A1. Ratification or conclusion of the UN Convention

Greece signed the UN convention on 30 March 2007 and ratified it by Parliamentary Law on 10 April 2012 (Law 4074 Official Journal of Government 88/A/2012).

Links

• Law 4074/2012 Ratification of the UNCRPD and the Optional Protocol

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

A2. Ratification or accession to the Optional Protocol

Greece signed the Optional Protocol on 27 September 2010 and ratified it by Parliamentary Law on 10 April 2012 (Law 4074 Official Journal of Government 88/1/2012).

Links

• Law 4074/2012 Ratification of the UNCRPD and the optional protocol

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

A3. Declarations, Reservations and Objections

A 'Justifying Report' was published on 29 March 2012 by multiple involved Ministries for the consideration of the Hellenic Parliament in view of the passing of the Law 4074 on 10 April 2012 which ratified the UN Convention and the Optional Protocol. The report includes a description of each article of the UN Convention and the Optional Protocol, the draft law as well as a special report by the General State Accountancy on the financial implications on the state and the local authorities’ budgets (as it is foreseen by the Greek Constitution Article 75 par. 3). In particular, on a central level the report declares –among other- the funding for the establishment of one or more focal points, a co-ordination mechanism and one or more independent mechanisms for monitoring implementation, maximum availability of funds for ensuring the rights of people with disabilities, training of staff in the field of justice, provisions for education as well as establishment of ethical standards in healthcare for people with disabilities specifically. Local authorities are responsible for implementing actions related to accessibility (Articles 4 and 9 of the UNCRPD), community support, personal assistance and assistive devices (Articles 16, 19, 20), specialized community based healthcare and rehabilitation (Articles 25 and 26), access to the labour market (Article 27) and to social protection measures (Article 28).

No declarations, reservations or objections were included in the initial State Party Report on the Implementation of the UN CRPD (2015).

Links

• Justifying Report for the Draft Law “Ratification of the UNCRPD and the Optional Protocol”
• Initial reports of States parties due in 2015- Greece

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

A4. Comprehensive review

The Compatibility Study of the Greek Legislation with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was completed in February 2015 examining the compatibility of the Greek legislation with the social model approach to disability, with the general principles of the UNCRPD as well as with specific social policy interventions required, concluding with a set of recommendations across these levels, so as to achieve harmonisation with the UNCRPD objectives.

Links

• Compatibility Study of the Greek Legislation with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

A5. Focal point

The General Secretariat of Transparency and Human Rights of the Ministry of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights is appointed as the Central Focal Point for issues related to the implementation and monitoring of the UN CRPD on central, regional and local levels (Law 4487/2017, Art.70). The Central Focal point is expected to cooperate with the Focal Points established within each Ministry (Law 4487/2017, Art. 71) and the Independent monitoring mechanism (Law 4487/2017, Art.72) and to consult with representative disability organisations. The Central Focal Point is also responsible for submitting to the Greek Parliament a National Disability Action Plan and reporting to the UN Committee as foreseen in Article 35 of the UN CRPD.

Links

• Law 4487/2017 on Public Sector Pension Regulations, enhancing protection of employees, rights of persons with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

A6. Coordination mechanism

The State Minister is the appointed Coordination Mechanism as defined in Article 33, Paragraph 1 of the UN CRPD (Article 69, Law 4487/2017). The responsibilities of the Coordination Mechanism include coordination of the Ministries in charge of developing and implementing public policies which promote disability rights, coordination and monitoring of policy implementation in the private sector as well as other responsibilities with regards to monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention, as defined in the UN CRPD and the Optional Protocol.

Links

• Law 4487/2017 on Public Sector Pension Regulations, enhancing protection of employees, rights of persons with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

A7. Independent mechanism

The Greek Ombudsman, a constitutionally established Independent Body monitoring human and civil rights, is appointed as the independent mechanism for monitoring and promoting the implementation of the UNCRPD, according to Art. 33, par.2 of the Convention (Art. 72, Law 4487/2017). In order to achieve its mission, the Greek Ombudsman cooperates with the National Confederation of Disabled People (NCDP), a third-level disability representative organisation, and undertakes the following indicative activities:

• Expresses opinion on the compatibility of public policy with the legal framework of the UN CRPD;
• Manages and investigates reports of violation of rights of persons with disabilities;
• Conducts research and studies related to the implementation of specific articles of the UN CPRD;
• Evaluates annually the implementation of public policy and produces recommendations for action.

Links

• Law 4487/2017 on Public Sector Pension Regulations, enhancing protection of employees, rights of persons with disabilities and other regulations
• The Greek Ombudsman

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

A8. Official reporting

On 1 June 2015 the first official report was submitted by Greece in accordance with the Article 35 of the Convention. So far, UN concluding observations related to disability have been issued to Greece by the Human Rights Committee within the context of the CCPR which voiced particular concern over the “discrimination faced by persons with disabilities, in particular with regard to access to education, employment and health services” (p.2), and indicated additional measures for eliminating routine use of physical restraint and sedation in institutional care settings.

