1. 1 DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL INSURANCE Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities 1430 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: 00357 22 406 406, Fax: 00357 22 406 555 website: www.mlsi.gov.cy/dsid e-mail: info@dsid.mlsi.gov.cy,www.mlsi.gov.cy/dsidinfo@dsid.mlsi.gov.cy

2. 2 DISABILITY AND STATE SERVICES IN CYPRUS MINISTRY OF HEALTH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS MINISTRY OF INTERIOR MINISTRY OF FINANCE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL INSURANCE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN AND EQUALITY AUTHORITY LOCAL AUTHORITIES: MUNICIPALITIES AND COMMUNITIES OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR CHILD PROTECTION

3. 3 DISABILITY CONSULTATION WITH CIVIL SOCIETY DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL INSURANCE PANCYPRIAN COUNCIL FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PANCYPRIAN CONFEDERATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES CO-RESPONSIBLE MINISTRIES AND SOCIAL PARTNERS Parents Association for people with mental handicap Committee for the Protection of Rights of People with Mental Handicap

4. 4 A NEW DEPARTMENT IN THE MINISTRY AS FROM 1.1.2009 MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL INSURANCE DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES SOCIAL INSURANCE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR INSPECTION EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND UNIT DISABILITY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM FOCAL POINT FOR COORDINATION SOCIAL BENEFITS VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND REHABILITATION

5. 5 MISSION, VISION AND STRATEGIC GOAL OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES MISSION : To undertake as a central agent the formulation, co- ordination and implementation of social policies for persons with disabilities in co-operation with co-responsible ministries and services as well as the Pancyprian Confederation of the Organisations of Persons with Disabilities. VISION: the improvement of quality of life of persons with disabilities and their social inclusion. STRATEGIC GOAL: the design and implementation of reforms that will create new prospects for social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

6. 6 DISABILITY POLICIES IN CYPRUS A STRONG LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK General Law for Persons with Disabilities, 2000-2007, providing for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. Ratification as from 4.3.2011 of the UN Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, being the future road map for disability policies, programs and actions. Law for the Protection of People with Mental Handicap, 1989 Law for the Consultation between State Services and the Confederation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities Specialized Laws regarding education, employment, financial assistance etc.

7. 7 DISABILITY POLICIES IN CYPRUS – cont. Assessment of disability Design and application of a new System for the Assessment of Disability based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of WHO. A project financed by ESF. Three new Disability Assessment Centres in Cyprus: one in Nicosia in 2011 and two in Limassol and Larnaca in 2012. Simplification and modernization of assessment procedures for persons with disabilities. Creation of a disability database as a platform to support decision making and policies.

8. 8 DISABILITY POLICIES IN CYPRUS – cont. Inclusive Education Ministry of Education and Culture. Most of children with disabilities are included in mainstreaming education with support by school assistants and therapists. Special schools operate for children who need them.

9. 9 DISABILITY POLICIES IN CYPRUS – cont. Vocational Training and Employment Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance Financial incentives for recruitment of persons with disabilities in the private sector. Trained employment counselors at the Public Employment Service offices. Enforcement of a new law as from 2009 for the recruitment of persons with disabilities in the wider public sector at a quota of 10% of vacant posts. Supported employment programmes. Sheltered workshops for persons not able to work in the open labour markets. Need for new and modern training and employment programmes. Project in progress for the establishment of a new semi-government Organisation for Vocational Training and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.

10. 10 DISABILITY POLICIES IN CYPRUS – cont. Independent or supported living Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance Adequate standard of living by public financial assistance. Disability monthly allowances and grants. Technical aids and equipment. Support to NGO´s and Local Authorities for the operation of Day Care Centers and Homes in the Community.

11. 11 DISABILITY POLICIES IN CYPRUS – cont. Accessibility Ministry of Communications and Works. Ministry of Interior. Regulations for accessibility in public buildings, public roads, public transport, parking for persons with disabilities. A long way to go from theory in practice until the fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities to equal treatment in the provision of goods and services and in accessibility in communications, transport, leisure and recreation etc.

12. 12 THE FUTURE AHEAD UN Convention for the rights of persons with Disabilities EU Disability Strategy 2010-2020 THANK YOU National Disability Action Plan