KYSOA: Disability in Cyprus Implies Impoverishment

The President of the Cyprus Confederation of Organisations of the Disabled (KYSOA), Themida Anthopoulou, stated that disability in Cyprus implies impoverishment, as people with disabilities are not a priority for the state. The statement was made in response to Eurostat data showing that 27.6% of people with disabilities in Cyprus struggled to make ends meet in 2024.

Ms. Anthopoulou stressed the need to disconnect disability benefits from the EEE, as one in two people with severe needs due to disability are outside of state welfare. She also mentioned that 11,000 beneficiaries receive the benefit through the EEE, which means they are very poor due to income criteria.

The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evaggelou, stated that the Deputy Ministry recognizes the long-standing gaps and is preparing new legislation for people with disabilities. Consultation on the bill is ongoing, with the aim of comprehensive legislation that will provide benefits and services.

Ms. Anthopoulou also referred to the problematic integration of people with disabilities into the labor market, as well as accessibility issues, such as the lack of adequate infrastructure in tourist destinations and the non-compliance of hotels with accessibility standards.

KYSOA has submitted requests to various Ministries and Deputy Ministries, such as the Deputy Ministry of Culture, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance, and the Ministry of Education, on issues of accessibility, incentives for employers, and inclusive education.