🧩 For many disabled people living in institutions, a simple thought of going outside to have fun could turn out to be a “mission impossible”.

It usually requires an accompanying person, an exit permit with specific hours for leaving and returning, notification of the institution, and planning of the accessibility of the outing, especially for people who use a wheelchair. Meal times, medication schedules, personal hygiene routines- followed by the institution as well as weather conditions, and whether they are considered “suitable,” and other small details must also be taken into account…

🚍 Does the bus have a functioning ramp?
🚝 Is the elevator at that particular metro station working on that specific day and time?
🎭 Does the performance have Greek Sign Language interpretation?
🏛️ Is the museum accessible without harsh lighting?
☕ Does the café have a ramp — and is it actually safe?
🚻 And, above all, is there an accessible toilet?

We realise that these “small” details make all the difference between merely going “out” and truly experiencing freedom.

Through our program “Institutions Are Not the Solution | A program for the empowerment and visibility of people living in institutions in Greece, and for the promotion of deinstitutionalization,” we enhance our recreational activities with an emphasis on the participation and visibility of disabled and neurodivergent people in the community.

We organise weekly outings and educational activities in the community — such as attending sports or art programs, theatre performances, cinema screenings, museum and exhibition visits, excursions, and more.

People living in institutions go out, explore the world, socialise, and have fun! At the same time, they gain visibility within the community, which becomes more familiar with human diversity, understands it better, and fears it less — creating space for interaction and acceptance.

🌈Because the life outside the institution should not be a privilege — but a right.

Photos: Designed by Freepik www.freepik.com

The program is funded by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation within the framework of the Σημεία Στήριξης – Points of Support program, which is co-funded by 10 charitable organizations.