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project info
Start date: 5 October 2022
End date: 31 December 2026
funding
Fund: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Total budget: 700 000,00 €
EU contribution: 420 000,00 € (60%)
programme
Programming period: 2021-2027
European Commission Topic
European Commission Topic

Center for Social Services for Children with Autism

The project includes the maintenance, restoration and interior layout of a building that will house the Center for Social Services for Children with Autism. It is a privately owned residence of the couple Siakides, citizens of the former Agios Dometios and it was acquired by the Municipality through a donation. The house was built in the 1950s and has an area of 180 square meters with a perimeter courtyard. It is located in a central area of the apartment of Agios Dometios near the Traditional Cell and between two main arteries, Grigori Afxentiou and Agios Pavlos. The building was restored, energy upgraded and the appropriate infrastructure was created to accommodate children aged 6 to 12. The outdoor area was landscaped and landscaped, while a playground was created with toys that can be used by these children. It will promote employment, the reconciliation of family and professional life, the removal of social exclusion and the enhancement of personal development for these children. Finally, it will offer psychomotor and counselling support to children and comprehensive support to parents and families. In connection with the operation of the centre, a tender procedure was launched on 06/06/2025 for the granting of the licence to use the premises as an employment centre for children with disabilities and/or a place providing social services/programs. On 17/10/2025 the contract for the operation of the building was signed with the Pancyprian Association for People with Autism. All children who will attend the Center belong to a category of children with disabilities, according to the definition of Law 127(I)/2000. A tailor-made intervention programme (IPP) will be drawn up for each child, including a needs assessment, setting therapeutic objectives, monitoring progress and regular review. The Centre will ensure full accessibility of the premises, provision of supportive means of communication (such as AAC devices or visual aids) and staffing with qualified staff. The multidisciplinary team will ensure continuous monitoring and cooperation with families for the holistic development and social integration of children. The age range was determined by the Planning Authority at the time of issuing the planning permit, based on the views/positions requested by the Welfare Office and taking into account the relevant legislation (Law 2 (I)/96 on Child Protection and Employment Centres and amending Law 63(I)/2011). The program includes therapeutic and educational activities that are implemented on an individual and group basis, depending on the needs of each child. The operation will cover hours of morning or afternoon employment, with the possibility of daily presence, depending on the children's attendance programs in school units. Activities include occupational therapy, speech therapy, special education, creative employment and development of self-service skills.The Center will be staffed with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, adequately trained and certified in the fields of special education, therapeutic intervention and psychosocial support of minors with autism. The group will be composed of: Special Educator, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist and Director of Social Work. All professionals will have recognized professional qualifications, registration with the relevant professional associations and experience in working with children with developmental disorders. The operation of the Centre will be supported by continuous training and supervision of staff to ensure the quality of the services provided. The project also aims to facilitate the accessibility and movement of people with disabilities with the main objective of social inclusion of children, addressing the long-term issue of their exclusion from social networks, while taking into account the Municipality's individual strategies for sustainable mobility, sustainability, innovation and social policy.

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