accessibility Archives - Page 2 of 3

Near miss call to disabled due to lack of sidewalk – “I could have been killed”

Posted on 18 April 2024 | by s.stylianou | Leave a Comment

Independence and accessibility. That’s what Damien Handlan, a resident of DeSoto, Missouri, is asking for. After a bone infection in 2015 led to the amputation of his leg, he became confined to a wheelchair.

He never felt disabled himself. Only when he was forced to go onto the road because there was no sidewalk, and even received a warning from a local police officer.

“He stopped in front of me, essentially blocking my path. He got out of the car and came to tell me that I couldn’t be on the road. I told him there was no sidewalk,” says Damien Handlan.

The warning says he wasn’t moving with traffic, but he argues it would have been more dangerous to cross the road. “I could have been killed. You say you care about my safety and life. Then do something about it,” adds Damien, saying, “I don’t need you to pay for the rest of my life. I just want a sidewalk.”

Twin: New exoskeleton gives mobility to people with disabilities

Posted on 17 April 2024 | by s.stylianou | Leave a Comment

A new robotic exoskeleton could allow individuals who have lost the ability to move their legs to stand up and even walk again. It can also help them walk independently, guiding their movements and keeping them upright as they participate in rehabilitation therapy.

Named Twin, the exoskeleton designed in Italy for the lower body was presented at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan. It is still in the prototype stage and is being developed by scientists from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italian Institute of Technology) and the Istituto Nazionale Assicurazione Infortuni sul Lavoro (National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work).

Designed for use by patients with reduced or absent mobility in the lower body, it moves their legs through motors located at the knee and hip joints. These motors are powered by an integrated battery, which is said to last for about four hours of use per one hour of charging. The Twin can be used in three different operating modes. In Walk mode, intended for individuals who cannot use their legs at all, the exoskeleton moves the user’s legs on their behalf and assists them in sitting and standing up. The person still needs to use crutches for balance, as with other assistive exoskeletons.

Retrain mode is for patients who still have some mobility in their lower limbs. It allows them to walk on their own to the extent they can, but provides adjustable assistance when needed. Throughout the process, the exoskeleton guides them towards a predetermined optimal trajectory of leg movement.

Finally, there is TwinCare mode, intended for individuals who have full use of one leg but not the other. In this case, the exoskeleton enhances the movement of the affected leg to match that of the healthy leg. In all three modes, a physiotherapist or the user themselves can adjust walking parameters, such as step length/type and walking speed, using a wirelessly connected Android tablet.

According to its designers, two things that make Twin stand out from similar exoskeletons are the fact that it is made from lightweight materials – aluminum alloy instead of steel, for example – and that it features an articulated design allowing for the removal of components for transport or upgrade.

The 4 early signs – sos that we suffer from vertigo and we don’t know it.

Posted on 16 April 2024 | by s.stylianou | Leave a Comment

It can occur at any age. Audiologists share the red “lines” that urgently signal that we should check our ears as soon as possible

While we often believe that hearing loss is something that only happens to much older people, this is not actually true.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in the United States, 1 in 8 people aged 12 and older has hearing loss in both ears, and approximately 28.8 million adults in the US could benefit from hearing aids. While difficulty in hearing may be the most obvious sign that we need to check our ears, it is not the only one.

We asked audiologists to share the main signs that it’s time to check our hearing. Here’s what they had to say:

Number 1: We struggle to follow conversations.

If we constantly find ourselves saying “what?” during conversations, it’s probably time to check our ears.

“Terry Zwolan, director of Audiology Access & Standard of Care for Cochlear Americas, says, ‘Making an effort to listen when we talk to others or to continue a conversation is very important. This may include struggling to hear when there is background noise and regularly asking people to repeat what they have said or often mishearing.'”

Number 2: We need to increase the volume of the sound on the television.

Whether others regularly tell us to turn down the volume of the television or we are surprised by the number we see on the volume control, this can be a sign that it’s time to check our hearing.

“We may find ourselves turning up the volume on the television or radio to a level louder than others prefer, or feel that people are mumbling (because of it),” he says.