Links

• Initial report of Greece submitted in accordance with Article 35 of the Convention
• Concluding observations on the second periodic report of Greece
• Link to UN CRPD reporting cycles
• State reports to the UN Committee

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

A9. Shadow reporting

The National Confederation of Disabled People (NCDP) Observatory on Disability Issues submitted an Alternative Report to the UN-Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, presented also in person at a Private Meeting in Geneva 8-11 April 2019, in the framework of consultations prior to the preparation of the List of Issues for the Greek State Report (anticipated in Fall 2019). The report assesses current disability rights legal framework and relevant pieces of legislation, putting forward the positions of the disability movement in Greece, and specific questions to the Greek state regarding the progress in the implementation of the UN CRPD. In particular, the report covers issues with respect to the implementation of UN CRPD Articles 1-9, 11, 12, 19, 24, 27, 29 and 31.

Links

• Civil society reports to the UN Committee
• NCDP Observatory on Disability Issues Human Rights and Persons with Disabilities Alternative Report Greece 2019

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

B1. Anti-discrimination legislation

The Greek Constitution establishes the principle of equality among all Greek citizens (article 4). Article 21 refers explicitly to the fundamental rights of disabled people for autonomy, employment, and participation in social and political life, as well as the duty of the state to implement measures that safeguard those rights. Furthermore, Law 3304/2005 provides legal protection against discrimination on the grounds of disability in accessing employment as well as in favour of reasonable accommodation in the workplace.

The revised legal framework for disability rights, in accordance with the UN CRPD (Law 4488/2017) extends equal treatment principles to all aspects of the public and private sector (Art. 61,62, 63), whereas this was previously only limited to employment and vocational training, and places particular emphasis on improving accessibility in public administration products, services, communication and environment (Art 65 and 66).

Links

• The Greek Constitution
• Law 4488/2017 on Public Sector Pension reforms, employees protection, the rights of people with disabilities and other regulations
• Law 3304/2005

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

B2. Recognition of legal capacity

According to Article 128 of the Civil Code (Presidential Decree 456/1984, modified 2447/1996) children who are 10 years and under, and persons under full legal guardianship, lack legal capacity. Articles 1666-1687 specify the conditions under which legal guardianship is established, including psychological, intellectual or physical impairment due to which one cannot take care (fully or partially) of their own affairs. Legal guardianship can be applied for by relatives of the individual or the public prosecutor (even against the will of the individual), except in cases of physical disability where application is accepted only from the individual (Article 1671). In the case where it is not possible to determine an individual as the legal guardian, guardianship is appointed to an association or institution with suitable staff and structure, or to a relevant social service. The court decides whether an individual is incapable of any or some of legal acts (full or partial guardianship), or defines that consent of the legal guardian is required for any or some of legal acts, or decides a combination of the two possibilities mentioned (Article 1676). The court can later modify the kind and extent of guardianship on its own accord or at the request of third parties.

Links

• Disabled People in Greek Civil Law

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

B3. Accessibility of voting and elections

The Presidential Decree 351/2003 outlines in a single document all the regulations and legislation regarding the election of parliament members. All Greek citizens who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote (article 4). Article 5 states that people under full legal guardianship, as well as those under irrevocable criminal conviction for certain felonies, are denied the right to vote (as according to Civil Code Article 128, and the Constitution of Greece, article 51 par.3 ). Article 83, par. 3 states for the first time the obligation of judicial authorities or members of the supervisory committee to facilitate in any way possible individuals with physical impairments who cannot access or use the intended process of voting, in order to secure their right to a secret vote. Further guidance was issued in view of the national elections in 2012 reinstating that obligation to ensure access to voting.The circular further urges regional authorities, which are responsible for the administration of elections, to have detailed guidelines in place, whilst it also specifies that in the case of lack of access to the building, the voting procedure can take place in any other area of the polling station that is accessible, with the assistance of judicial representatives.

Links

• Presidential Decree 351/2003 Regulations for Parliamentary Elections
• Ministry of Internal Affairs (Circular 19646)19th April 2012 Accessibility guidelines National Elections 2012

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

B4. Official recognition of sign language

Sign language was firstly recognised in Greece in 2000 for educational purposes, through Law 2817/2000 on Education of persons with special educational needs and other regulations. In particular, Article 1 para. 4 of this Law recognised Greek Sign Language as the primary language of deaf and hearing impaired individuals (across all special education units). It also required knowledge of Sign Language by teachers in special schools for deaf pupils. Law 3106/2003 and 30356/2006 (Article 3) specify the provision of interpretation in communication with public authorities, paid for by the state. Article 13 C) of Resolution 595/2011 allows deaf candidates who are applying for public sector vacancies to be interviewed with a Sign Language interpreter. The Media Law 3021/2002 requires TV channels to show a minimum level of signed news broadcast each day.

More recently, Law 4487/2017 officially recognises the Greek Sign Language as equal to the spoken Greek language (Art. 65, par.2) and acknowledges the responsibility of the state to take measures to meet all kinds of communication needs of citizens with hearing impairments.

Links

• Law 2817/2000 on Education of persons with special educational needs and other regulations
• Law 3021/2002 on Limitations in public procurements with mass media stakeholders and other regulations
• Law 4487/2017 on Public Sector Pension Regulations, enhancing protection of employees, rights of persons with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

B5. National disability strategy and action plan

There has not been a specific national disability strategy or action plan developed in Greece thus far. The UN CRPD Implementing framework adopted in 2017 (Law 4487/2017) foresees that the assigned Central Focal Point (the General Secretariat of Transparency and Human Rights) is responsible for conducting and submitting a National Disability Action Plan to the Greek Parliament (Art.70).

