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Cyprus without sustainable mobility: ‘I can’t even go to the kiosk.’

9 July 2024

Title: Miranda Lysandrou Even a ten-year-old child knows that the word “sidewalk” is a compound word derived from the words for “pedestrian” and “road.” Pedestrian-road… The road for pedestrians. Not for cars, otherwise, we would call it a parking space; not for bicycles, otherwise, it would be called a bike path; not for scooters, trash cans, trees, and other obstacles. It is the space for pedestrians. It rightfully belongs to them. And no one has the right to take it over. We all park on sidewalks. Let’s admit it. Without even feeling guilty. Wherever they exist and are functional, that

11-Year-Old with Deafness Cured by Gene Therapy in the USA

1 July 2024

Several studies with this type of therapy are already underway or being planned worldwide. An eleven-year-old boy who was born deaf can now hear thanks to a special gene therapy, according to American reports. The boy from Morocco was the first person in the USA to receive gene therapy, which is still in the experimental stage, at a children’s hospital in the metropolis of Philadelphia on the East Coast, reported the New York Times, citing the hospital and the involved companies. However, the therapy does not mean that the boy can now understand language and speak on his own: he

Ocean Basket Restaurants Now on the Ablebook App

28 June 2024

Ablebook is launching a new collaboration with Ocean Basket restaurants, incorporating their 9 restaurants into its platform. This partnership aims to provide all relevant information and services concerning accessibility for people with disabilities and vulnerable groups. Ablebook is an innovative app available on Android and iOS devices, targeting the improvement of accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups by offering information and services that facilitate their daily lives. Ocean Basket restaurants provide ramps at their entrances, accessible toilets for people with disabilities, and vegan options. Through our collaboration, app users visiting Ocean Basket can get information

The Parliament puts a halt to the increase in fines for parking in disabled spaces

27 June 2024

The overwhelming majority of the Parliament rejected a proposed law to increase the extrajudicial fine for parking in parking spaces designated for disabled persons by non-entitled individuals, from €300 as it stands today to €500. Four members of Parliament voted in favor, 35 against, with one abstention. The relevant proposal was submitted by MP Andreas Apostolou of the EDEK party. The proposal that was rejected also provided that in case of repetition of the offense, the person who illegally parked would be subject to prosecution, with provisions for imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine of up to

European Accessibility Forum: It will take at least four years for the European Disability Card to become a reality.

26 June 2024

The card aims to facilitate the exercise of the right to free movement. The European Disability Card, which will ensure common rights for people with disabilities in EU countries, is expected to take at least four years to become a reality. The issue of the European Disability Card was already raised in 2009 through the European Accessibility Forum by its president, Ioannis Vardakastanis, who is also the president of the National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAMEA).

Eight small buses equipped with wheelchair access hit the roads – National Strategy for Disability coming soon (images)

17 June 2024

Eight small buses equipped with wheelchair seating were delivered today, and the National Strategy for Disability will soon be submitted to the Cabinet. These vehicles, which include provisions for people with disabilities, were given to the “Apostolos Loukas” Special School in Limassol, the “Apostolos Varnavas” Special School in Liopetri, the “Apostolos Pavlos” Private Center for people with intellectual disabilities in Liopetri, the “Evangelismos” Special School in Geri, the Ministry of Education for Secondary Education, and the Social Welfare Services of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. At the delivery event were the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, and the Deputy

Special Education to Undergo Changes in September

12 June 2024

The Ministry of Education is ready to delve even deeper into the chapter of Special Education in its effort to implement actions and policies that truly reflect inclusive and unified education in practice. As “Ph” is informed, from the new school year these issues will take center stage for the responsible Ministry of Education, which has developed a specific plan. Already, some points that have been included in the plans have been recently implemented, according to a responsible source from the Ministry of Education.

The CIF proposes systematic checks on health issues through a manifesto.

11 June 2024

Based on findings and conclusions reached by stakeholders and interested parties in the health sector, a document was prepared. The Cyprus Integrity Forum (CIF) proposes systematic checks on healthcare issues to prevent corruption tendencies and ensure full transparency in the healthcare system, as outlined in its manifesto “Transparency and Combating Corruption in the GHS.”

Parents of children with disabilities: an essential link in the education chain

10 June 2024

“OF SIMONI SYMEONIDOU” With the pretext of the biased views expressed in the media regarding the role of parents of children with disabilities in their education, as well as the whispers that have been circulating for years, I feel it necessary to share some of my opinions, which are supported by the literature. Initially, the notion that “parents of children with disabilities do not accept their child’s disability” arises from a faction of professionals who believe that the interests

A child lost their vision due to a laser toy burn – The OKYPY advises caution.

7 June 2024

Faced with a tragic incident, the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Archbishop Makarios III Hospital stepped in when a case was examined where a child was diagnosed with significant and permanent loss of vision in one eye due to extensive burns, during play. According to an announcement by the Ophthalmological Society of Cyprus, the said accident was caused by laser pointers purchased online. Children using them ended up directly staring into the lens, causing multiple burns to

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