Number 3: Our ears are ringing.

While ringing in the ears (or tinnitus) isn’t always a sign of hearing loss, it certainly can be at times. “Some people may experience persistent ‘ringing,’ buzzing, pain, or pressure in one or both ears,” says Zvolan. “Also, difficulties hearing from one ear may arise, it may be challenging to distinguish where sounds are coming from, or our own voice may sound different.”

Katie Campbell, an audiologist and Senior Director of Audiology at HearingLife Canada, emphasizes that experiencing symptoms like ringing in the ears is a good reason to consider getting a hearing test. “Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is usually associated with situations of hearing loss,” she states. “If it persists for an extended period, it’s a good idea to arrange for a hearing test.”

Number 4: We may struggle to hear the sounds of nature.

If we suddenly find it difficult to hear the sounds of nature, such as birds chirping or rainfall, this could be a red flag, according to Zvolan.

Compulsory sterilization in Europe

Posted on 13 April 2024 | by s.stylianou | Leave a Comment

People with disabilities are more vulnerable to abusive behavior from their surroundings and even from their own families. This happens due to their difference. And because some countries do not consider these individuals reproductive due to their illness. Therefore, they are not considered functional to contribute to a job. The violence they experience is increasing, especially in women with disabilities. One form of violence they experience is compulsory sterilization.

According to the European Disability Forum (EDF), governments in thirteen member states of the European Union implement compulsory sterilization on women with disabilities. This is another form of violence experienced by these women. Among these thirteen member states where compulsory sterilization of people with disabilities is legal are Portugal, Finland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Malta, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia.

The justifications for implementing this practice vary. For example, in 2015, a court in Croatia allowed compulsory sterilization. They sterilized a woman with psychosocial disabilities, arguing that her frequent pregnancies endangered her life. In reality, compulsory sterilization is what harms the health of these women. However, in Spain, compulsory sterilization has not stopped, especially for women with intellectual or psychosocial disorders.

Legislative framework in Greece

Regarding Greece, according to the European Disability Forum, there is no clear data on the percentage of women who have been forced to undergo sterilization. However, there are some recorded cases from 2022. In these records, three women with intellectual disabilities underwent compulsory sterilization with the consent of their guardians. There is also a recent complaint from the Cypriot Federation of Organizations of Disabled People. Specifically, a woman with intellectual disabilities was sterilized after giving birth to prevent her from giving birth again in the future

This issue has been brought to the attention of the Greek Parliament. Because it is a very delicate issue, a legislative framework must be established. This framework will cover the needs and rights of people with disabilities. The President of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights explained that special attention must be paid to the issue and the legislative framework surrounding it. Because there is involvement of others, as in some member states of the European Union where people with disabilities need approval for sterilization from their guardians.

European Union legislators are trying to put a stop to compulsory sterilization. The problem that arises is an ethical issue. To what extent should the guardians of people with disabilities determine whether they should be sterilized or not.

Sources:

Chatziapostolou, Panagiotis. (2023). “Middle Ages” for People with Disabilities: The Law that Renders Them Nonexistent and How It Will Change. Retrieved from https://app.alphanews.live/cyprus/mesaionas-gia-amea-o-nomo.

Unknown author. (2023). EDF: Europe Continues Compulsory Sterilization of Women with Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.reporter.gr/Oles-oi-eidhseis/586370-ESAmeA-H.

Mytaras, Evangelos. (2022). Policies for Women with Disabilities at European and National Level. Retrieved from https://www.eoty.gr/politikes-gia-tis-gynaikes-me-anapiria-se-ev.

Parthenidis, Kyriakos. (2018). Sterilization Program for Remuneration and Ethical Extensions. Retrieved from https://www.maxmag.gr/politismos/koinonia/programma-prolipsi.

Vacation Subsidy Scheme for Persons with Disabilities for 2024

Posted on 28 March 2024 | by s.stylianou | Leave a Comment

The Holiday Subsidy Scheme for People with Disabilities, approved by the Council of Ministers on 10/05/2022, for vacations to be taken within 2024, will operate for 2024, according to the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities (DSIPD).

