The launch of the independent living support services program, which will be implemented by the Non-Governmental Organization "Voice for Autism", was launched today by the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evangelou.
During her welcome, Mrs. Evangelou said that "we are very pleased to add an additional residence that will currently serve three people and a second one is in the works," following the operation of nine residences and seven individual independent living support service programs , in the framework of the project "Creation of Housing/Supported Living Programs".
The Deputy Minister noted that the nine residences that are already operating serve 51 people with disabilities.
"The number of these residences is expected to increase again soon, as the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities is in the process of evaluating offers for the implementation of additional programs," added Mrs. Evangelou.
He also referred to the recent decision of the Council of Ministers for the purchase of 5 houses, which will be built by KOAG, will be purchased by the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities and the service provision program will be assigned to private sector contractors through a public tender. "This project will be fully funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026, with a budget of 2,4 million euros," he noted.
Mrs. Evangelou explained that the need to create independent living homes was deemed necessary after a study carried out by the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, which identified young people with mental disabilities or autism who resided either in institutional structures or in retirement homes or in insufficiently supportive environments.
"The need for the operation of residences and support programs for independent living with the inclusion of high-risk individuals was identified in order to avoid institutionalization, but also social exclusion," explained Mrs. Evangelou.
He added that "individuals are served by their own choice and at their own request and have access to care, support, education, rehabilitation, escort, creative employment, entertainment, communication and other social integration services".
He also explained that independent living support services aim to empower people with disabilities to take control of their own lifestyles and access these services according to their individual needs, capabilities and free choices. .
He also explained that the project "Creation of Housing/Supported Living Programs" is co-financed by 60% by the European Social Fund+ within the framework of the THALEIA 2021-2027 program with a total budget of €20 million.
Ms. Evangelou noted that the project is implemented with the primary and most basic goal of people with disabilities being able to have their own home, in which they will live with safety, dignity and quality of life.
"One such program is the one we are launching today, which has been awarded through a competition to the non-governmental organization "Voice for Autism" which is successfully active in providing support to people with autism," said the Deputy Minister, mentioning that the organization was founded by a group of volunteers that includes mothers of adults with autism and professionals in the fields of special education, human rights and volunteering.
He added that "individuals are served by their own choice and at their own request and have access to care, support, education, rehabilitation, escort, creative employment, entertainment, communication and other social integration services".
He also explained that independent living support services aim to empower people with disabilities to take control of their own lifestyles and access these services according to their individual needs, capabilities and free choices. .
He also explained that the project "Creation of Housing/Supported Living Programs" is co-financed by 60% by the European Social Fund+ within the framework of the THALEIA 2021-2027 program with a total budget of €20 million.
Ms. Evangelou noted that the project is implemented with the primary and most basic goal of people with disabilities being able to have their own home, in which they will live with safety, dignity and quality of life.
"One such program is the one we are launching today, which has been awarded through a competition to the non-governmental organization "Voice for Autism" which is successfully active in providing support to people with autism," said the Deputy Minister, mentioning that the organization was founded by a group of volunteers that includes mothers of adults with autism and professionals in the fields of special education, human rights and volunteering.
The Deputy Minister mentioned that the NGO "Voice for Autism" also participates in the National Strategy for Autism, through which the government wants to deal holistically with all the issues concerning these people, according to Mrs. Evangelou.
"I assure you that the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare will continue to be by your side, so that through synergies we can achieve a better quality of life for all people on the autism spectrum, but also more broadly for all those who need our support, for a inclusive society without social exclusion", he concluded.
Source: KYPE
