KMOP brought together 80 professionals and advocates for an inspiring discussion on digital inclusion for persons with disabilities. The online event, titled “Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities in a Digital World: The Role of Health Professionals,” took place on Monday, 16 June 2025, and explored how technology can support independent living when designed and applied inclusively.
During the event, we highlighted both the challenges people with disabilities face in the digital age and the essential role that health and care professionals play in removing barriers. We also featured practical tools and good practices aimed at empowering professionals and individuals alike.
Opening the event, Jenny Lazarou, Unit Coordinator at KMOP, emphasized the need for strong cross-sectoral cooperation. She noted, “Today, in an increasingly digital world, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers—both in the physical and digital spheres. As a society, we have a duty to ensure that technology becomes a tool for empowerment, not an obstacle. It should open new pathways to autonomy, participation, and full inclusion.”
In the digital world, equal rights apply to everyone. As civil society actors, it is our responsibility to create an inclusive environment where accessibility and equal opportunities are not a privilege, but a fundamental requirement. KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre, through initiatives such as the SKILLS project, is working to turn this vision into reality, equipping people with disabilities with the tools and confidence they need to claim the autonomous life they deserve” she stated.
The first session, entitled “Independent Living in the Digital World” featured Charis Aslanidis, who offered a personal and optimistic perspective on his journey as a professional with a disability in the field of digital marketing. Drawing on his experience, he illustrated how challenges can be transformed into strengths when society fosters accessibility and acceptance.
Next, Konstantina Laskari, Programme Manager at KMOP, presented the European SKILLS project, which aims to strengthen independent living for persons with disabilities through digital education and support for care professionals. She emphasised the project’s ambition to build a new European digital knowledge ecosystem by offering fully accessible and user-friendly training tools.
A key part of her presentation was the “SKILLS” digital platform, through which KMOP offer:
- Interactive e-learning courses and tutorials for healthcare professionals
- Training tailored to the needs of people with disabilities
- Digital tools for developing everyday and social skills
- Policy recommendations and guidelines for universal accessibility
The SKILLS platform aspires to lay the foundations for a truly inclusive digital future, where empowerment and autonomy become achievable for all.
The event continued with a presentation by social worker Maria Kritsotaki from KMOP’s Day Centre “Ariadni,” who shared valuable field experiences and highlighted the ongoing need for support in the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities.
A hands-on highlight of the event was the workshop delivered by Kornilia Androulaki, Project Officer for European Programmes at KMOP, titled “Gaming – A Tool for Socialisation and Connection.” The session showcased how digital games can serve as powerful tools for inclusion, expression, and identification—especially for individuals facing mobility limitations or social isolation. Through an interactive exercise using the Mentimeter platform, participants created a “perception map” on the link between gaming and social participation.
Anaïs Roussou, representing the organisation ARTIT, presented the Artistic Minds programme, which leverages the power of art to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities and promote their cultural participation.
For more information about the SKILLS project and the tools developed, you can visit the official website: www.skills-project or contact us at +30-2103637547.