According to the department’s announcement, the application submission will start from March 11, 2024, and will last until November 30, 2024, or until the fund for this Scheme is exhausted.

Interested parties can obtain the guide of the Holiday Subsidy Scheme for People with Disabilities as well as the application form from the department’s website: www.dmsw.gov.cy/dsid and from the Assessment Centers for Disabilities of the DSIPD: in Nicosia, Archbishop Makarios III Avenue 67, 2220 Latsia, in Limassol, Apostolou Andrea 11, Hyper Tower, Shop 1, 4007 Mesa Geitonia, and in Larnaca, Akropoleos 25 & Chaniwn, 7000 Menoú. They can also get them from Citizen Service Centers in all cities.

“It is the responsibility of beneficiaries to ensure that hotels/tourist accommodations are approved by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and that they charge the usual fees for the period. The Department will conduct checks in case of significant deviation from the usual charging rates for the period and will adjust the payment amount accordingly,” it is added.

No payment will be made to a bank account other than that of the direct beneficiary or their guardians in the case of a minor beneficiary.

For more information, interested parties can contact, depending on their province of residence, the following contact numbers: 22815015/082 for the Nicosia Province, 25729131 for the Limassol and Paphos Provinces, and 24205975 for the Larnaca and Famagusta Provinces.

Accessible Tourism by Ablebook

Posted on 27 October 2023 | by andreas.v | Leave a Comment

On October 25, 2023, the event organized by Ablebook took place at Radisson Blu Larnaka, highlighting the importance of Accessible Tourism in Cyprus and especially the necessity of accessibility for the disabled in the hotel units of Cyprus.

Important topics were presented during the conference, including: Analysis of the challenges facing the hotel sector in terms of accessibility and needs of PWDs and “How Ablebook app contributes to PWD Tourism” by Ablebook CBO Symeon Stylianou.

Presentation of specialized equipment by Mr. Marco Ragno, Export Manager of Ponte Giulio. Presentation of practical experience as a tourist with a disability by Rafaela Miltiadou, Marketing Manager of Altamira Real Estate. The CEO and founder of Ablebook, Andreas Vassiliou, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Kostas Koumis, the Mayor of Larnaca, Mr. Andreas Vyras, and the President of PASYXE Larnaca, Mr. Marios Polyviou, delivered greetings at the conference.

The event would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors, including major sponsor doValue Cyprus, Radisson Blu Hotel, as well as sponsors Ygia Polyclinic Private Hospital, Chooseyourcyprus, BauTech Systems, as well as Reisswolf supporters, Harris Kyriakides Law Firm and Shikkis Bros Ltd.

Event for Accessible Tourism in Cyprus

Posted on 18 October 2023 | by andreas.v | Leave a Comment

Ablebook announces the organization of an important conference on the accessibility of PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) in tourism services, especially in the hotel units of Cyprus. The conference will take place on October 25, 2023, at the Radisson Blu Larnaka, with a rich program that will present practical solutions, products and mechanisms aimed at improving the accessibility of hotel services for the disabled. You are also under the auspices of PASYXE.

The aim of this conference is to promote tourism for People with Disabilities and to improve accessibility in general in the field of tourism and culture. Cyprus already offers significant advantages, such as short distances, good climate and safe beaches, making this country ideal for such initiatives.

In the framework of this conference, will be presented:

Ablebook App Special Partnerships and Benefits: Introducing the Ablebook app and the products it offers to improve accessibility.
Challenges of the Hotel Sector and Needs of the Disabled: Analysis of the challenges facing the hotel sector in terms of accessibility and the needs of the disabled.
New Trends in Products for the Disabled in the Sanitary Ware Sector: Presentation of specialized equipment for people with disabilities in the sanitary ware sector by Mr. Marco Ragno Export Manager of Ponte Gulio, exclusive agent Studio Bagno.
Experiential Experiences: Presentation of experiential experience as a disabled tourist by Rafaela Miltiadou, Marketing Manager of Altamira Real Estate.

