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The government has launched a series of initiatives to bolster both day and 24-hour care services for persons with disabilities (PwDs), the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare announced, following public concern over care facilities.
Key measures include extending attendance at Special Schools to age 22 and establishing new care centers across Cyprus. Notably, a new Day Care Centre for PwDs over 22 will open in Nicosia, along with two 24-hour supported living residences, initiatives backed by the Eurobank Group.
Additional plans include a specialized program at the Christos Stelios Ioannou Foundation and the creation of a Model Autism Centre in the Famagusta District.
Currently, 30 24-hour care programs serve around 150 individuals, eight of which are state-operated. There are also 13 supported living residences for 63 PwDs, with five more in development under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Eight individualized living programs and 38 day care centers serve around 750 PwDs, all under the Social Welfare Services' supervision.
On July 3, the Council of Ministers approved a plan to improve employment integration for PwDs. Under the new policy, social enterprises employing at least 40% PwDs can participate exclusively in public procurement. The initiative also offers grants of up to €30,000 to help establish sustainable social enterprises led by PwDs.
