Sighted, (KSS), has greatly improved access to information, featuring a broad collection of library materials, modern sound recording technology as well as three new periodicals in accessible formats - audio, Braille and enlarged print.

Spain

Kingdom

Spain, with its capital Madrid, is located in southwestern Europe. The country consists of its mainland territory on the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and two autonomous cities: Ceuta and Melilla. It has a population of 49 million.

Spain has plenty of specialties, one of them being a Spanish omelette, a simple dish made mainly of eggs and potatoes. Whether or not you add onion to your omelette is almost a national debate.

Did you know: Spain is well-known for its various themed celebrations. For instance, there is La Tomatina, held in the town of Buñol, which is an annual festival where thousands of participants engage in a massive tomato-throwing fight. Another one is Fallas, in Valencia, where lots of large-scale sculptures get burnt in a huge bonfire.

Our Spanish partner is ONCE, who are organising the 19th ONCE Theatre Biennial this year. It will be an inclusive event featuring 22 performances in 19 locations with nine theater groups composed of people with and without visual disabilities.

Togo

Republic

Togo, with its capital Lomé, is a country in West Africa, extending south to the Gulf of Guinea. Togo has a population of over 9.5 million.

When it comes to food, the Togolese are famous for their Fufu, a staple side dish made by pounding cassava and unripe plantains together with a wooden pole and mashing them while adding water. Once the mixture is smooth, it gets shaped into small balls that are then placed in a stew or soup with meat.

Did you know: One of Togo’s most popular cultural events is the Evala festival, an important maturity ritual for young men. Every year, hundreds of male youngsters from across Togo gather in the town of Kara and wrestle with each other. Besides, dog meat is consumed at the festival.

Our Togolese partner is L'Association Togolaise des Aveugles. They created three schools for the blind: one of which is in the capital, another in the center of the country and the third in Kara, in the North.

UK

The UK, with its capital London, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel, the Celtic Sea, and the Irish Sea. The UK has a population of over 68 million.

One of the UK's most popular dishes is fish and chips, a classic meal consisting of crispy, golden-battered fish — often cod or haddock — served alongside thick-cut fries, traditionally sprinkled with salt and vinegar.

Did you know: The UK has more than 10,000 fish and chip shops, and during World War II, fish and chips were one of the few foods not subject to rationing, making them a treasured meal in tough times.

Our British partner is Look UK. One of their most notable initiatives is LOOKFest - a unique festival designed by VI people, for VI people - offering a fully accessible environment tailored to the needs of visually impaired young people and their families, featuring activities such as storytelling, music, arts and crafts, dance, forest school sessions, and animal encounters.