A delegation from the European Blind Union (EBU) spent two days in Bratislava in May 2026, visiting the Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Slovakia (UNSS) for a programme of working sessions, partner presentations, and cultural exchanges.
The first morning opened with a presentation by Slovakia's Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, who described a recent landmark: after sustained advocacy by UNSS members, the law was changed to allow blind people to sign legal documents without requiring two physical witnesses (a small reform with an outsized symbolic value). A discussion on inclusive education followed, revealing a need for better coordination between institutions supporting visually impaired pupils. Braille remains largely absent from the Slovak education system despite being a crucial literacy tool, with textbook production relying on minimal subsidies from the Ministry of Culture.
The Slovak Disability Forum (an 18-member umbrella body with no employees, relying on project funding) presented its work in legislative advocacy and EU-level engagement, while flagging that the government has yet to fulfil its UNCRPD Article 33.3 obligation to fund civil society monitoring. UNSS itself is a complex organisation with 3,500 members, 46 local cell organisations, 8 regional councils, and a full suite of free social services, with hundreds of activities run by volunteers at grassroots level. Two of its commercial subsidiaries also presented: Tyflocomp, Slovakia's leading assistive technology retailer, and Pristupne.sk, an accessibility auditing company whose workload has surged since the European Accessibility Act came into force. The afternoon was devoted to an accessible, sensory tour of the historic city centre, led by a colourful and erudite guide whose commentary brought to life the country's socio-cultural and political landscape.
The second day focused on culture, sport, and projects. UNSS presented initiatives ranging from the Healthy Eyes in Kindergarten early-detection programme to the White Pencil Day, a nationwide fundraising event raising €300,000 last year. The One World film festival and the FRAME tactile art system both illustrated how genuine creative inclusion can flourish (even when systemic enforcement lags behind).
The visit reinforced a recurring truth: closing the gap between rights on paper and rights in practice takes organisations like UNSS, working persistently and inventively, year after year.
A full report will follow shortly.