Preparing a new national strategy for disability is among the government’s goals, said Deputy Minister of Social welfare Marilena Evangelou adding that this strategy will include holistic actions with measurable goals, in collaboration with civil society organizations, as well as the amendment of the Law on Persons with Disabilities, so that it is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Delivering a speech during a press conference on the occasion of World Multiple Sclerosis Day on Tuesday the Deputy Minister also noted that the aim is to further strengthen our actions in the direction of the full integration of persons with multiple sclerosis into society and to modernise the social protection policies with new services, such as those of the Personal Assistant and the Advisor.
Evangelou said that she is aware of all the problems the people with MS are faced with and she has met them and discussed the issues with them adding that they are in constant contact in order to address these issues and find solutions.
She praised the role of the Association of Multiple Sclerosis because, as she said, with the support services it provides to individuals and their families, it contributes to alleviating the problems they face, addresses their marginalisation and strengthens their more active participation.
Evangelou also referred to the financial benefits and care services provided to them such as the Disability Allowance for recipients of the Minimum Guaranteed Income, the Severe Mobility Disability Allowance, Care Allowances for paraplegics or quadriplegics, Transport Allowance, the financial assistance for the purchase of wheelchairs, the financial assistance for the purchase of a disabled car and technical equipment for their homes, holiday grants, Parking Passes, etc.
The Deputy Minister also said that they want to increase the employment opportunities of people with disabilities, as the Law provides for their recruitment to positions in the wider public sector with a quota, adding that various organizations and bodies are subsidized through various plans to provide such programmes and services.
Source: Cyprus News Agency