Ablebook and Eurocy invite you to a free interactive training seminar on accessibility and inclusion in the workplace, organized as part of the “Ablebook for All” project, on Friday, 3 July 2026, from 09:45 to 12:00 at Cyta Headquarters.
The seminar is aimed at businesses, organizations, and professionals who wish to learn about current accessibility requirements and the opportunities created by the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace.
Topics covered:
The business value of accessibility and its benefits for organizations.
The new legislative framework in Cyprus and the obligations arising from the European Accessibility Act.
Practical guidance on physical and digital accessibility in workplaces.
Inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment, available support schemes, and incentives for employers.
An initial accessibility screening of your organization.
The “Ablebook for All” project is implemented within the framework of the strategic partnership with Cyta. It forms part of Cyta’s Digital Inclusion initiatives and falls under the umbrella of the “I Am Equally Here” campaign.
You can complete the registration form below to secure your participation.
Ablebook announces the “Ablebook for All” project, an initiative aimed at strengthening digital inclusion and equal access to technology for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups through the further development of its platform and services. The project is being implemented through a strategic partnership with Cyta and forms part of the organization’s Digital Inclusion initiatives under the broader “I Am Equally Here” campaign. The initiative was selected among projects that make a meaningful contribution to reducing digital exclusion and fostering a more inclusive society in Cyprus.
The project includes the development and integration of new digital functionalities into the Ablebook platform. Specifically, it enhances access across various aspects of life for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, while also incorporating solutions that support citizen safety and timely information in emergency situations. In addition, the project strengthens opportunities for social participation through accessible activities and services, while also including education, training, and awareness-raising actions aimed at both businesses and society at large, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive culture.
Through “Ablebook for All”, the capabilities of the Ablebook platform will be further enhanced, offering upgraded digital services that improve users’ daily lives and strengthen their access to services, information, and opportunities for participation in society. Ablebook is already a reference point for digital inclusion in Cyprus, with more than 3,000 accessibility points and partnerships with over 250 businesses, making a meaningful contribution to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment.
The inclusion of the project within the framework of the strategic partnership with Cyta and its broader “I Am Equally Here” campaign confirms the importance of developing technology solutions with social impact, strengthening collaboration between organizations, businesses, and social enterprises. The project will be implemented over a period of nine months, contributing to the creation of more accessible and smarter communities, where technology serves as a tool for equality and opportunities for all.
This initiative represents another significant step towards a society without exclusion, where digital inclusion becomes a reality through the practical support of Cyta.
Ablebook actively participated in the Access City Festival 2026, which was successfully held on Saturday, May 16, in Polis Chrysochous. The festival was organized by the Enavsma Foundation in collaboration with the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous and Round Table 7 Paphos.
The town square was transformed into an open space of sports, experiential activities, and social awareness, promoting accessibility, acceptance, and equal participation in society and sports for everyone.
Through its participation, Ablebook presented its innovative platform and engaged with visitors through activities highlighting the importance of digital accessibility and inclusion in the daily lives of people with disabilities.
Visitors had the opportunity to experience unique para-sports activities, including archery alongside Christos Misos, the world No.1 blind archer, and wheelchair basketball with APOOP Paphos and Cyprus 3X3. The event also featured the presence of organizations such as YPARXO, Goal in Life, and Through My Eyes, founded by Paralympic swimmer Karolina Pelendritou.
The festival concluded with an open discussion on improving accessibility and the power of sports as a tool for social change, sending a strong message that cities can become more inclusive when organizations, institutions, and citizens work together with a common vision.
Ablebook warmly thanks the organizers, volunteers, partners, and everyone who participated in and supported this important initiative towards a society without barriers.
The Stoiximan Wheels of Change team is expanding its activities to Cyprus through a new strategic partnership with Ablebook and “Yparcho”, sharing a common goal of promoting equal participation in sports.
The team’s first participation in Cyprus took place during the Aphrodite Half Marathon in Polis Chrysochous on Sunday, April 19, marking the launch of the initiative’s local presence. A total of 31 participants took part, including 9 people with disabilities who participated in the 5-kilometer race.
Through this collaboration, the Stoiximan Wheels of Change program joins forces with Ablebook, an innovative accessibility and inclusion platform-app, as well as “Yparcho Education and Rehabilitation Center”, an organization focused on empowering and supporting vulnerable groups, particularly in sports. Together, they aim to significantly strengthen inclusive initiatives across Cyprus.
The Stoiximan Wheels of Change program, which has already established a successful presence in Greece with more than 5,000 participants to date, creates opportunities for people with disabilities to actively participate in sports events, highlighting in practice the importance of accessibility, teamwork, and inclusion. The initiative is also planning a strong presence in upcoming marathons in Larnaca, Limassol, and Nicosia.
Its expansion into Cyprus represents an important step toward strengthening a society without exclusions, where everyone has the opportunity to participate equally in sports and social life.
Stoiximan remains committed to creating initiatives with meaningful social impact, proving that collaboration can become a catalyst for positive change.
Because when we run together, we create a world that is more accessible for everyone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Financial Support for Accessibility: The government and the EU must provide financial incentives to improve accessibility in public and private spaces.
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.
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.
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.
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