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Representing First Lady Philippa Carcera Christodoulides, under whose auspices today's event was held, I convey her warm greetings.
World Autism Awareness and Awareness Day was established in 2007 by a resolution of the UN General Assembly and is celebrated every year on 2 April. The aim of this initiative is to raise public awareness of the needs of people with autism, thus contributing to their acceptance and integration into society.
Today, as part of the "Light it up Blue" event, hundreds of buildings and historical monuments in various countries are illuminated in autism blue, symbolizing the color of the sky and the sea. The Ministry of Social Welfare is participating in this action again this year and has been illuminated in blue tonight.
It is commonly accepted that autism diagnoses are increasing, a phenomenon that is observed internationally, but also in our country, as well as that people with autism and their families have specific needs and challenges that require specialized handling.
It is for this very reason that the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare decided to draw up the first National Strategy and National Action Plan for people with autism, separate from other disabilities, which will address all issues related to the lives of people with autism throughout their lives.
I am pleased to report today that the Ministry of State has completed the process of preparing the Strategy and Action Plan and that next week it will be placed before the Council of Ministers for approval.
Through 53 actions summarised in seven pillars relating to research, diagnosis, health and therapeutic intervention, education, social protection and independent living, work, but also participation in leisure, culture and society, the aim is to ensure the rights of people with autism as equal members of society and to improve their quality of life through reform and additional actions, always within the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The overall strategic objective for the five-year period 2024-2028 is to provide services and support to children and adults for social participation and inclusion to the maximum extent possible in all aspects and stages of their lives.
Already in Cyprus, the Family Intervention and Support Centre for Autism "Aktida", which is being implemented in the framework of the European project THALEIA 2021-2027, at a cost of half a million euros, is operating successfully, providing specialized services to children with autism of preschool age, as well as to their families throughout Cyprus.
Among the services offered are home education and support to the family and the child immediately after the diagnosis, as well as psychological and social support addressed to all family members.
In addition, the Ministry of Social Welfare, through the State Aid Schemes administered by the Social Welfare Services, supports the efforts of NGOs in the provision of Social Care.
In this context, we have built a remarkable partnership with the Association for People with Autism, which operates on a nationwide basis six Adult Centres, three Counselling Centres and two Child Protection and Employment Centres with a grant of 1.3 million.
Addressing any form of discrimination, the equal participation of people with disabilities, including people with autism in society, their integration, the implementation of policies and actions that ensure their rights, are high on the priorities of the Christodoulides Government and are a task of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
It is for this reason that we are promoting the creation of a new, modern legislation for persons with disabilities, listening to the needs and challenges of all groups of persons with disabilities.
Friends,
Allow me to congratulate the Pancyprian Association for People with Autism for the work it has been doing over the years and for the love with which it surrounds its actions, but especially the people with autism themselves. Its contribution is invaluable for our Deputy Ministry and for the development and implementation of policies.
In welcoming the 14th edition of the Association's "Light it up blue", I would like to assure you that the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, myself personally, and the Christodoulides Government will continue to support your efforts, but also to strengthen policies to build a social state that is helpful to both people with autism and their families.
Thank you.
(MΘ/ΝΓ/EΑθ)
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