K. Hatzidakis: Due initiative to improve the daily life of our disabled fellow citizens
Another step to improve the daily life of people with disabilities took place today, Wednesday, with the signing of the contract between e-EFKA and SEF for the rental of premises, facilities and infrastructure of the Stadium of Peace and Friendship for the accommodation and operation of the Disability Certification Center (KEPA).
As it was emphasized in a special event held today at SEF in the presence of the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Kostis Hatzidakis and the Minister of State – and coordinator of the National Action Plan for the disabled Giorgos Gerapetritis, the signing of the contract paves the way for the creation of a modern KEPA with the most modern accessibility standards for people with disabilities. After Thessaloniki, where the new KEPA facilities were inaugurated last July, Attica will soon also have a modern KEPA with easy access, parking spaces and upgraded equipment – which will extend to approximately 1,300 square meters and will replace the existing, outdated buildings facilities on Piraeus Street in the building on Piraeus Street. It is noted that the complete modernization of the KEPA facilities throughout the country is part of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities. In this context, a few days ago the projects to upgrade the building infrastructure of KEPA in Argos were completed, while yesterday the contract for the modernization of KEPA in Arta was signed.
During the event, Mr. Hatzidakis recalled the main initiatives that have been promoted by the government to support people with disabilities:
1.Increase of disability benefits by 8% from May 1.
2. Start of implementation of the “Personal Assistant” program that promotes the independent coexistence of Persons with Disabilities.
3. Activation of the Digital Disability Card and the Digital Disability Portal
4. Digital KEPAs, i.e. digitization to a very large extent of the disability certification process which was previously associated with inconvenience and delays in issuing the relevant decisions
5. Abolition of mandatory review by KEPA for irreversible diseases.
6.Establishment for the first time of the Regulation of Operation of KEPA
7. Establishment of electronic appointments at KEPA
The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Kostis Hatzidakis, said: “Today we are paving the way for the creation of a modern KEPA at the Stadium of Peace and Friendship, with modern and accessible infrastructure, completely friendly to People with Disabilities. We are implementing yet another commitment, following the digitization of KEPA procedures, the activation of the Digital Disability Card and the National Disability Portal, the adoption of the first operating regulations of KEPA. Improving the daily life of our disabled fellow citizens is our obligation and duty. And that’s what we’re trying to do, practicing social policy in practice.”
The Minister of State Giorgos Gerapetritis said: “Today begins a very important project, part of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities, which will make the lives of people with disabilities much easier. There are still many things that need to be done, either by us or by any subsequent government. But it is certain that a great legacy has been created which should be continued, because the indicator of the culture of any society is the way in which it treats the most vulnerable social groups”.
The Governor of e-EFKA Panagiotis Doufexis stated: “The creation of the new modern KEPA at the Stadium of Peace and Friendship that will serve approximately 150,000 People with Disabilities every year, improves the daily life of our vulnerable fellow citizens, which is our obligation as well as our duty. The Committees are attended by people with ambulances, with escorts, with mobility problems. We offer them reliable and functional reception and examination areas, as the design of the facilities has been done with absolute respect for the citizen and his needs, ensuring maximum accessibility.”
The President of SEF, Christina Tsiligiri, stated: “The leasing of spaces in our Stadium for the relocation of the Disability Certification Center was a priority for our Administration. Because, our fellow citizens with any form of disability will now find easy access, parking and state-of-the-art facilities in the surroundings of the SEF, without any burden on the urban fabric. It is an example of humanity, dignity, an example of a culture of equality and rights for all. The SEF changes daily. It is transformed into a functional, inclusive and fully accessible Stadium for all”
The event was also attended by the Secretary General of Social Security Paulina Karasiotou, the Deputy Director of e-EFKA Alexandros Varveris, the Coordinating Director of SEF Dimitris Bardakas and the Secretary General of the Hellenic Confederation of Persons with Disabilities Vassilis Koutsianos.
Source: Skai
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