Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides unveils disability inclusion policy

President Nicos Christodoulides presented a new Policy Framework for adult persons with disabilities in Cyprus, aiming for full social and economic participation through equal opportunities. The framework creates a unified system that links professional education, training, employment and care, addressing gaps that left many graduates of special education without pathways to higher education, work or day‑care centres.

Key measures include extending compulsory schooling in special schools to age 22, launching an Inclusion and Professional Empowerment programme in vocational training centres (MIEEK) across all cities from September, and introducing new supported‑employment schemes and upgraded day‑care services. Christodoulides said the policy was shaped after dialogue with families and disability organisations and stressed that “no person with disability will be left without real choices after completing special education.”