Pancyprian Parents Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities  (PASYGOANA)

The association was formed in 1983 in accordance with the 1972 law for Associations and Foundations with a mission to defend and protect the rights and dignity of persons  with intellectual disabilities as was later set out in the 117/89 & 1(I)2018 Laws.

Members of the association include parents, siblings and guardians of persons with intellectual disabilities. Member registration is completed after an application is submitted and approved by the association’s administrative board.

The association is led by the board which is made of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 members at one time. The exact number of members for the administrative board is decided upon at the General Assembly held every two years.

The association’s actions and events are not for profit. The association’s funds come mainly from registration and membership fees, donations state subsidies.. 

Families of persons with intellectual disabilities, turn to the association for support, information concerning their children’s rights as well as feedback and guidance on resolving difficulties that arise.

The association also has representatives within the Committee for the Protection of  Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, five out of the 10 members and in the Cyprus Confederation for Organisations of the Disabled (C.C.O.D) with three members in its main administrative board. On a European level, the association is also a member of Inclusion Europe.

The association’s offices can be found adjacent to the main offices of the Committee for the Protection of  Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, at number 10, 28th October Avenue, Acropolis (P.O. Box 23359, 1682 Nicosia). The office telephone number is 22311685, fax number 22513418 and email: pasygoka@cytanet.com.cy

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Cyprus Confederation for Organisations of the Disabled

The Cyprus Confederation of Organisations of the Disabled (CCOD) is the only umbrella organisation in Cyprus that brings together the members from all of the organisations for the disabled.

CCOD has been operating successfully since 1984, although prior to1999 it went under the name Confederation of Organisations for the Disabled in Cyprus. Although its statutes were amended at the time, its goals have remained the same and it continues to fight to promote policies that contribute to the total inclusion of the disabled in the social, financial, political and cultural life of the country.

CCOD was designated as the state’s social partner when it comes to matters that affect individuals with disabilities whether directly or indirectly (143(I) law of 2006 concerning the process of consulting governmental or other services for matters affecting individuals with disabilities). This was perhaps the greatest achievement for the disabled in Cyprus as it meant that no longer could be pushed aside, they were able to voice their opinion about how they wish to live their life and no decisions could be made without consulting them. Specifically, this law obligates all governmental and semi-governmental services as well as all local administrations (municipalities, communities etc.) to contact and consult with a member of CCOD before making any decisions or taking any action which will affect an individual with a disability. The same law also allocates a portion of the state budget to CCOD’s annual budget for its expenses.

CCOD’s mission is to fight in order to protect and defend the basic and social rights of people with disabilities, to eradicate social prejudice and combat the discrimination they are exposed to. It aims at achieving equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all aspects of life, securing decent living conditions and full inclusion in society. In addition, it fights to achieve positive measures which can bring people with disabilities nearer to the desired goal of equal opportunities.

As the major representative organisation for the disabled, the Confederation participates in decision making and represents individuals with handicaps in their dealings with the government. The Confederation maps out action plans, monitors legislation amendments and submits proposals on matters such as the following: education, employment, awareness and accessibility.

On a more international level CCOD now participates in the European Disability Forum (EDF) of the EU member states, acknowledging the importance of being part of European decision making and how these decisions will influence the lives of its members.

In brief, CCOD acts according to the following guidelines which have been formulated based on its goals and the discussions of its main administrative board.

Self-representation: The Confederation ensures that decisions are made by the disabled individuals their parents if they are unable to do so themselves.

Participation: The Confederation supports the right of the individuals with disabilities and their families to participate in the decision making process when it comes to policies and practices via the various organisations based on the motto:" Nothing for us without our unsent"

Solidarity: The Confederation works towards building a stronger and more united movement for individuals with disabilities, focusing on those who have severe limitations or multiple handicaps as well as those who are subject to intense discrimination.

Partnership: The Confederation places particular emphasis on co-operating with social partners and organisations. Developing closer relations with organisations which have common goals is a very important prerequisite to promoting the rights of vulnerable groups.

More information here: http://www.kysoa.org.cy