Nicosia, Cyprus. MPs on Tuesday said updated legislation for persons with disabilities must be passed before the House dissolves ahead of the May parliamentary elections. Organisations representing persons with disabilities said the government bill does not go far enough.
Push for a vote before dissolution
The bill, initially tabled in 2025, is titled “Participation, Inclusion and Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities”. With organisations providing considerable feedback on the proposed legislation, MPs are drawing up amendments.
At the House labour committee, MPs called on the government to accept the amendments so the bill can go to the plenum for a vote before the House dissolves in April.
Key provisions in the proposed law
The updated legislation aims to abolish means-testing for serious disabilities for persons aged under 65, de-link benefits from Guaranteed Minimum Income, and enhance personal assistance and independent living.
On personal assistance, the bill provides for disabled persons to choose their carer. Another provision provides for a benefit of €848 for disabled minors until they complete their studies. The legislation also aims to promote professional rehabilitation.
Concerns raised by disability groups and commissioner
In parliament, various groups acknowledged improvements to the current situation but said the bill still leaves a great deal to be desired.
The Children’s Rights Commissioner said the bill’s philosophy focuses on creating classifications of disabled rather than focusing on the difficulties caused by disabilities.
What changes do you think should be included in the bill before it is put to a vote?