Disability targeted actions are found in the new National Strategic Framework for Social Inclusion (2014-2020). Some of the most prominent disability related measures stated in this Framework include widening the provision of community based services, promoting de-institutionalisation, ensuring access to special education, extending tasks provided by home help services, as well as promoting participation of people with disabilities in specifically designed VET schemes, active labour market programmes, and social entrepreneurship schemes.

National actions for disability can also be found in the national development strategies with respect to the EU cohesion policy and use of structural funds aimed at social protection and inclusion, covering sectors such as employment, education and lifelong learning, health and social participation. Particularly, in the fifth programming period for 2014-2020, the ex-ante conditionality on non-discrimination on the grounds of disability has served to mainstream accessibility requirements across policy sectors.

Links

• National Strategic Framework for Social Inclusion (2014-2020)
• Partners' Agreement for the Programming Period 2014-2020 (Greece)
• Law 4487/2017 on Public Sector Pension Regulations, enhancing protection of employees, rights of persons with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

C1. Transport accessibility

Disabled passengers’ rights in rail and air travel are regulated directly by the EU regulations, in particular, by the European Regulation 1371/2007 for railway travel and the European regulation 1107/2006 for air travel. There has not been any other legislation for the implementation of the regulations in the national context.

Accessibility standards for city buses were first established in 1992 outlining measures for autonomous access in and out of buses, including necessary mechanical interventions, suitable space design and security for wheelchair users. In the city of Thessaloniki exclusively, the Organisation of Urban Transport is mandated (Law 3185/2003) to provide free transportation to people with disabilities by appointing two wheelchair accessible mini-buses, and an additional one if needs exceed fleet capacity.

Furthermore, accessibility standards for passenger ships were adopted through the National Action plan for disabled passengers, an initiative of the Ministry of Commercial Shipping in 2006, which included standards for access, common spaces, parking, securing of wheelchairs, signposting, communication and customer service. The right of passengers to accessible sea travel was consolidated with Law 3709/08 Rights and Duties of Passengers and Service Providers in Regular Sea Travel.

Links

• Regulation for the transportation of persons with disabilities with the specialised buses of the Organisation of Urban Transport of Thessaloniki
• Law 3709/08 on Rights and Duties of Passengers and Service Providers in Regular Sea Travel

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

C2. Built environment accessibility

The New Building Code 4067/2012 updated regulations regarding built environment accessibility existing since Law 2831/2000 (article 28). The Regulations require compliance with universal design standards for all new buildings- apart from housing where distinct regulations apply (Article 26 para. 1). The guidelines include standards for horizontal and vertical access, internal spaces (e.g. corridors, doors, elevators, WC, information desks, signposting) as well as external (pavement, entrance, outdoor common spaces). The regulations also cover constructions in public pedestrian spaces such as parks, pavements, or walkways, which must ensure access to disabled people through ramps, navigators for blind people, appropriate placement of civil equipment and designated disabled parking spaces (Article 26 para. 6). Buildings constructed before 2012 which host public sector services, local authority services, public spaces for culture, sports and entertainment, temporary accommodation, education, health and social welfare, and justice services as well as industry, trade and offices are required to ensure accessibility standards by 2020 (Article 26 para. 4).

As regards housing, new buildings must ensure horizontal and vertical access in all common spaces and permit easy adaptation of housing units for potential use of people with disabilities. Furthermore, the New Urban Planning Regulations 2012 introduce the right of disabled residents to make adaptations for ensuring access to common spaces within housing buildings, against any other regulation (e.g. housing contract) (Article 27 para. 2) and without a construction license (Article 4 para. 3), as long as the infrastructure of the building is not affected and they cover the expenses.

Law 4030/2011 regulating construction approval and licensing, refers to the prerequisite of submitting “an accessibility study for people with disabilities as and where necessary” (Art.3 para. 2b), while a circular in 2012 clarifies the scope and content of that accessibility study which is mandatory for any construction under the New Building Regulations (2012).

Links

• Law 4067/2012 on New Urban Planning Regulations
• The Ministry of Environment Circular 29467/2012 on Clarifications for the submission of the accessibility study for people with disabilities which must be included in studies submitted in applying the New Building Regulations (L. 4067/2012)
• Design for All Official Standards Ministry of Environment and Energy

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

C3. ICT and Web accessibility

Article 5 and 5a in the revised Constitution of Greece (2001) state the equal right of all to information and participation in the Information Society. In particular, facilitating access to electronic means of information and communication, as well as to the production, exchange and dissemination of information electronically is an obligation of the state. E-accessibility standards in the provision of e- government services became compulsory by Ministerial Decision on 12 April 2012, whereby the websites of the public sector must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), version 2.0, at least to the AA level.

The principle of equal access to the digital environment and digital mass media was reinstated in the revised national legal framework for disability rights in compliance with the UN CRPD (Articles 64, and 67).

Links

• Ministerial Decision 1301/B/12-4-2012 Provision of e-government services
• Law 4488/2017 Public Sector Pension reforms, employees protection, the rights of people with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

D1. Choice of living arrangements

Legal provisions for the institutionalisation of individuals exist in the fields of mental health and child protection. Law 2071/1992 outlines the circumstances under which a person may unwillingly be admitted in a psychiatric hospital or an institution, either by request of relatives or by the Public Prosecutor. Initially, the unwilling admission of the individual for medical examination cannot exceed 48 hours. There needs to be a justified court decision to keep an individual retained in an institution.

