Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday announced plans to increase labour market participation among people with disabilities, saying the government aims to ensure they can work, create, contribute and have equal opportunities.
The measures include personalised plans for special education graduates, new employment programmes, expanded post-secondary education and funding for day centres.
Employment support
A personalised plan will be prepared for every special education graduate before they leave the system at the age of 22.
The government also pledged to introduce two new employment programmes before the end of the year. Around 460 people currently participate in employment programmes supported by the government.
Subsidies for social enterprises hiring people for special purposes will increase from €10,000 to €25,000. The subsidy will be available until 2030.
Investments in social enterprises will also be exempt from taxation up to €150,000.
Post-secondary education
Post-secondary education programmes will be offered to people with special needs aged over 22, with personal professional helpers and vocational teachers also to be provided.
School leavers with disabilities who wish to continue their education after the age of 22 will be able to join a new inclusion and professional empowerment programme at post-secondary vocational education and training institutes across Cyprus.
Participants who complete the course will receive diplomas.
Day centres
The government said day centres will open in the near future with €4 million in public funding.
The centres will provide 30 education programmes for adults with disabilities. Each attendee will also receive a €300 grant to cover transport to and from the centre.
