**Kysoa Welcomes New Inclusive Bill for People with Disabilities**
The confederation of organisations for the disabled in Cyprus, known as Kysoa, has expressed strong support for a newly approved bill aimed at increasing benefits for individuals with disabilities. Announced on Friday, this development marks a significant shift after over two decades of stagnation in disability benefits. The last adjustment to these benefits occurred in 2019, which involved an expenditure of €4 million but only affected a limited number of beneficiaries.
The bill received the green light from the cabinet on Thursday and was introduced by Deputy Welfare Minister Clea Papaellina. Kysoa has hailed the new legislation as a "particularly important development," emphasizing that it represents a long-awaited change for many individuals who have faced financial hardships due to their disabilities.
Kysoa highlighted the fact that for the first time, the bill proposes to increase benefits uniformly across all categories of beneficiaries, ensuring that no group is discriminated against. This inclusive approach is seen as a pivotal moment for thousands of individuals with severe disabilities who have historically been marginalized and often "invisible" in the social support system.
The confederation noted that the changes will allow for the disability benefit to be disbursed alongside care provisions, independent of the minimum guaranteed income and its associated financial criteria. This adjustment is expected to alleviate the poverty that many individuals with disabilities have faced due to stringent eligibility requirements.
While Kysoa acknowledges that the new bill does not resolve all the longstanding issues and oversights affecting people with disabilities, it describes the legislation as a "crucial step of justice." The confederation believes that this initiative is vital for the gradual realization of the fundamental right of every individual to live independently and with dignity.
The announcement and subsequent approval of the bill have been met with optimism from various advocacy groups and individuals within the disabled community. Many see it as a long-overdue recognition of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Cyprus and a commitment from the government to improve their quality of life.
As the implementation of the new benefits begins, Kysoa and other stakeholders will be closely monitoring the impact of these changes on the lives of beneficiaries. The confederation remains dedicated to advocating for further reforms and improvements in the support systems for people with disabilities, aiming to ensure that their rights and needs are adequately addressed in the future.
In summary, the approval of the new bill represents a significant advancement in the fight for equality and support for individuals with disabilities in Cyprus, offering hope for a brighter and more inclusive future.