In cases of child abuse, and in the absence of other viable solutions, Article 1535 of the Civil Code foresees the placement of children in child protection institutions by the Prosecutor’s order. Institutionalization can also be conducted by application of the child’s parents when serious reasons are propounded. As explained by the Institute of Child Health (2017, p.17), "after an inquiry for parents’ unsuitability and motives is conducted, a court decision is issued removing custody from the parents and placing it to a suggested family/person/ institution. For emergency situations the Public Prosecutor issues an order for the temporary placement of the child to an appropriate institution until the case is complemented. It is not clear, however, if all institutions follow this way. This, as a matter of fact, is the most frequent way of placement in institutions for children with disabilities. In addition, this is also the case for families living in extreme poverty especially as a means for safeguarding their child’s formal education and other provisions."

Links

• Law 2071/1992 on Modernisation and Organisation of the Health System: Mental Health
• Institute of Child Health - The child institutional abuse: current knowledge and practices (Greece Report March 2017)

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

D2. De-institutionalisation

Law 2082/1992 on 'Re-organisation of social welfare and establishment of new institutions of social protection' first laid out provisions for establishing centres for community-based rehabilitation service provision to disabled people, including contracted private rehabilitation services. Subsequent Ministerial Decisions (1998; 2007; and 2018) set out the conditions, prerequisites, processes, staff and resources for establishing 'Housing for supported living' in the community for people with disability, with view to de-institutionalisation and independent living. In the field of mental health, Law 2716/1999 on Development and modernisation of mental health services enabled the creation of long- or short-term housing and support for children and adults with mental health issues in protected hostels or flats, maintained by either public bodies (including hospitals) or private (profit or non-profit) organisations. It also established regulations for Limited-Liability Social Enterprises. The structure and function of Mental Health Units and protected flats and the services provided are outlined in the Ministerial Decision (Journal of Government 661/B/2000).

The above mentioned structures are currently co-funded by ESF and ERDF funds (ESIF 2014-2020) in the form of projects such as Supported Living Shelters for persons with intellectual impairment, Day Care Centres for Persons with Disabilities, Vouchers for children with disabilities of pre-school age to attend specialised early education and care structures (KDAP), as well as Community based mental health services (including for instance mobile units, and specialised day centres for persons with Alzheimer).

Finally, the Regional Strategy for Social Inclusion and Fight against Poverty of Attica (Regional Operational Program 2014-2020) explicitly addresses de-institutionalization as a distinct policy measure, however lacks precision in terms of objectives, targets, milestones and outcomes. Still, a 15 million euros budget was approved (2018-2020) for the resettlement of residents in institutions in the Region of Attica and Western Greece, into smaller residential care units, family-type residence or assisted return to family with parallel support provision. The project is funded by the state and it is managed and implemented by the Centre for Social Welfare (Region of Western Greece and Region of Attica) reporting to the Secretariat of Social Solidarity, Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Social Solidarity.

Links

• Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health (2000) Regulations for the organisation and function of Mental Health Units and Protected flats of Law 2716/1999
• Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette Β' 5582/12-12-2018) Prerequisites for establishing and running Supported Living Shelter for persons with disability
• Common Ministerial Decision 15/12/2018 on De-institutionalisation in Western Greece and Attica

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

D3. Quality of social services

The Inspection Body of Health and Social Services (Law 3996/2011; Law 2920/2001) operating under the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity, is responsible for carrying out systematic inspections and investigations across all services operating under the Ministry of Health (public and private), including health services of social security bodies. The aim of the inspection body is to improve productivity, efficiency and quality of services provided. Inspections may also be requested by the Ministry and the Greek Ombudsman. It is worth remarking that the Greek Ombudsman is the single independent mechanism responding to citizen’s complaints and is authorized to investigate cases whereby citizens' rights, including children's rights, are violated by public administration. The results of its investigations are mediated to the relevant Ministry for resolution. Please note that to date (as of 2019) there is no specified legislative and minimum quality standards framework for service provision, particularly for children in institutional care.

Links

• Law 3996/2011 Reform of the Inspection Body of Health and Social Services
• Law 2477/1997 on Establishment of the Greek Ombudsman
• Institute of Child Health (2017) The child institutional abuse: current knowledge and practices Greece Report SASCA Research Project
• Greek Ombudsman (2015) The rights of children who reside in institutions: Findings and recommendations of the Independent Authority "the Greek Ombudsman" on the function of the child protection institutions

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

D4. Provision of assistive devices at home

Disability assessment is carried out by the Centres for Certifying Disability (KEPA) (established by Law 3863/2010), which form part of the streamlined Social Security Agency (EFKA), working under the auspice of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Social Solidarity. The Centres for Certifying Disability streamline assessment procedures for accessing disability provisions across social security and welfare. The assessment method used is the Barema Method percentage progressive scale, in accordance with the Single Table for Defining the Percentage of Disability (last modified in 2017).

Furthermore, the Single Organisation for Provision of Health Services (established by Law 3863/2010) manages all health related provisions for those who are insured and family members, as well as "anyone who may be specifically included by legislative regulations", such as expenditure for hospitalisation (also abroad), rehabilitation programmes and therapies, medical supplies and provision of assistive equipment. The Single Regulation of Health Provisions (last modified in 2018) defines eligibility and cost ceilings for assistive devices, medical supplies and specialized health services. Basic features of the regulation of provision of assistive devices are as follows: a) devices provided include only basic rehabilitation aids (e.g. wheelchair, prosthetics, hoists, etc.); b) provisions in cash (contribution), rather than in kind; c) eligibility is based on medical assessment with an emphasis on diagnosis rather than need.