Ablebook Ltd is one of the innovative companies in Cyprus active in the field of accessibility and social awareness. Through the Ablebook app, it aims to improve the quality of life of People with Disabilities and other vulnerable groups, enabling them to fully participate in society and access social goods.

If you are interested in participating in the event, please fill out the registration form below at Microsoft Forms.

We invite you to participate in our day and contribute to the promotion of accessibility and integration of the disabled in the tourism sector in Cyprus. Together we can create a more open and friendly society for everyone.

We would like to thank our sponsors for their support to make this event happen, our Major sponsor doValue Cyprus, the Radisson Blu Hotel where the event will take place, and the sponsors Polyclinic Health, Choose Your Cyprus and Bautech Systems.

The important work being carried out in supported living accommodations in Cyprus.

Posted on 12 October 2023 | by s.stylianou | Leave a Comment

Every individual, without exception, has the right to life. This should be considered a given. In recent years, significant steps have been taken regarding people with disabilities, as society tends to become more informed about these issues, developing greater sensitivity and understanding.

What many may not know is that in Cyprus, there are supported living residences for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. To shed light on this significant work of social integration taking place in these residences, Litsa Charalambous spoke to CITY. We met her at a residence for individuals with autism located in Limassol. Ms. Charalambous studied occupational therapy, pursued a postgraduate degree in equality and education issues, and later completed her doctoral thesis, which focused on the assessment and training of individuals with disabilities for their inclusion in the labor market. Subsequently, she attended numerous European conferences abroad but felt that the knowledge she gained couldn’t be effectively utilized in Cyprus.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities represents a milestone in global history. It clarifies how all the rights and freedoms apply to these individuals with the aim of ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights. It also outlines the obligations of United Nations member states and suggests measures to satisfy the rights of persons with disabilities. Following an evaluation of Cyprus on how well it complies with this convention, approximately 70 negative points were identified, leading the Cypriot government to essentially establish supported living accommodations. From 2014 to 2020, eleven new supported living accommodations were established in all the provinces of Cyprus. After a new announcement, another seven accommodations were put into operation in March 2020. Then, in September 2021, four more homes were opened, two for individuals with autism in Limassol and one home for five individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Larnaca province. “We bear full responsibility from the beginning to set up these homes, but the state covers the financial support through European funds. The organization is closely monitored and supervised. Every month, we provide a report on each individual, their visits, when they leave the house, and the therapies they receive. The social inclusion department of the Ministry of Labor also visits the homes twice a week to ensure the proper functioning of the residence.”

Difficult cases

These homes were called upon to manage the most difficult cases. Authorities had in mind three specific individuals who were very challenging to handle; they were moved from place to place, and no solution could be found. “We are proud that these individuals came to us, and despite there being no way to manage them, we succeeded. These are individuals who have not learned to have functional relationships. Families reach a dead end, and with our supervision, they consider it a miracle because they now see a different person. The change in their behavior is staggering. It is a great joy for us, albeit with a lot of effort, to help individuals with autism,” emphasized Ms. Charalambous. The approach they use in these homes is called ‘positive behavior support.’ In other words, there is no punishment; you set aside the negatives, ignore them, and focus only on small, positive behaviors to reinforce. With this model, you highlight positive communication methods, which, as it seems, works in such cases.

Their daily life

People with autism living in these homes follow a routine, which is very important for them: for example, they wake up in the morning, take a shower, and brush their teeth. Furthermore, there are person-centered programs. Sessions with psychologists or visits from someone involved in the arts, for instance, are conducted to work with each individual separately. Activities are provided by specialists as well as by the staff as part of socialization. In some cases, staff members accompany individuals outside the home to eat at a place they like. “We want to make their lives as normal as possible. Of course, this changes depending on each person’s psychological state. When someone doesn’t feel so good psychologically, the decision is made to go outside for a walk. We look at each individual separately, their mood, and their desires,” noted Ms. Charalambous. As Ms. Charalambous mentioned, the many organized activities resemble an institution, something they want to avoid. In general, the goal of these homes is to transition from Institutional Care to Care in the Community, which means deinstitutionalizing people with disabilities, many of whom lived in closed care units.

