Info session and exchange of good practices between seven municipalities of the country
The municipalities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Larissa, Piraeus, Trikala and Chania participated in the presentation of the ‘Disabilities Inclusive’ project, which is implemented by the City of Athens through the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (EATA) in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The project is implemented in close collaboration with the Migrant Integration Center of the City of Athens (KEM).
During the info session , which was held online on June 30, 2023, the 16 representatives and employees in seven member-municipalities of the Cities Network attended the presentation of the ‘Disabilities Inclusive Project’ to provide targeted support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities, discussed the challenges and ways to improve the access of third-country nationals to the social welfare system and were informed about the possibility of meeting the needs of refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities through the project.
The participants were welcomed by the Special Advisor to the Mayor of Athens for the Support and Social Integration of Migrants and Refugees, Melina Daskalaki. Then, Panagiotis Psathas, Head of the Department of Support & Social Integration of Migrants & Refugees of the Directorate of Social Solidarity of the City of Athens, took the floor and highlighted the benefits of strengthening Migrant Integration Centers with complementary social services through the experience of the KEM of the City of Athens.
After the presentation of the project by the Project Manager, Maria Dimitriou, the social worker explained the procedure for disability certification and the corresponding allowance and answered questions regarding the accessibility of refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities to services.
Municipal employees exchanged good practices in this area and highlighted the need to intensify cooperation between them in the future in order to offer an even more welcoming environment to citizens with disabilities and refugee background in each city.
Additionally, the possibility of meeting the needs of refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities living in member-cities of the Cities Network for Integration through the ‘Disabilities Inclusive’ Project was discussed, specifically by providing assistive equipment on a case-by-case and conditional basis free of charge.
More about the ‘Disabilities Inclusive’ Project: https://www.accmr.gr/news/33147/
