Tag: People with disabilities

ACCESS+: From Mapping to Action

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Ablebook and the association “Ena Emeis” are joining forces to implement the ACCESS+ project, funded by the ENA Foundation through the Grants for Change 2025 program. The initiative aims to significantly strengthen accessibility and inclusion in Cyprus, contributing to the creation of more open and functional cities for everyone.

Participatory Mapping with Real Impact

ACCESS+ focuses on participatory accessibility mapping by engaging people with disabilities, young volunteers, and local stakeholders. Through organized field activities, real barriers that affect everyday mobility and access to public spaces are documented. The data collected is transformed into evidence-based recommendations for municipal authorities, strengthening institutional dialogue and creating the conditions for practical interventions.

At the same time, ACCESS+ incorporates a dimension of digital innovation. Within the framework of the project, new features will be added to the Ablebook application, enhancing citizen participation and promoting sustainable social inclusion. In this way, the initiative does not remain a one-off intervention but creates mechanisms with long-term value.

By combining technological expertise with experience in social mobilization, ACCESS+ shapes a comprehensive model of social innovation with long-term impact. Through the active involvement of civil society and collaboration with municipalities and institutional bodies, the project aims to become a best practice that can be expanded to other cities across Cyprus.

Accessibility Is a Right

The essence of ACCESS+ can be summarized in a simple but powerful principle: accessibility is not a privilege. It is a right. Modern cities must therefore be designed with all the people who live and move within them in mind.

ACCESS+ is not simply another awareness project, but a targeted and structured intervention with practical results. Through community participation, the use of technology, and collaboration with institutional stakeholders, it lays the foundations for cities that are more functional, more equitable, and more humane.

Because real progress is measured when no one is left behind—and accessibility lies at the heart of that progress.

“Xai Xoui in the Mountains Vol. 1” – Cyprus’ First Accessible Camping Experience with Sports, Creativity, and Nature

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From 20 to 22 June 2025, Cyprus will host its first fully accessible inclusion camp for young people with and without disabilities. “Xai Xoui in the Mountains Vol. 1” will take place in the lush surroundings of the Rodon Hotel in Agros and is open to participants aged 18–34.

The event is organised by Ablebook, Yparcho, and Reset – three organisations joining forces to create a truly inclusive environment. Their goal is to offer an experience where nature, entertainment, creativity, and sports come together without barriers or exclusions.

The three-day programme features a variety of activities, including sports games and adapted physical activities for all abilities, outdoor adventures, wellness sessions such as yoga and relaxation, as well as creative workshops and evening entertainment. All activities have been carefully designed to be fully accessible, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate.

“Xai Xoui is not just a camping trip; it is a celebration of inclusion and equality. Sports, creativity, and fun belong to everyone,” says the organising team.

This initiative marks an important step for Cyprus, paving the way for more events that promote social inclusion and equal participation for all.

KOA Ready to Implement Benefits for Athletes with Disabilities in Olympic Sports

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The Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) has announced a major policy update that ensures equal treatment and recognition for athletes with disabilities who participate in Olympic sports. This progressive step highlights KOA’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and fairness across all levels of athletic achievement.

According to KOA Vice President Kalli Hadjiosif, the new benefit scheme will be implemented in 2025, with the necessary funding already secured through the organization’s annual budget. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Education and awaits final approval from the Ministry of Finance.

This development marks a significant advancement in promoting equal opportunities in sport and reflects Cyprus’s broader commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion. It ensures that all athletes—regardless of physical ability—are valued and rewarded for their dedication and performance on the international stage.

Society Cannot Ignore the Rights of People with Disabilities Any Longer

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In 2025, accessibility and equality should be fundamental rights, not privileges. However, daily life proves that we are still far from achieving a truly inclusive society. The recent incident brought to light by Rafaela, who faced obstacles simply trying to move around a public space, is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s one of the countless examples of what many people with disabilities experience every day.

The reality is harsh: In Cyprus, the percentage of people with disabilities is significantly high. Yet, infrastructure, services, and attitudes remain stuck in the past. Our country still lacks a comprehensive framework to ensure true equality and accessibility for all.

What happened today to Rafaela is just a glimpse of the harsh reality. Inaccessible sidewalks, blocked ramps, non-inclusive public spaces, transportation systems that exclude people, and a society that often turns a blind eye. How many more such images do we need to see to understand that these are not isolated incidents but a systemic problem?

Our society must change its mindset, and the government must take responsibility. Equality is not negotiable. It is not optional – it is an obligation. People with disabilities are not asking for pity or special privileges. They are asking for the obvious: equal opportunities, access, and respect. But change must start from the top.