In the home where individuals with autism reside, 95% of the activities that take place are individual. However, sometimes they can all be together, always under the supervision of the staff, for example, in the living room of the house to play a group game.

“The fact that they are housemates does not mean they have to become friends. We certainly have the goodwill for them to have good relationships with each other. However, we will pursue a group activity only if they themselves desire it and if such a group activity brings them joy. If it causes them stress, why should they do it?” is what it states.

“The house is quite spacious, with several rooms, and each person has their own room. ‘Now, after years, they know each other, they know who their housemates are, but they don’t bother each other,'” is what it says.

On the contrary, the situation in the homes for people with intellectual disabilities in Larnaca is entirely different. There, they live like a family and all have their coffee together. However, as mentioned to us, this is not the primary goal. “‘The main concern is to have a good quality of life and to do things they themselves desire,'” emphasized.

The goals

Asked about the goals she has set, she mentioned that regarding the professional aspect, the goal is for this organization to grow, as there are thoughts to take on more homes. “I am someone who loves what I do very much, and I like to meet needs wherever they exist. I certainly study things thoroughly before taking any action so that when the time comes to implement them, I know I can accomplish them in the best possible way, as I committed from the beginning,” she said. Her desire is for the “transition” program to become a recognized educational college. “I don’t believe I will change the world. But we all have an obligation in our own field to do whatever we can to take a step to change our surroundings,” she emphasized.

Message for the future

Ms. Charalambous views positive developments regarding the rights of people with disabilities but expressed her dissatisfaction with the promotion of models for children with “special abilities,” which she considers discriminatory. “It’s not about special abilities. These are individuals like us who have some disability. This is how we should say things. It’s called a disability; they are not people with special needs. In conventions and records recognized worldwide, the terms used are these. We say intellectual disability or physical disability. And certainly, you don’t characterize people by their disability but by their personality,” she concluded.

Source: City.com.cy

KEBE YOUNG ENTERPRISING – Awarding of Andreas Vasileiou, CEO & Founder of Ablebook

Posted on 4 October 2023 | by andreas.v | Leave a Comment

With great joy and pride, we announce the awarding of Andreas Vasileiou, CEO & Founder of Ablebook, by KEBE (Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry) as part of the New Entrepreneurs Awards “YOUNG ENTERPRISING” in the category of “Social Contribution” for the year 2023

The New Entrepreneurs Awards are presented by KEBE in collaboration with the magazine “Thessaloniki Events,” with the aim of promoting and showcasing youth entrepreneurship and integrating young entrepreneurs into a global network, with a focus on merit-based evaluation.

The award ceremony took place under the auspices of the Presidency of Parliament, Mrs. Annita Demetriou, at the administration building of the Hellenic Bank, in the P. Paschalis Hall. This award recognizes the dedicated contribution of Ablebook to the field of social contribution and the creation of a more accessible and inclusive community.

Ablebook started with a vision, the vision of a community where everyone, regardless of difficulties and disabilities, can fully participate in life and enjoy its riches. Through our platform, we provide access to information and services that facilitate the daily lives of people with disabilities.

This award strengthens our determination to continue our work towards realizing our vision. We would like to express our gratitude to our team at Ablebook, our partners, all those who supported us on this journey, and the KEBE committee for selecting us for this award.

Our work continues, and this recognition gives us even more energy and commitment to move forward in the direction of realizing our vision. We sincerely thank you for this honor and look forward to continuing to work for a world that is accessible to all.

Strict Recommendations from the Directorate of Administration for Access of People with Disabilities to Clinics and Hospitals

Posted on 11 August 2023 | by s.stylianou | Leave a Comment

The Ministry of Health should conduct regular and, in every case where a relevant complaint/report is submitted, on-site inspections,” emphasizes the Commissioner.

In recommendations addressed to the Ministry of Health and the EOPYY (National Organization for Healthcare Provision), the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, addressed the accessibility of individuals with disabilities to healthcare services and providers offered through the General Health System (GESY).

Specifically, the Ministry is urged, until the preparation of the relevant Regulations, to prepare, in consultation and collaboration with representative organizations of persons with disabilities, a list of criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that facilities/infrastructures and equipment of private hospitals should meet, no later than the end of September 2023, and to submit it to the EOPYY.

