by Another step towards improving the daily life of people with disabilities took place today, with the signing of the contract between e-EFKA and SEF for the rental of the premises, equipment and infrastructure of the Stade de la Paix and the Friendship, for the accommodation and operation of the Certification Center for Persons with Disabilities (KEPA).
As underlined during a special event organized today at the 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 People with Disabilities, 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 also soon have a modern KEPA, with easy access, parking spaces and modernized equipment, which will cover approximately 1,300 square meters and will replace existing and obsolete facilities in the building, on Piraeus Street, in the building on Piraeus Street.
As noted in a relevant announcement, the comprehensive modernization of KEPA facilities nationwide is part of the National Action Plan for “Persons with Disabilities”.
In this context, a few days ago the infrastructure upgrade projects of the KEPA buildings 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, which are:
- Increase in disability benefits by 8% from 1 May.
- Beginning of the implementation of the “Personal Assistant” program, which promotes the independent coexistence of people with disabilities.
- Activation of the Digital Handicap Card and the Digital Handicap Portal.
- Digital KEPAs, i.e. digitization to a very large extent of the disability certification process, which was, until recently, linked to inconvenience and delays in issuing relevant decisions.
- Abolition of compulsory examination by KEPA for irreversible diseases.
- Adoption, for the first time, of KEPA’s operating rules.
- Implementation of electronic appointments at KEPA.
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Kostis Hatzidakis said: “Today we are paving the way for the creation of a modern KEPA at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, with modern and accessible infrastructure, We are implementing another of our commitments, following the digitization of KEPA procedures, the activation of the digital disability map and the national disability portal, the adoption of the first regulations of functioning of KEPA. Improving the daily lives of our fellow citizens with disabilities is our obligation and our duty, and that is what we try to do by practicing social policy in practice.”
For his part, the Minister of State, Giorgos Gerapetritis, highlighted: “Today a very important project is launched, included in the National Action Plan for People with Disabilities, which will make life much easier for people with disabilities. There is still a lot to do, either by us or by any subsequent government. It is certain, however, that a great legacy has been created, which must be continued, because the indicator of the culture of any society is the way it treats the most vulnerable social groups”.
The Commander of e-EFKA, Panagiotis Doufexis, underlined: “The creation of the new modern KEPA at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, which will serve approximately 150,000 disabled people each year, improves the daily lives of our vulnerable fellow citizens. , which is an obligation, but also our duty. The Committees are frequented by people with ambulances, with escorts, with mobility problems. We offer them reliable and functional reception and examination spaces, because the design of the facilities has been made with absolute respect for the citizen and his needs, guaranteeing maximum accessibility.”
SEF President Christina Tsiligiri noted: “Leasing our stadium spaces for the move of the Disability Certification Center was a priority for our administration, as our fellow citizens with all forms of disability will now find the surrounding areas from SEF easy access, parking and state-of-the-art equipment, without any burden on the urban fabric. It is an example of humanity, of dignity, an example of a culture of equality and rights for all. The SEF changes daily. It is transforming into a functional, inclusive and fully accessible stage for everyone.”
The event also brought together Social Security General Secretary Paulina Karasiotou, e-EFKA Deputy Director Alexandros Varveris, SEF Coordinating Director Dimitris Bardakas and Hellenic Confederation of Disabled People (ESAmeA) Secretary General Vassilis Kosiatnos.
Source: APE – MEB
