Corfu, December 3 – On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Ionian Islands Regional Governor Yannis Trepekli announced significant initiatives to enhance care structures for people with disabilities in Corfu. During a visit to the Day Care & Care Center for People with Disabilities and the Association of Parents-Guardians & Friends of People with Disabilities of Corfu “I Melissa,” Governor Trepekli committed to financing a Supported Living Home, highlighting its critical role in enabling children with severe disabilities to remain within their family environment.
Governor Trepekli Commits to New Supported Living Home
Governor Trepekli described the Supported Living Home as a “critical intervention for social cohesion” and noted that the Region is implementing a new support plan for people with disabilities. Spyros Zoumboulidis, President of “I Melissa” Association, expressed gratitude for the long-standing cooperation, characterizing it as “stable and beyond political boundaries.”
During the visit, Governor Trepekli, accompanied by Deputy Governors, met with families and staff of the Center, expressing support for the care structures. Additionally, the Region provided sports equipment to the children of the Center as a symbolic gesture to encourage their activities.
Immediate Operation of Mobile Care Unit for People with Disabilities
In parallel, Mr. Trepekli announced the completion of the planning for the Mobile Care Unit for People with Disabilities, which is set to become operational in the near future. This Unit will offer in-home support to families and caregivers of children with autism, thereby enhancing the accessibility of care services in the island Region.
In his statements, the Regional Governor emphasized that “only through cooperation and consistency can we truly be useful to children and their families.” He also mentioned that the Region is organizing a comprehensive social welfare plan, focusing on improving infrastructure and services for people with disabilities.
With the operation of the Mobile Care Unit, the Ionian Islands Region aims to address significant gaps in the provision of daily care services, emphasizing equal access and support for families facing chronic challenges.
By committing to the Supported Living Home and the immediate operation of the Mobile Care Unit for People with Disabilities, the Ionian Islands Region seeks to strengthen Corfu’s social structures, aiming for practical support and a substantial improvement in the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Press Release Details
The Ionian Islands Regional Governor, Yannis Trepekli, visited the Day Care & Care Center for People with Disabilities “I Melissa” alongside Deputy Governors and associates. He expressed his appreciation for the President of the Association, Spyros Zoumboulidis, and the Board of Directors for their long-standing and exemplary contribution to supporting children with autism and chronic disabilities. He reiterated the Region’s readiness to proceed with the funding of the Supported Living Home in Corfu, a project with significant social impact.
“The Supported Living Home is a critical intervention for social cohesion. It prevents the need for children with severe disabilities to move outside the island and ensures they remain within their family environment. The Region is here to practically support this new chapter,” stated Mr. Trepekli.
He further announced that the planning for the Mobile Care Unit for People with Disabilities has been completed and is expected to be operational very soon. The Unit will provide in-home support to parents, guardians, and caregivers, with a focus on children with autism.
Mr. Trepekli remarked, “Every time I visit ‘I Melissa,’ the emotion is profound. Much work is still needed in structures, services, and the daily lives of our fellow citizens with disabilities. The Region is organizing a new support plan, starting with the funding of the Supported Living Home and the operation of the Mobile Care Unit. Only through cooperation and consistency can we truly be useful to children and their families.”
Mr. Zoumboulidis welcomed the Governor and his associates, highlighting the stable and substantial cooperation between the two sides: “The presence of the Regional Governor on this day of empathy and awareness is of great importance. Our cooperation with Mr. Trepekli is long-standing, beyond political factions, because welfare has no color. The Supported Living Home is the great dream and the greatest need of parents of children with severe disabilities. At the same time, we continue joint programs, such as the mapping of people with disabilities, which highlight critical social issues.”
The Regional Governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor for Social Policy, Solidarity & Volunteerism, Theodoros Kontzialis; Deputy Governor for Sports & Youth, Yannis Armeniakos; and the Regional Councillor for Health & Education, Yannis Zikos, as well as executives of the Ionian Islands Region.
As part of the visit, the Ionian Islands Region offered football, basketball, and volleyballs to the children of the Center, a symbolic gesture to enhance their activities.
Source: https://stigmafm.gr/desmefsi-trepekli-gia-stegi-ypostirizomenis-diaviosis-stin-kerkyra/