Links

• Single Regulation for Health Provisions 2018
• Centres for Certifying Disability (KEPA)
• Single Table for Defining the Percentage of Disability (Government Gazette 5987B/2018)

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

D5. Availability of personal assistance schemes

There are no specific personal assistance schemes available for disabled people in Greece (such as direct payments or community-based services based on individual support needs). There is one disability cash benefit intended for people who live in the community and who require assistance from a third person known as the 'de-institutionalisation' benefit (limited to people with certain physical impairment conditions assessed at more than 67% disability) which equals to 20 minimum daily wages of an unskilled worker as defined at the time of application. Furthermore, Home help programmes for disabled people have operated on a local level since 2006 providing assistance strictly according to available resources, which has been arguably inadequate for people with high support needs. In 2011, home help programs were funded under the NSRF 2007-2013 priority for 'Harmonising family and professional life', rendering unemployed people (with family members who require assistance) as direct beneficiaries. In practice, disabled people living alone or whose family members were working were excluded from these services. In 2012, home help programmes were substituted with the Support at Home for Pensioners programme implemented by IKA (main social security body of the Ministry of Employment). People eligible for this service are exclusively pensioners (covering most social security bodies of the public, private and agricultural sector), with 67% disability or more, who live alone or have a spouse who has 67% disability, and their individual annual income does not exceed EUR 7,715.65 or double that amount for married couples. They shall not receive additionally any disability support cash benefit (usually given to people with paraplegia/ tetraplegia or similar impairment with 67% disability). It is evident that the programme excludes a significant part of people with support needs, including those with severe physical impairments, those who are working as much as the unemployed/uninsured, as well as people who do not live alone.

Links

• Circular number 63/4.10.2012: IKA Support at Home for Pensioners

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

D6. Income maintenance

As of 1 January 2017 disability pensions are set at 80% of the final pension, as calculated based on streamlined pension regulations, factoring in the percentage of disability (Law 4387/2016, Art. 7 para.4).

The final pension consists of two sums, the 'basic pension' (EUR 360) and the 'analogous pension', which is calculated on the basis of coefficients, scaled according to the number of insurance days completed. The basic pension is paid at 75% of the sum (for people with disability 67% to 79.99%), at 50% (for people with disability 50% to 66.99%) and at 40% (for those with a disability percentage up to 49.99%). These regulations do not apply to people with paraplegia-tetraplegia, blindness and other specified impairments (with at least 67% disability) who have completed 15 years of work and are entitled to a full pension (Presidential Decree 169/2007).

All pensioners who maintain employment receive their entitled pension reduced by 60% for as long they are working. The pension is entirely suspended if a pensioner is employed in the Government (Law 4387/2016, Art. 20).

Links

• Law 4387/2016 on Streamlined Social Security System, Pension Reform and other regulations
• Presidential Decree 169/2007 on Civil and Military Pensions Codification

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

D7. Additional costs

Disability (cash) benefits are provided for all main categories of impairment (blindness, deafness, physical disability, intellectual disability, HIV/AIDS and 67% disability due to any other impairment) by the streamlined social security administration (EFKA) (for those who are employed/insured) or by the welfare state (OPEKA) (for those out of work/uninsured). The amounts of the benefits per month (these have remained unchanged since 2011) vary from EUR 362 (for most categories) reaching EUR 771 for people with paraplegia, tetraplegia and amputation. An additional benefit is provided for mobility costs (EUR 165 Euros monthly) to people with 80% disability with complete paraplegia, tetraplegia and lower limb amputation.

The legislation (Art. 13 of Law 4331/2015) implemented as of 30 September 2015 secured the continuity of disability welfare benefits provision (for those not in employment/uninsured) for disabled people participating in ESF co-funded employment programmes, including Social Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training schemes.

Links

• Law 4331/2015 on Disability Relief Measures
• OPEKA (2018) Guide to Disability Welfare Benefits

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

D8. Retirement income

There are no specific provisions for disabled people who retire due to age. In fact, disabled people who retire due to age and having met insurance requirements for full pension, receive old-age pension. Disability pensions are generally provided on the same basis to younger and older people. Full pension is awarded at the age of 67 to those who have completed 40 years of employment, excluding mothers of children who are deemed incapable of working, who are subject to previous regulations (Law 3863/2010).

It is worth adding that disabled pensioners who receive disability support benefits (cases of blindness or other impairment with 80% disability, or paraplegia/ tetraplegia with 67% disability) as well as old-age pensions awarded to disabled individuals after 15 years of employment (Law 3232/2004), in cases of blindness, paraplegia/ tetraplegia, hemophilia and transplanted patients, were excluded from austerity measures affecting pensions, as voted in the implementation of Law 4046/2012 and the Short-term fiscal strategy 2013-2016, which included up to 25% cuts in old-age pensions over EUR 1,000.

Links

• Approval of Urgent Measures of Implementation of Law 4046/2012
• Law 3863/2010 ‘New Social Security System'

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

E1. Special schools

The decision on whether a disabled pupil attends a mainstream or special school is determined on the basis of a needs assessment and support procedures as specified by Law 4547/2018 Reform of Support Structures in Primary and Secondary Education.

