The inauguration of the new building of the Cyprus Confederation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (KYSOAA) and the official launch of the Decision-Making Support Advisory Service for people with disabilities took place on Wednesday, presided over by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of supporting people with disabilities so they can express their will and make decisions about their lives.
In his remarks, President Christodoulides described today as an important day, noting that both the Confederation’s new building and the Agency contribute to the ongoing effort to improve the daily lives and quality of life of people with disabilities.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Behind olgin’s visit
He emphasized that effective cooperation between the government and organizations representing people with disabilities requires meaningful consultation and the active participation of those directly affected in shaping, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the policies that concern them. As he noted, this obligation is, moreover, enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“And based precisely on this line of reasoning, our collaboration takes on an even more practical and substantive character through the work of the Advisors,” he noted.
Referring to the role of the new Service, he said that it aims to provide the necessary support so that people with disabilities can express their will and preferences, make decisions about their lives, and carry them out.
“And this is where the very responsible role of the counselors comes in—a role of crucial importance,” he added, making special mention of personalized support, which, as he said, “serves precisely the goal we have set—the goal of every person’s autonomy and their ability to participate equally in our society.”
“And undoubtedly, this support is particularly important for people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, so that the assistance they receive strengthens their own judgment and respects their own decisions,” he added.
“As a state, we have an obligation—a duty—to work toward making independent living and the equal participation of people with disabilities a daily reality,” he said.
In this context, he noted that the Cabinet today approved a reduction in the VAT rate on home care services from 19% to 9%, with the aim of providing financial relief to families and supporting the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who require continuous care.
Mr. Christodoulides also highlighted the importance of the work carried out by the Confederation’s Juvenile Division, which supports children with disabilities and their families, noting that his experience “demonstrates how important it is for schools to respond to the diverse needs of our students.” As he said, “this is another enormous challenge we have to face.”
At the same time, he recalled that the social inclusion of people with disabilities was one of the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, referring also to the High-Level Conference on Disability held in May 2026 in Limassol, with the participation of over 200 representatives of the European disability movement.
In conclusion, he noted that, despite the progress that has been made, “there is still much to be done.” “I want you to be certain that we stand by you to achieve what we owe to all our citizens,” she added.
For her part, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Tina Pavlou, noted that the inauguration of the new facility and the official launch of a service that already provides daily support to people with disabilities represent a significant development.
As she said, raising awareness about rights and providing support for decision-making “have substantial social value,” as every person needs to be aware of their capabilities and be able to make the most of what they are entitled to. “Social policy gains meaning through its relationship with the individual,” she noted.
Ms. Pavlou noted that close collaboration with KYSOAA, within the framework of a working group chaired by the Director General of the Deputy Ministry, contributed to the preparation of the bill on social participation, inclusion, and independent living for people with disabilities. “Our collaboration continues, and together we will find a solution to every challenge,” he added.
Finally, he assured that the Deputy Ministry will continue to work with perseverance and consistency, “with the shared goal of a society in which people with disabilities participate on an equal footing.”
At the same time, the President of KYSOAA, Themis Anthopoulou, described the new building as a space that belongs to all people with disabilities in Cyprus, noting that it is not merely the Confederation’s headquarters, but a space for representing and advocating for their rights.
Referring to the new Service, she said that the goal is to change the way people with disabilities are treated when decisions affecting their lives are made, by shifting from substituting their will to supporting them so they can make their own decisions.
As she noted, this effort is linked to the recognition of the legal capacity of people with disabilities on an equal basis, as provided for in Article 12 of the United Nations Convention. He noted that particular priority is given to people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, as well as to those with greater support needs whose voices are often not heard.
“We do not make decisions for these people. We support them so that they themselves can make decisions about their own lives,” she added.
At the same time, as she noted, “it is no coincidence that only 20 of the 194 countries that have ratified the Convention have undertaken this radical change, and it is an honor for Cyprus to be the 21st country on that list.”
He also made special mention of the Juvenile Division of KYSOAA, which was established about a year ago and currently supports 170 children with disabilities and their families, while also advocating for the strengthening of inclusive education.
The Confederation’s President also called for additional funding to be secured in the 2027 budget, so that the remaining individuals who meet the relevant criteria can be included in the Service, expressing the goal of covering everyone by the end of 2028.
Finally, he assured that KYSOAA will continue to advocate for and defend the rights of people with disabilities.
The project manager, Antis Papadopoulos, noting that when he took office in February 2026, there were only two counselors, whereas today their number stands at 73. The goal, he said, is to fill all 80 positions provided for in the contract by November 10.
As he noted, the counselors are responsible for the initial assessment of support needs, documenting social histories, and gradually developing personalized social integration plans centered on the individuals’ own wishes and choices.
He also noted that the process of mapping the needs of people with disabilities living in unsuitable environments has already begun, while plans are underway to expand the program to include students in the final grades of special education schools. “Several thousand people have already reached out to us,” he said, referring to the Service’s first six months of operation.
“Entrusting this service to KYSOAA is a significant institutional choice—a revolutionary, I dare say, move by the government—and tangible proof of its strong commitment to to bring all citizens with disabilities into the public eye,” he added.
At the same time, the Head of the European Commission Delegation to Cyprus, Panikos Pourgourides, noted that the new Service is part of the project “New Network of Social Inclusion Services for People with Disabilities,” with a total budget of ten million euros, which is part of the Cohesion Policy Program “THALIA 2021–2027” and is co-financed by the European Social Fund+.
The goal of the project, he said, is to support approximately 4,000 people with disabilities through an upgraded network of social services.
“For a fellow citizen with a disability, this European support means greater independence, more choices, and more meaningful control over their daily life,” he noted.
He emphasized that support for decision-making must empower the will of people with disabilities rather than replace it, noting that “the ability to make decisions about our own lives is not a privilege. It is a fundamental human right.”
Despite the progress, he added, challenges remain in areas such as accessibility, education, employment, and the full social participation of people with disabilities.
“Today’s initiative, however, represents yet another substantial step toward addressing these challenges,” she said, adding that “nothing concerning people with disabilities should be decided without their participation.”
The event was attended by, among others, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Transportation, the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights, the Commissioner for the Protection of Personal Data, members of parliament, and representatives of various organizations. The event concluded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new building.
Source: CNA
