World Day for Autism today, and on this occasion, the Minister of State ‘Akis Skrtsos He went on an extensive post after spending an hour “with the wonderful grace (and his great mom),” he says.
In detail, “April 2nd, World Autism Day, is not only symbolic. It is a reminder of our responsibility. For a policy that does not close your eyes, for universal planning, for policies that do not stay on paper but reach where there is a need.
I have discussed these policies today with Harry, a young man with an autistic spectrum disorder that I know from the past, in order for good practices to expand. But most of all I heard. ‘I heard his own story and his own needs, to learn firsthand again. “
Because, he explains, “we want a universal planning that is not only about some disabilities, but the silent regularity of those who have been in the margins for years, without ever missing the desire to learn, work, to join society equally. We want to ensure that every human being, regardless of neurotypia, has access to knowledge, work, life.
I remember a mother with autism a year ago, who said to me: ‘We don’t ask for miracles. We ask you to see us, to listen to us and not forget our children when the spotlight goes off. ‘
I promised her that we wouldn’t forget. “
Given these, the Minister of State then quotes his post, “6 policies we have implemented in one year:
– We have set up a special committee for autism, consisting of specialist doctors and therapists, as well as parents, in order to design a cohesive network of policies that will essentially come from those who bear scientific knowledge, and from those who carry their staff.
– We have increased funding of € 24 million for the opening and day care centers.
– We started a pilot program of early children’s intervention for children zero (0) to six (6) years of age with a founding development or disorder, which provides for a personalized intervention plan that will focus on daily activities.
– We have increased the scoring for transfers of students with a disability siblings of 67% or more.
– We have secured a monthly compensation of 1,850 euros to professional parents with disabilities.
– We have strengthened the interdisciplinary evaluation, counseling and support centers (KEDASY) with speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists and created 1,100 organic posts of psychologists and social workers for the staffing of the Committees for the first time.
Then A. Skertsos develops “4 priorities we are going to do for next year:
– Creating guides for parents of children with autism with practical information and scientific documentation
– The implementation of the institutional framework of short -term residence for carers, parents and other family members who need a breath to better meet their human needs.
– Creating spaces of low sensory integration
– Applying methods for vocational training and supported employment of people with ADHD. “
In conclusion, “Autism is a deeply human and complex reality, facing thousands of families in our country. A reality that requires scientific knowledge, meaningful policies and constant care. No panic or guilt.
We are working to get to that day when every person with disabilities will be visible, he can be in school, in community, in society, without having to apologize for who he is. Then we can say that we did the obvious.
For a Greece with everyone, for everyone, “the Minister of State assures.