In particular, the responsibility for conducting the educational needs assessment and support provision is shared equally between the Interdisciplinary Educational Assessment and Support Committee (EDEAY) established in each school unit in mainstream primary and secondary education, and Centres for Educational and Counselling Support (KESY) operating at regional level (Regional Education Directorate, under the auspice of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs).

EDEAY is primarily responsible for identifying pupils who seem to encounter difficulties in the learning process, and may refer specific cases to the Centre for Educational and Counselling Support (KESY), if it decides that those cases need further assessment and support, “despite support measures being taken by the school” (Art. 11 para.3). A parent or guardian is also able to directly refer a pupil to the regional Centre for Educational and Counselling Support (KESY). Additionally, KESY may identify pupils with special educational needs that can benefit from support during regular needs assessment activities (Art. 7 para. 2a).

Furthermore, primary special education has been restructured similar to mainstream primary education in terms of grades (Law 4283/2016). Reforms in secondary special education have mainly involved special vocational education (Law 4186/2013) (see section E4). Overall, special education remains regulated according to the provisions of Law 3699/2008 (with certain parts modified by revised legislation as previously outlined).

Links

• Law 3699/2008 on Special Education and Education of people with disabilities or special educational needs
• Law 4186/2013 on Secondary Education Reform and other Regulations
• Law 4283/2016 on Measures for the acceleration of governmental work Art 82. Regulation of Special Education
• Law 4547/2018 on Reform of Support Structures in Primary and Secondary FEK102 A'/12 June 2018

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

E2. Mainstream schools

With regards to ensuring accessibility of learning environments, firstly, public school buildings shall comply with the accessibility standards specified in the New Building Code for the built environment (2012; 2000). Equally, private primary and secondary schools with a capacity of more than 75 students per teaching hour should comply with accessibility standards (Ministerial Decision FEK 3087/Β/4-12-2013).
Support measures at school level can include inclusion classes or parallel support, differentiated teaching methods, alternative forms of learning, provision of technical aids and ICT, use of differentiated instruction methods, substitution of written with oral exams, as well as linking with psychosocial support services in the community, following needs assessment by the Interdisciplinary Educational Assessment and Support Committee (EDEAY) established in each school unit in mainstream primary and secondary education.

Law 4485/2017 (Art.71 para. 2) regulated for the first time the right of students with disabilities to enroll in private schools under the same terms and conditions as in primary and secondary public education, forbidding the denial of enrolment of disabled students in private schools on any grounds.

Links

• Ministerial Decision FEK 3087/Β/4-12-2013 on Licensing Procedures for Private Sector Primary and Secondary Education Units, Colleges, Vocational Training Centres and Lifelong Learning Centres
• Law 4485/2017 on Higher Education, research and other regulation
• Law 4547/2018 on Reform of Support Structures in Primary and Secondary FEK102 A'/12 June 2018

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

E3. Sign language and Braille in school

Disabled pupils in mainstream education are required to follow the mainstream curriculum, which does not include teaching of Braille or sign language. However, besides parallel support in a mainstream class, there is also the option of attending inclusion classes running as part of a school unit (not always available), where pupils can follow a more personalised educational programme according to their needs (Law 3699/2008).

Links

• Law 3699/2008 Special Education and Education of people with disabilities or special educational needs

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

E4. Vocational training

Equality Law 3304/2005 (Art 8 par 2) safeguards non-discrimination on the grounds of disability for all kinds and levels of vocational education and training, including apprenticeship schemes. Additionally, a circular of the Ministry of Education in April 2013 included accessibility requirements (according to national Design Guidelines and Standards) among the conditions for renewing licenses of private educational establishments at all levels, including Colleges, Vocational Training Centres and Lifelong Learning Centres, with a capacity of more than 75 students per teaching hour at all levels of educations and across the board of life-long learning.

Vocational training, up to the age of 22, is available as part of secondary special vocational education (nine grades) in more than 60 such units across the county. Recent reforms in secondary education (Law 4186/2013) foresee that students graduating from lower secondary education (first five years) gain vocational rights at level 2b, whilst completion of upper secondary classes (four years) grants vocational rights at level 3. It is worth noting that this is equal to the level of qualification gained at completion of the respective mainstream structures, entailing however two more years of attendance. Apprenticeship schemes are not however as explicitly included in the study cycle as in mainstream education, but rather briefly referred to as “practice through school cooperatives” (Law 4186/2013 Art.28, par.1a).

Alternatively, graduates from special primary education can enroll at the Workshops for Special Vocational Education and Training, which involve six years of study, and vocational rights at 2a level. The last year of study includes work practice over at least two trimesters, while “where this is not possible, then this is supported by the school cooperative” Law 4186/2013 Art.28, par 1c).

Furthermore, active policies for the inclusion of disabled people into mainstream or specialised vocational training are implemented by the Greek Manpower Organisation (OAED) under law 2643/1998. In particular, 10% of all trainee placements in mainstream courses of vocational training are reserved for disabled people, while there are two specialised vocational training centres exclusively for disabled people, in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki. Around 260 people are trained every year in these centres. Training is offered in secretarial work and use of ICT as well as in craftwork. All vocational training programs under OAED are funded and provide social security insurance. Finally, vocational training programs can be implemented by the voluntary sector, co-funded through EU and national funds particularly since the 4th Community Support Programme 2007-2014.