In an announcement from the Commissioner’s Office, the following points are also mentioned:

Corresponding amendments should be directed within the legal framework that governs other healthcare professional facilities or service providers who are contracted and/or will be contracted with EOPYY, so that their fulfillment of accessibility criteria/requirements and specifications becomes mandatory.

In cases where there is no existing legal framework (e.g. diagnostic centers, rehabilitation centers, palliative care health centers, etc.), the training should be promptly promoted based on the timetables set out in the Ministry’s contracts with private entities to whom it has already assigned the preparation of this legal framework. However, any extension beyond the already specified timetables should not be accepted by the Ministry, if deemed abusive.

It is understood that in every case, until the modification or preparation of the relevant legal framework, the facilities and equipment of healthcare professionals or service providers should meet the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that will be included in the aforementioned List to be prepared by the Ministry.”

The Ministry of Health must also proceed promptly and within a predetermined timetable to prepare Regulations where they do not exist, concerning the licensing of healthcare service providers, including private medical practices, so that criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications closely related to obtaining an operating license can be established.

Until the preparation of the legal framework governing the licensing of healthcare service providers, including private medical practices, the facilities/infrastructures and their equipment must meet the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that will be included in the above-mentioned List prepared by the Ministry.

To the Health Insurance Organization (EOPYY):

After receiving the aforementioned List from the Ministry of Health, EOPYY should inform all contracted healthcare service providers that within a short period, possibly two to three months, a transitional period of up to twelve (maximum) months will begin, during which they must take the necessary and appropriate actions to ensure that their facilities/infrastructures and equipment meet the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications included in the Ministry’s List, in order for their contracts to be renewed.

It is understood that the aforementioned transitional period can be extended by up to six months when necessary adjustments with the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications are already underway or planned. Based on the aforementioned information provided to healthcare service providers:

When entering into new contracts with healthcare service providers, as defined in the General Healthcare System Law, as well as with private or public hospitals, EOPYY should require as a prerequisite that their services are provided in fully accessible facilities for persons with disabilities and that they have the necessary equipment to make the provided services accessible, based on the criteria/requirements and specifications to be determined in the above-mentioned List.”

In the event that the relevant healthcare services are not accessible to persons with disabilities and the provider does not take the necessary actions within a specified deadline as indicated by EOPYY to meet the minimum criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications of the List, EOPYY should not proceed with the formation of a contract.

For existing contracts, EOPYY should timely inform, at least three months before the contract’s expiration (depending on the content and terms of the existing contract), the contracted providers that, for the purpose of contract renewal, they must comply with the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications to be determined in the above-mentioned List, as a condition/precondition for contract renewal and remaining contracted with EOPYY.

In this direction, a term should be included in all contracts between EOPYY and the providers stating that within the specified period, they must meet the criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications that will be determined in the above-mentioned List. In case of non-compliance, the contract will be terminated and not renewed.

To the Ministry of Health & EOPYY:

The Ministry of Health should conduct regular on-site inspections and audits of the facilities/infrastructures of healthcare service providers, whenever a relevant complaint is submitted, to assess whether they are accessible and meet the minimum criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications of the List.

Furthermore, when it is determined that a facility/infrastructure and its existing equipment are not accessible to persons with disabilities, the Ministry should promptly notify EOPYY, which in turn should inform the provider of the discrimination against individuals with disabilities due to inadequate accessibility to its services. The provider should be urged to make the necessary changes/modifications to ensure accessibility of the provided services.

In the event that a specific provider fails to comply within a specified period with the minimum criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications, EOPYY should suspend and/or terminate the contract for healthcare services.

It is understood that for the implementation of the above, there must be full coordination and communication between the Ministry of Health and EOPYY with the representative organizations of persons with disabilities. This includes defining the necessary and appropriate criteria/requirements and accessibility specifications to be determined and included in the List, as well as determining the process for conducting on-site inspections and audits.

Source: Kathimerini

Tag: accessibility