Mitsotakis to Disability Community Representatives: “The ‘Home Accessibility’ Program is for You, with You”

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with representatives of the country’s disability community at the Maximos Mansion, where he discussed the progress of the “Home Accessibility” program—an initiative offering state subsidies for accessibility projects such as ramps and stairlifts in private homes and workplaces.

The Home Accessibility program is the first of its kind in Greece, providing financial support to people with disabilities to make their living spaces accessible. The Prime Minister announced an additional €10 million in national funding, increasing the program’s total budget to €34 million, following the submission of over 2,500 applications within just 24 hours of the platform’s launch (prosvasimotita.minscfa.gov.gr).

Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, explained that the program’s eligible interventions were determined through consultation with disability organizations, ensuring maximum impact on the daily lives of persons with disabilities and chronic conditions. The subsidy applies to primary and holiday homes (owned or rented), shared building spaces, and workplaces.

“Our home is our sanctuary,” Mitsotakis emphasized. “Especially for our fellow citizens with disabilities, being able to move freely in their home without compromise is extremely important.”

Eligible interventions include:

• Up to €12,000 for mobility-related modifications (ramps, stairlifts, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms).
• Up to €5,000 for sensory-related interventions (audio-visual alarms, light indicators, assistive hearing devices).
• Up to €14,500 when both types of interventions are combined.

50% of the subsidy is disbursed upfront, with the remainder paid upon completion and certification of the works. Eligible beneficiaries are individuals with a disability rating of 67% or more and a personal annual income of up to €60,000.

Community Reactions: A Long-Awaited Milestone

Disability community leaders welcomed the initiative:

“We’ve been asking for this for years,” said Korina Theodorakaki, Secretary of the National Federation of People with Mobility Disabilities (EOKA). “Accessibility defines our disability.”

Vasilis Koutsianos, Secretary General of ESAMEA, added: “This is a breakthrough program we’ve been pursuing since 2015. It’s only fair to credit this government for finally making it a reality.”

Christos Koromilas from the “Lighthouse for the Blind” highlighted the platform’s ease of use:

“I managed to complete my application on my phone, by myself. It was just three steps—everything was pre-filled and ready.”

Dimitris Athanasiou, Vice President of the Greek Union of Rare Disease Patients, praised the program’s impact:

“We didn’t believe it at first. For us, disability is a path—from prevention and diagnosis to treatment. This initiative is a crucial step.”

Part of a Broader Strategy

The program is a cornerstone in a larger government strategy for equal access to employment and society for people with disabilities. The meeting also covered:

• A state-funded upgrade from manual to electric wheelchairs.
• Improvements to school sanitation facilities under the Marietta Giannakou program, which include accessible infrastructure.

Mitsotakis stated: “From day one, we’ve coordinated a comprehensive national strategy for disability rights. Today’s initiative is not the end—it’s a beginning.”

He praised the collaboration with disability organizations and emphasized the symbolic importance of ensuring independence at home for people with disabilities.

Looking Forward: More Support on the Horizon

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further action:

“We’re working on additional support, particularly in funding modern wheelchairs through EOPYY. Technology can significantly improve quality of life.”

He also made a personal appeal to the disability community to help raise awareness on road safety, given the link between traffic accidents and mobility disabilities:

“Share your stories. Help us prevent these tragedies by reaching out to the youth. Your voice has power.”

Minister Michailidou concluded:

“Accessibility is not a luxury—it’s a right. With the ‘Home Accessibility’ program, we provide direct funding to people with disabilities to shape their homes and workplaces around their needs.”

In just five days, the platform received over 4,800 applications, underscoring both the program’s success and its urgent necessity. With additional funding approved, thousands more will now benefit.

Source: pagenews.gr