Links

• Equality Law 3304/2005
• Law 4186/2013 Secondary Education Reform and other Regulations
• Ministerial Decision FEK 3087/Β/4-12-2013 Licensing Procedures for Private Sector Primary and Secondary Education Units, Colleges, Vocational Training Centres and Lifelong Learning Centres

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

E5. Higher education

There is no anti-discrimination legislation specific to third level education. There are however certain measures aimed at enabling access to higher education for disabled candidates.

Firstly, disabled graduates from higher secondary education can be admitted without exams at 5% of placements in each university department (Law 3794/2009, article 35, latest modification of Ministerial Decision 2006). Furthermore, Accessibility Units were established across Universities with Law 3549/2007 (article 12) as part of wider reforms in higher education institutions. Accessibility units are intended to support disabled students with information and advice regarding access, assistive technology, career options, or any other aspect that relates to disability and university life, while they are responsible for taking all necessary actions for ensuring the accessibility of the University’s services to disabled students.

More recently, Law 4283/2014 abolished the previously held discretion of universities to decide on which cases an impairment is considered as an obstacle to studying a specific subject (Article 7 Enabling access to higher education for persons with disabilities).

Links

• Law 3479/2009 Regulation of University and Technological Sector issues in Higher Education
• Law 3549/2007 Reform of legal framework for the structure and function of Higher Education Institutions
• Law 4283/2014 Establishment of the council for National Educational Policy

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

F1. Non-discrimination in employment

Law 3304/2005 “Equal treatment irrespective of race or nationality, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation”, forbids any direct or indirect discrimination in the field of employment on the grounds of disability (please note anti-discrimination on the grounds of disability is not applied in other fields of the legislation, such as education, social services, access to goods and services across public and private sector, as it applies for race and nationality). Article 8 specifies that discrimination in accessing employment and vocational training is forbidden in any sector or level of hierarchy, including selection criteria, as regards terms and conditions of employment, including pay and dismissal, and as concerns the participation of employees in trade unions or any other association. Article 8, par. 4 excludes however the application of this legislation in armed and security forces, while Article 9, par. 1 does not consider as discrimination when the nature of the tasks do not allow for the employment of disabled people. Article 10, concerning reasonable adjustments for disabled people, states the obligation of employers to take all necessary measures so that disabled employees can access their workplace and fulfil their tasks, so long as employers are not disproportionately encumbered.

Links

• Law 3304/2005 “Equal treatment irrespective of racial or nationality origin, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation”

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

F2. Public employment services

There is a specialised service for “Special Social Groups” running within the Greek Manpower Organisation (OAED) which is responsible for the promotion, design and implementation of programmes and actions targeted at the inclusion of disabled people in the labour market (established under Law 2643/1998). In particular, the service provides psychosocial support and career orientation advice and encourages disabled people to enter mainstream programmes of employment and vocational training.

Links

• OAED Service for Special Social Groups

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

F3. Workplace adaptations

There is no established mechanism for providing ongoing funding support for workplace adaptations. Funding schemes for workplace adaptations are periodically available, normally through ESIF co-funded employment related calls. For instance, in September 2017, a Call of Interest announced the recruitment of 2,000 persons from vulnerable groups, including persons with disability, for up to three consecutive years in the private sector. Companies who employ disabled people under that scheme, are further eligible for funding intended for reasonable adjustments, for 50 workplaces with a budget of EUR 125,000 in total (year 2017). For each adaptation, which may include specialised software, hardware, infrastructure, technical aids, and so on) the program funds 90% of the expenditure, up to a maximum of EUR 2,500.

Links

• OAED Public Call for Interest No. 12/2017 20 September 2017

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

F4. Financial incentives

Active labour policies (mainly funded through the ESF) managed by the Greek Manpower Organisation (OAED) are the main funding mechanism for promoting the employment of disabled people in the open labour market. Funding is channelled for public work schemes, self-employment as well as work experience acquisition for younger people in the private sector, covering basic salary and social security contributions under specified terms and conditions. Encouraging social economy initiatives, through funding and start up consultation services, also forms a critical part of the current national employment strategy for 'vulnerable social groups'.

Up-to-date employment strategies for disability are included in the Partnership Agreement for the Programming Period 2014-2020, whilst current and upcoming calls targeted at 'vulnerable social groups' are published in the framework of the Operational Programme Human Resources Development, under the auspices of the Ministry of Work, Social Security and Welfare.

Furthermore, the renewed legislative framework for the employment of disabled people in the public sector (Law 4440/2016, Article 25) set the mandatory employment quota scheme for those assessed with 50% impairment level at 10%, whilst including 5% quota for parents, spouses or siblings of a person with impairment level at least 67%, in all regular or contracted staff vacancies procured and managed by the independent recruiting council for the public sector (ASEP). This recruitment process is particularly maintained in the EU/National funded schemes of employment.

Finally, a positive development supporting employment of disabled people involves Art. 13 of Law 4331/2015 which secures continuity of disability welfare benefits provision whilst participating in ALP programs, including Social Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training schemes.

Links

• Partnership Agreement for the Programming Period 2014-2020
• Law 4331/2015 on Measures for the relief of persons with disabilities and other social security regulations
• Law 4440/2016 on Mobility Scheme in Public Administration and Local Authorities

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

G1. Official research

The National Disability Observatory run under the National Co-federation of Disabled People, is assigned with the role and responsibility for producing research evidence on disability nationally. The revised Disability Rights Framework (Law 4488/2017) established the Disability Observatory as an institutional partner of the National Statistical Service and other research agencies, in meeting the task for monitoring and evaluating disability equality indicators. The National Disability Observatory published national statistical evidence with regards to disability in 2017 and in 2018, covering the thematic sectors of employment, education and risk of poverty indicators.

