Press Release: Conference «Opening Doors: How Can Disability Support Services Unlock the Open Labour Market?»

The international conference “Opening Doors: How Can Disability Support Services Unlock the Open Labour Market?” was held successfully in Athens on October 17-18, organized by the NET and EASPD.

The conference was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including the outgoing EASPD Board President, James Crowe, the President of the Network Board, Giorgos Papadakis, the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Sofia Zacharaki, the Minister of State, Akis Skertsos, the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Niki Kerameos, and the Secretary-General for Social Solidarity and the Fight Against Poverty, Prodromos Pyrros.

Also attending were the Secretary-General for Demographic and Housing Policy, Konstantinos Gloumis-Atsalakis, the Head of Disability Child Support at the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, Dimitris Nikolski, the Director of EOPYY, Theano Karpodini, former MEP of New Democracy, Stelios Kymbouropoulos, the representative of the Shadow Minister for Disability Issues and member of New Democracy, Giorgos Tousias, and the General Director of the General Benevolent Fund of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, representing Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, Reverend Father Vassilios Chavatzas.

The conference attracted a remarkable number of experts and professionals in the field of disability from Europe and the U.S. to explore viable solutions and policies aimed at promoting the employment of people with disabilities in the open labor market. Through specialized panels, fundamental topics such as best practices in the workplace, the necessity of reasonable accommodation, and the use of innovative technologies to improve accessibility and participation were discussed.

During the workshops, participants had the opportunity to exchange practical applications and creative ideas, which will play a crucial role in shaping a comprehensive policy recommendations document. The conference also emphasized the importance of legislative support for supported employment and the need for stronger collaboration between public authorities and private enterprises to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce.

The conference concluded with a positive affirmation of all partners’ commitment to continue their efforts and disseminate the outcomes of the event, aiming to promote equal employment opportunities and strengthen social inclusion. The participation, interaction, and cooperation recorded at the conference ensure a dynamic future outlook, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all.

As part of the conference, on Saturday, October 19, the elections for the EASPD Board of Directors were held. Warm congratulations to Agapi Papadaki, the candidate representing the NET, who was re-elected to the EASPD Board, focusing on Early Childhood Intervention. The new EASPD President is Kirsi Konola. Congratulations to her and the new Board, and we wish them success in their work.

The NET Board sincerely thanks all those who participated and contributed to the successful organization of the conference and is committed to holding similar actions in the future to inform and raise awareness in the community.

Special thanks go to the sponsors and contributors who helped make the conference possible: