In the early intervention program of EUR 35 million, from Recovery and resilience fund, The Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michaelidou, reported in her speech at the event organized by the Hellenic Society for the Protection and Restoration of Disabled Persons (ELEPAP) today.

Mrs Michaelidou, after praising her work Elepap, He made extensive reference to the new program of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, which aims to ensure the quality of early intervention services to 2,500 children aged 0-6 years who have or have a high risk of developing developmental disorders. The program concerns insured or uninsured children with autistic spectrum disorders, mental disability, genetic syndromes, vision or hearing problems, speech disorders or motor difficulties.

As the Minister noted, “Through the program, the families of these children will receive a voucher of up to 800 euros per month for early intervention services from accredited providers. At the same time, we ensure that providers are specifically trained to respond to the family -centered model of intervention. “

The minister stressed that the innovation of the program lies precisely in this methodology: “Not only support services are provided to the child, but the family is also strengthened. Parents are actively involved, they become involved in the therapeutic process and integrate the child’s daily life. There is a strong relationship between therapist, child and parents, which has been shown to substantially enhance the effectiveness of the intervention. “

The purpose of the program, as the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family said, is “to enhance the potential of the child, to strengthen the family and to promote general family well -being and social integration”.

With emotion and examples of real testimonies, the minister referred to the benefits of early intervention: “When we see a child walking where he could not hold his head upright or stretching his hand with a smile where there was no communication, then we are reasonably talking about a miracle. And yet, early intervention is not a miracle. It is science, dedication and coordinated work at the right time, with the right people. “

Mrs Michaelidou emphasized the need for the state to meet this critical need, stating: “Early intervention is not an option. It is our obligation to ensure that every child – regardless of place, conditions or starting – will reach as far as possible. It is up to us to make the scientifically documented intervention. From the providers we ask professionalism and empathy, from parents to keep hope alive. “

In closing her speech, Domna Michaelidou stressed that the program of early intervention is not only a social benefit, but a foundation for a more inclusive and human society: “We build the future together -politicians, scientists, parents and agencies such as ELEPAP. We lay the foundations for a fair, inclusive society, closer to man. “