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Episode 4: Michalis Pavlidis Shares His Story of Resilience and Athletic Dedication

1 March 2024

In the fourth episode of AbleTalks, we have the pleasure of hosting Michalis Pavlidis, an exceptional athlete and a role model of resilience and determination. Michalis was born in Limassol to refugee parents and had a passion for sports from a young age. He dedicated many years to track and field, specializing in hammer throwing and achieving numerous accolades at national and international levels. However, an accident at the age of 17 changed Michalis’s life. A car accident forced him to confront a serious traumatic situation, resulting in paralysis. Instead of giving up on his dream, though, Michalis found renewed

Cyprus’ Participation in the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development in New York

19 February 2024

The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Marilena Evangelou, participated in the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (UN) in New York. The Deputy Minister emphasized, within the context of the National Statement of the Republic of Cyprus, the urgent actions and reforms that must be undertaken to achieve the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda with fair, effective, and inclusive social policies. Reference was made to the broader social protection policies of Cyprus, such as, among others, the EEE, the Minimum Wage, the General Health System, the Long-term Care Services, as well as to the

Improvement of infrastructure for people with disabilities discussed by Vafeadis-Evangelou with KYSOA

14 February 2024

In an exchange of views on improving transportation infrastructure and mobility within and outside cities for people with disabilities, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeadis, and Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and Social Insurance, Marilena Evangelou, met on Monday with representatives of the Cyprus Confederation of Organizations of the Disabled (KYSOA) at the Ministry of Transport. Following the meeting, Mr. Vafeadis stated that the problems faced by people with disabilities in their daily travels within cities, towns, and villages, as well as in their mobility both within and outside urban areas, were carefully listened to. “We consider today’s

Creates a registry of supporting documents for children with disabilities by the Ministry of Education, preparing differentiated material.

12 February 2024

One of the most significant issues in the field of education, characterized as the most difficult and complex, is Special Education, for which the competent Ministry is in the process of implementation, in order to fulfill its promises, following the public announcements of the President of the Republic. The dialogue that took place with the involved stakeholders has provided all the necessary input to the Ministry of Education, which has concluded the changes it promotes and seeks to complete by May, in order to implement them with the new school year. Last October, the President of the Republic came forward

Conference on the Ablebook App: A Collaboration with POAA Limassol

8 February 2024

Ablebook, in collaboration with POAA Limassol (Panhellenic Organization for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons), hosted the Ablebook App Conference on February 7, 2024, at the Pefkos City Hotel. Attendees were briefed on the innovative digital services offered by the Ablebook App to promote accessibility and equal opportunities. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Pefkos City Hotel for their hospitality and support. The presence of the Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Nikos Nicolaides, honored the Ablebook App presentation, recognizing the importance of accessibility in every municipality and stressing the need for local authorities to contribute to this effort. Ablebook is committed

Right to work for people with disabilities – A step towards equality

2 February 2024

Andreas Vassiliou, CEO of Ablebook, and Andreas Apostolou, Member of the EDEK party, present a significant initiative for improving the working conditions of people with disabilities. Through this proposed initiative, which will be discussed in the House of Representatives, we express our commitment to a society that respects the rights of all citizens, promotes equality, and addresses economic disparities. According to existing legislation, if a person with disabilities is employed and receives a salary above €512, the difference is deducted from their disability allowance. This measure negatively affects the prospects of professional advancement for people with disabilities, as it hinders

In anticipation, people with paralysis are waiting for changes in the criteria for hotels regarding accessibility for people with disabilities

29 January 2024

The Paraplegics Organization of Cyprus (OPAK) is in a waiting position regarding its request for hotels to comply with criteria that would make them accessible to people with mobility issues. During a meeting held months ago with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumi, assurances were given that the issue would be resolved. The gap in accessibility checks for hotels became more apparent during the summer months, where the organization received dozens of complaints from its members. This mainly pertained to the official list that includes hotel units providing services to people with disabilities (PWD). In fact, in many cases,

Ablebook visited Pascal English School to inform students about its work

23 January 2024

Andreas Vasileiou CEO of Ablebook visit to Pascal English School in order to inform students about its work and open the dialogue to promote accessibility and equal opportunities in society. Ablebook Ltd provides the first “Ablebook” online platform in Cyprus, providing information on accessible places and services for people with disabilities and vulnerable groups. The company operates with the aim of promoting accessibility and providing digital services that encourage participation, offering equal opportunities in society for people with disabilities. During their visit to Pascal English School, Ablebook representatives had the opportunity to communicate directly with students, present their platform and

The fine for illegal parking in spaces for people with disabilities is increasing to €500.

22 January 2024

The discussion on the proposed law submitted by the EDEK Member of Parliament Andreas Apostolou begins in the Transportation Committee of the Parliament. The law suggests an increase in fines for those who illegally park in spaces designated for people with disabilities. Specifically, according to the proposed law, if someone illegally parks in a disabled (accessible) parking space for the first time, the fine increases from €300 to €500. However, in case a person repeats the offense, a fine will not be issued, but the individual will be subject to prosecution under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic

Ablebook was awarded the Innovation Award in the “Social Innovation” category by the Employers and Industrialists Organization (OEB).

15 January 2024

In the context of this year’s Innovation Awards of the Employers and Industrialists Organization (OEB), held at the Strovolos Municipal Theater in Nicosia, Ablebook won the award in the “Social Innovation” category for its outstanding contribution to the field of social contribution. The event was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and highlighted and awarded the most innovative businesses in Cyprus for the year 2023 in four categories: Manufacturing Sector, Primary Sector, Service Sector, and Social Innovation. Ablebook was recognized as the top performer in the Social Innovation category, responding to the social

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