  1. Immediate Legislative Changes: The government must immediately impose stricter penalties for accessibility violations and integrate universal design principles into every new project. No construction or project should be approved without meeting basic accessibility standards.
  2. Systematic Inspections: Municipalities and local authorities must create inspection committees to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Sidewalks, public spaces, and even private businesses must adhere to the requirements.
  3. Education and Awareness: Mindset change begins with education. Schools, public organizations, and even businesses must introduce educational programs on equality and respect for people with disabilities.
  4. Financial Support for Accessibility: The government and the EU must provide financial incentives to improve accessibility in public and private spaces.
  5. Boosting Technological Solutions: Applications like Ablebook, which promote accessibility, must be supported in every way. These tools improve the lives of people with disabilities and provide solutions where the state falls short.

We must never forget that accessibility and equality are not just issues for people with disabilities. They are issues of respect and culture. A society that does not respect the rights of all its citizens cannot move forward. It is up to the government, municipalities, and each of us to send the message that change is here – and it starts now.

At Ablebook, we are committed to continuing the fight for a society that leaves no one behind. Together, we can shape a future where people like Rafaela don’t have to give daily lessons on respect. A future where equality is not a goal but a reality.

Paralympic Games 2024: Silver Medal for Pelendritou in Swimming, Reaches Seven for Cyprus

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Karolina Pelendritou finished in second place in the 50-meter freestyle in Paris.

Karolina Pelendritou won the seventh Paralympic medal of her career on Saturday night (31/8).

The flag bearer of the Cypriot delegation at the “Paris 2024” Paralympic Games finished in second place in the final of the 50m freestyle, in the S11 category, earning her second silver medal in the event.

Paralympic Games Paris 2024: Cyprus Debuts with Pelendritou

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The three-time Paralympic gold medalist of Cyprus, Karolina Pelendritou, and flag bearer of the Cypriot National Paralympic Committee’s delegation at the 17th Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, kicks off the competition today for the Cypriot team in this Paralympics.

The top swimmer in Cyprus’s Paralympic history competes today at noon at the Paris La Défense Arena in the 50m freestyle heats in the S11 category. Sixteen athletes are participating in this event, divided into two heats of eight. Karolina Pelendritou is competing in the 2nd heat. The race is scheduled to start at 11:46 local time (12:46 Cyprus time). The athletes with the eight fastest times will advance to the final.

Karolina’s goal is to record one of the eight best times to qualify for the final, which will take place later the same day (20:41 local time, 21:41 Cyprus time), with the hope of reaching the podium for the second consecutive time.

Karolina’s coaches are Stelios Kakavoyiannis and Ioannis Alexakis.

Karolina Pelendritou will return to the Paris La Défense Arena on September 5th to compete in the 100m breaststroke. The heats will be held in the morning, and the final will take place in the afternoon of the same day. Eleven athletes are participating in this event, and the top eight times will advance to the final.

Karolina will compete in the 1st heat, and the race will start at 10:19 local time (11:19 Paris time). The final is scheduled for 18:24 local time (19:24 Cyprus time).

This is Karolina Pelendritou’s 6th participation in the Paralympic Games, and she has won as many medals.

Details of Karolina’s medals in the Paralympic Games:

Her journey began at the Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004. In the country that gave birth to the Olympic Games, Karolina won the gold medal in the 100m breaststroke, and the national anthem of Cyprus was heard for the first time at the Paralympics.

In Beijing 2008, Karolina proved that her success four years earlier was no fluke. In addition to gold in the 100m breaststroke, she also won bronze in the 200m.

In London 2012, Karolina continued her success, winning another medal for Cyprus, this time a silver in the 100m breaststroke.

At the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, Karolina came close to winning another medal, but finished 4th. However, this motivated her even more, and at the Tokyo 2021 (2020) Paralympics, Karolina once again elevated Cyprus to the top step of the podium. The national anthem was heard again in distant Japan, filling all of Cyprus with pride. Bronze in the 50m freestyle and gold in the 100m breaststroke brought her total Paralympic medal count to six (3 golds, 1 silver, and 2 bronzes).

The world record and the Paralympic record in the 50m freestyle have been held by Ma Jia from China since August 29, 2021, at the Tokyo Paralympics, with a time of 29.20.

The world record in the 100m breaststroke has been held by Lukianenko Daria from Russia since April 23, 2024, in Funchal, Portugal, with a time of 1:17.65, while the Paralympic record has been held by Karolina Pelendritou since September 1, 2021, in Tokyo, with a time of 1:19.78.

