A four-day stay in Paris allowed seven young visually impaired people aged 12 to 15 years old to discover the Eiffel Tower, the City of Sciences and Disneyland Paris. An adventure designed around culture, sensations and independence.
The project had started several months before departure. Monaco’s No Finish Line served as the starting point for the “Hand in Hand for Everyone’s Happiness” operation, led by ANICES and APLA. The objective was to allow young visually impaired people to experience a cultural and sensory stay in Paris.
After several weeks of preparation, the departure took place from Nice-Ville station. Twelve people took part in the trip. The group consisted of seven young people aged 12 to 15 years old: Asowala, Émilie, Lucile, Leyna, Sienna, Enzo and Giorgi. Laurence, Kamélya, Clarisse, Sandrine and Amandine accompanied them.
The train journey already set the tone for the stay. Games, conversations, laughter and picnics marked the first few hours. Arrival in Paris then opened a new chapter, with a discovery of the capital adapted to the different sensitivities of the group.
From the Eiffel Tower to the stars of the City of Sciences
The stay truly began with the discovery of the Eiffel Tower. Upon arriving at the foot of the monument, the group headed to the second floor via the transparent elevator. A first experience that allowed young people to gradually feel the height and dimensions of the structure.
From the second floor, each person was able to appreciate Paris in their own way. Young people able to distinguish certain shapes or colors observed the capital from the heights. For others, descriptions from the accompanying staff made it possible to visualize the Seine, the monuments and the major thoroughfares that cross the city. The discovery thus came through sight, but also through words and sensations.
The passage on the glass floor extended this experience. Under their feet, the perception of emptiness caused some hesitation, quickly accompanied by encouragement from the group. Laughter eventually took over. This first outing also allowed the young people to share their impressions and create group dynamics from the first hours in Paris.
The rest of the day took place around the Seine, then through the streets of the capital. Metro, connections and long walks sometimes required reorganizing travel. These unexpected situations also provided opportunities to develop mutual support. The young people guided, waited for and encouraged each other throughout their journeys.
The next day, it was off to the City of Sciences and Industry, in the heart of the Villette Park. The day was devoted to discovery and experimentation. Hands-on activities, listening and discussions made it possible to approach sciences through multiple senses.
A workshop devoted to the solar system opened the morning. Questions and discussions multiplied around planets and the universe. After lunch, the “Space Mission” exhibition extended this discovery before immersion at the Planetarium.
The day ended with the exhibition devoted to sound. Virtual percussion, a giant piano and interactive devices gave another dimension to the visit. For young visually impaired people, these installations particularly allowed them to discover science through touch, listening and vibrations.
Disneyland Paris and learning independence
The third day took a different turn with Disneyland Paris. For several participants, discovering the park was a first. Entry into the park quickly gave way to attractions, music and different settings.
The experience was also based on sensations. The movements of the attractions, sound effects, smells, vibrations and textures made it possible to appreciate the different spaces differently. A way to enjoy the park’s universe beyond visual perception alone.
Over the course of four days, the trip also took on a more personal dimension. For several young people, this getaway was a first experience away from family and daily routines. Packing their things, taking transportation, finding their way around, respecting the collective pace and adapting to unexpected situations all helped strengthen their independence.
Each stage thus brought its share of discoveries, but also new situations to manage. The accompanying staff were able to observe the group’s adaptive capabilities and mutual support. The Paris stay was thus built around visits, but also around these daily learning experiences.
The adventure was finally based on the involvement of the support team. Laurence, Kamélya and Clarisse accompanied the young people throughout the stay. Sandrine and Amandine also participated in this collective experience, designed to allow everyone to discover Paris while gradually gaining independence.
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