Links

• Disability Rights Framework Law 4488/2017
• National Disability Observatory (2017) Disability and Risk of Poverty
• National Disability Observatory (2018) Employment Indicators and Disability
• GSEE and National Disability Observatory (May 2018) Annual Education Report 2017-2018

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

G2. Census data

The most recent census was carried out in May 2011. Identification of disability was not included in the survey questionnaire.

Links

• National Census 2011

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

G3. Labour Force Survey

Regular national labour force surveys do not include disability variables.
Disability was first included in the European LFS 2002, and is in fact the only available statistics regarding the employment rate of disabled people in Greece. The results showed that 18.2% of the population surveyed was disabled or had a health problem, half of whom were 65 or older. 84% of this group was economically inactive in comparison with 58% of the general population, and unemployment rates (8.9%) were lower for disabled people in comparison with the general population (9.6%).
The Labour Force Survey from the National Statistical Service 2011 focused on the limitations that disabled people face in accessing employment, showing that 40.9% of those people who reported a health problem or activity limitation, faced restrictions in terms of length of working hours, 41.4% in the type of work they can perform, and 20.1% with respect to getting to and from work.

Links

• Labour Force Survey 2002 Employment of Disabled People - Results
• National Statistical Service 2011Disability and Employment

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

G4. Disability equality indicators

The disability equality indicators included in the National Disability Observatory reports (2017/2018) are aligned with the EU 2020 Strategy sector indicators, namely: employment rate, unemployment rate, economic activity, early school leaving rate, completion of tertiary or equivalent education, people living in households with very low work intensity, risk of poverty after social transfers, severely materially deprived persons, and population at risk of poverty or exclusion.

Links

• National Disability Observatory (2017) Disability and Risk of Poverty
• National Disability Observatory (2018) Employment Indicators and Disability
• GSEE and National Disability Observatory (May 2018) Annual Education Report 2017-2018

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

H1. Awareness raising programs

Authorities and administrative bodies are responsible for informing staff and citizens, and raising their awareness, about disability rights and universal design. A joint Ministerial Decision is still pending (April 2019) which, following public consultation with disability representative organisations, will define the means, tools and content of such interventions (Law 4488/2017 Art.66 para.1).

Links

• Law 4488/2017 on Public Sector Pension reforms, employees protection, the rights of people with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

H2. Training for teachers

Special education studies are distinct from mainstream education teacher training, however, modules in special education are usually available as optional modules in undergraduate teacher training courses. Each university designs the curriculum of its own courses and it is therefore not possible to generalise. It should also be noted that disability equality training is not developed in the country in an organised form or on an academic level to form part of initial study courses.

Nevertheless, Law 4488/2017 provides that Universities are responsible for including in their study programmes and seminars, the training modules which relate to the rights of persons with disability according to the UN CRPD. The content and technical specifications of such programmes shall be defined by the respective Ministries in cooperation with the National Coordination Mechanism and Focal Point for the implementation of the UN CRPD (Law 4488/2017 Art. 66, para.2).

Links

• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Pedagogic School of Primary Education Study Guide
• Law 4488/2017 on Public Sector Pension reforms, employees protection, the rights of people with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

H3. Training for lawyers

Law 4488/2017 specifies that Universities and the National School of Judiciary Workers are responsible for including in their study programmes and seminars, training modules which relate to the rights of persons with disability according to the UN CRPD. The content and technical specifications of such programmes shall be defined by the respective Ministries in cooperation with the national Coordination Mechanism and Focal Point for the implementation of the UN CRPD (Law 4488/2017 Art. 66, para. 2).

Links

• Law 4488/2017 on Public Sector Pension reforms, employees protection, the rights of people with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

H4. Training for doctors

Law 4488/2017 specified that Universities and the National School of Public Health, are responsible for including in their program of studies and seminars, training modules which relate to the rights of persons with disability according to the UN CRPD. The content and technical specifications of such programs shall be defined by the respective Ministries in cooperation with the national Coordination Mechanism and Focal Point for the implementation of the UN CRPD (Law 4488/2017 Art. 66, para. 2).

An example of existing good practice can be found with the National School of Public Health's module on Health Law and Bioethics with particular emphasis on patients’ rights and a specific section on mental health. Also, the Medical Code of Practice developed by medical and teaching staff at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki  foresees prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of disability (Chapter 3.1), the need to demonstrate awareness and acceptance of difference (including disability) (Chapter 1.6), as well as social responsibility by supporting the needs of patients, communities and social groups under their responsibility.

Links

• National School of Public Health
• Law 4488/2017 on Public Sector Pension reforms, employees protection, the rights of people with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

H5. Training for engineers

Law 4488/2017 specified that Universities are responsible for including in their study programmes and seminars, training modules which relate to the rights of persons with disability according to the UN CRPD. The content and technical specifications of such programmes shall be defined by the respective Ministries in cooperation with the national Coordination Mechanism and Focal Point for the implementation of the UN CRPD (Law 4488/2017 Art. 66, para. 2).

Links

• Law 4488/2017 on Public Sector Pension reforms, employees protection, the rights of people with disabilities and other regulations

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14

H6. International development aid

There is no available information or policy regarding disability mainstreaming across development aid projects.

Links

• Hellenic Aid Programmes and projects

Update date: Tue, 2019-05-14