At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Maria Markou

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At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Maria Markou, a Paralympic champion in bench press weightlifting, will participate.

According to a post by the Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO) on Facebook, “Our Paralympic champion in bench press weightlifting has secured her ticket through the World Rankings and will compete again in the world’s premier sporting event.”

It is added that Maria Markou will be the third member of the Cypriot delegation, after Karolina Pelendritou and Victor Pentara, to participate in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“Congratulations,” concludes the CSO post.

Infocredit Group Honored with Gold Award at the Cyprus Responsible Business Awards 2023

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Infocredit Group is thrilled to announce its recognition at the Cyprus Responsible Business Awards 2023, organized by Boussias. The company proudly secured the esteemed Gold award. The awards ceremony was held yesterday at Galu Seaside in Larnaca.

The Cyprus Responsible Business Awards 2023 recognize and reward best practices in supporting society. Infocredit Group’s constant support for Ablebook played a pivotal role in this achievement. Infocredit Group claimed the Gold award in the “Society” category, underscoring its steadfast commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Theodoros Kringou, CEO of Infocredit Group, commented on the award: “We are honored to receive this recognition, and this award is a testament to our commitment to social responsibility. We will continue to support initiatives like Ablebook that make a positive impact on our society. We also invite other companies to join us in supporting these vital initiatives. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our community.”

Andreas Vasileiou, Co- Founder & CEO at Ablebook, expressed his gratitude: “The greatest thanks belong to Infocredit Group and specifically to Theodoros Kringou for his constant support. Symeon Stylianou, Data Transformation & Quality Advisor at Infocredit Group and Co- Founder & CBO at Ablebook, also stated ‘’ The support for other people has enabled us to implement actions that improve the lives of society and the people with disabilities. Our initiatives have contributed to creating a more inclusive environment for everyone. This award crowns our efforts and gives us the strength to continue our mission. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.’’

Infocredit Group remains dedicated to fostering a culture of social responsibility and encourages others to contribute to building a better future for everyone.

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

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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 is, constructed with the correct specifications. Because the local authorities also turn a blind eye. You realize that the excuse of parking for just, supposedly, a minute doesn’t hold up. One minute for you, one minute for me, and the sidewalk is permanently occupied. Forcing pedestrians, whether fully abled or those with mobility issues, to step onto the road at the risk of their physical integrity.

In our country, the illegality regarding the occupation of sidewalks has become the norm, with the tolerance and inactivity of everyone, unfortunately, without anyone to remove the obstacles and enforce order.

The Alpha News program recorded, frame by frame, the problems faced by people with mobility issues in all cities because all of us, shamelessly, block their access. Access not just to a road, not just to a disabled parking space, but access to autonomy, social integration, equality, and without exaggeration, to the right to life.

Our fellow citizens with severe disabilities number 15 thousand. In total, 145 thousand people in Cyprus face disabilities ranging from mild to severe. All these people do not want words of comfort, nor do they need our pity. They need the development of an environment without barriers so that they can move around autonomously. So that they can go to their jobs without risk, accompany their children to school, or go out to eat with their friends without feeling different. Equality is their inalienable right, and ensuring it is our responsibility.

More at: https://www.alphanews.live/cyprus/horis-biosimi-kinitikotita-i-kypros-oyte-sto-periptero-den-mporo-na-pao

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

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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 may never be able to do so, the report said. According to the report, the brain has a window for language learning that starts from the second or third year of life. After the age of five, it closes forever.

According to the report, the eleven-year-old has a very rare genetic defect that affects about 200,000 people worldwide. A single mutated gene causes the deafness, which is replaced by an intact version during the therapy.

After completing several months of therapy, the eleven-year-old now has almost normal hearing, according to the New York Times.

Even if he cannot speak or understand speech, it could at least be useful for recognizing traffic or similar situations where he needs to pay attention to sounds. He can now also listen to music.

Several studies with this type of therapy are underway or planned worldwide, the report continues.

After the success with the eleven-year-old, scientists want to use the therapy on younger children. The inner ear is a small, enclosed space, so the gene therapy applied there does not affect cells in other parts of the body, Manny Simons, CEO of the involved company Akouos, told the New York Times.

According to the report, finding a suitable candidate was not easy for a specific reason: most babies born with this form of deafness receive cochlear implants in infancy to be able to hear and are then no longer eligible for such therapy trials.

The boy in question was not in a school in Morocco and learned sign language only in a special school in Barcelona after moving to Spain, according to the New York Times.