Tag: Accessibility

“My Love…”

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A great song written by a disabled teenage girl, about her teenage love!

With the recent opening of schools, it is the best time to remind children, especially young teenagers, that among them there are also children with disabilities who, however, have the same rights as them and must be respected like everyone else. We must remind them that even these children’s souls can flutter in their first love. Let’s give them a chance to fly high. Love is everywhere…

“My love…” Love, a word on which the foundations of our world rest, a word that is the key to the harmonious coexistence of people in today’s society. A wonderful song with lyrics taken from the soul of a teenage girl, Efi Charalambous, set to music by Stelios Michaelidis, and orchestrated by Giorgos Synnos.

Veronica Jotovic, an autistic girl with an angelic voice, sings, which was also Effie’s personal choice to combine with the dynamic voice of Katy Spiller. The video clip is produced by the renowned photographer and videographer Andreas Tsiartas.

So this song is about love and the teenage love of a girl for a boy. It talks about the “butterflies” in the stomach that every person feels when they fall in love… What can’t be expressed in words, can well be said through the lyrics of a song. Music as a universal language can enchant the ears of a blind man by creating images in his mind, pass through the body of a deaf man as a vibration making him dance to the beat, and become words in the mind of a child who has difficulty speaking, touch the soul of a child with cerebral palsy, remind us what it means to truly love. Can a disabled girl or boy fall in love and fall in love with them? Of course, they can! All people, even those who look or act a little “different” from the rest, have the right to love and be loved.

But the word love is not limited only to romantic love, since love can also be felt by a parent/guardian or therapist for their child and this is reflected in the shine of their eyes, facial expressions, body movements, a caress, a smile, a hug. Love can exist between two very good friends who do not label each other but love truly and selflessly.

Behind the creation of the whole effort is a large group of people (with Stelios Michaelidis as the main initiator and the valuable collaboration of Katy Spiller), who fight every day to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and promote respect for their rights. There are sensitized people who still believe in LOVE. This whole idea came to life thanks to the valuable support of Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation, as well as a host of other sponsors and supporters.

Through the video clip of the song, the contributors want to convey the message that love does not put labels, does not distinguish people, and is an inalienable right of everyone. So it doesn’t matter if some children differ in any way from other children. This does not deprive them of the right to dream, love, fall in love, and grow up to live a normal life always enjoying equal rights and opportunities.

Source: cyprusalive.com

Ablebook collaborates with Metropolis Mall for More Accessibility and Inclusion

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Ablebook is an application that provides information and services related to the accessibility of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in urban centers and villages across Cyprus. Through the application, users can find information about accessible locations, view photos of these places, communicate with businesses, and report issues they encounter in a particular location. Additionally, the application includes information about public parking spaces for PWDs throughout Cyprus.

Ablebook is an application that provides information and services related to the accessibility of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in urban centers and villages across Cyprus. Through the application, users can find information about accessible locations, view photos of these places, communicate with businesses, and report issues they encounter in a particular location. Additionally, the application includes information about public parking spaces for PWDs throughout Cyprus.

The first feature of Ablebook is an interactive map that allows users to select their desired destination, showing them the most accessible route. They can also view available accessibility facilities at each location through photos and directly communicate with businesses in case of need.

The second feature, known as Ablecard, is a membership card exclusively for people with disabilities. Through this card, users can enjoy additional privileges at businesses collaborating with Ablebook, such as discounts and special offers.

The third feature of the application, the Kids section, provides information about accessible spaces where children with disabilities can engage in sports and various activities.

The last available feature is the Ablebook Portal, which allows businesses and municipal authorities to manage their locations within the application and update their content. This ensures that accessibility information is always up-to-date and compliant with standard specifications.

The collaboration between Ablebook and Metropolis Mall is a step towards creating a society of equality and inclusion. With the accessible facilities and services offered, Metropolis Mall sets an example for other businesses to follow, making our community more accessible for everyone.

The children of the Summer School at the Technological University of Cyprus (TΕΠΑΚ) stepped into the shoes of people with disabilities (PWDs)

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Event aiming to inform and raise awareness about the fundamental right of people with disabilities (PWD) to participate equally in all aspects of life, as well as the elimination of stereotypes, prejudices, and social exclusion of these individuals, organized by the Technological University of Cyprus (TUC) and the Center for Education and Rehabilitation “EXIST.”

The event took place today, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, as part of the Summer School of the Technological University of Cyprus (TEPAC), which hosts children of university employees, aged 5 to 13 years old.

The children had the opportunity to step into the shoes of people with disabilities (PWD) and participate in a series of experiential activities, sports events, and interactive games aimed at understanding and familiarizing themselves with the values of mutual respect, inclusion, equality, and respect for diversity. These are the values that the Technological University of Cyprus (TUC) promotes and advocates through its actions and policies.

These activities helped the children, who participated enthusiastically, to understand the daily life from the perspective of a person with a disability and the challenges they face, sending the message that we can coexist and move forward together without discrimination and obstacles against people with disabilities, who are an integral part of our society.

The event also highlighted the recognition of the skills, abilities, and qualifications of people with disabilities and emphasized the need for accepting their rights, ensuring their accessibility to all spaces, and, in general, building a more inclusive society for everyone.

Source : https://paideia-news.com/tepak-b/2023/07/25/ta-paidia-toy-kalokairinoy-sxoleioy-toy-tepak-mpikan-sti-thesi-atomon-me-anapiria-(amea)/