Special and Vulnerable Groups

The programs of the School are addressed to:

1. Persons with a disability rate of 50% or more (based on the current opinion of the primary health committee of IKA or decision of KEPA) aged 18-58 years regardless of gender, religion, or nationality - holders of an active unemployment card from which they can be registered in the Eko Register of the Greek Public Employment Service - and with conditions such as: 

• Physical disabilities
• Movement problems
• Organic deficiencies (heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, cancer, hepatitis B, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, etc.)
• Deafness-Hard of hearing
• Slightly Mental Retardation
• Total or partial blindness  (Attendance at the Faros for the Blind)
• Mental disorders

2. Greek nationals or expatriates, as well as foreigners who were born and reside permanently and legally in Greece, have completed compulsory education in Greece or hold a certificate of at least level B language proficiency.

3. Candidates who have not attended a training program at the Athens Vocational Training Centre for People with Disabilities for the last eight (8) years.

Over time, since the establishment of the Athens school for people with disabilities, they were not included in the notices for people with mental illness, which was due to the lack of appropriate staff and infrastructure to support this group of people. From the school year 2015-2016 onwards, students with mental disabilities are admitted under the guidance and supervision of a special interdisciplinary working group of the Vyronas / Kaisariani Mental Health Center of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens Aiginiteio Hospital.

The School is staffed by specialized staff with experience both in the training of people with disabilities and in the provision of Accompanying Support Services (psychologists, sociologists, social workers, nurses, and sign language interpreters).

The actions provided by the Accompanying Support Services aim at empowering and encouraging trainees both during their studies and before their integration into the labor market.

The trainees are placed in the programs upon selection and depending on their skills, ailment, and grammatical knowledge.

• CARPENTRY - WOODCARVING 

The program aims to provide the graduate with the basic knowledge of carpentry (construction of simple furniture, tables, chairs, etc.) and the construction of wood carvings.

• POTTERY - TOURIST CERAMICS

The program aims to give the trainees all the theoretical and practical background of ceramic art, focused on constructions with high demand from the Greek tourism industry.

• ICONOGRAPHER OF PORTABLE ICONS AND FRESCOES

The program aims to give trainees the opportunity to start and deepen the study of the Orthodox icon with traditional materials. It also aims to understand, assimilate, and interpret the peculiarity of both the illustration of portable icons and murals.

During the course of study, trainees will have the opportunity to participate in collective work and to create individually.

• LEATHER BAGS AND SMALL ACCESSORIES - IMITATION JEWELLERY

The program aims to give the trainee the technical knowledge of making leather bags, purses, suitcases, travel bags, and accessories of all kinds. Trainees will also learn to manufacture small leather goods of a utilitarian and decorative nature. At the same time, in this program, they are trained in the creation and manufacture of jewelry (pseudojewelry) with various techniques.

•  WEBSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

The program aims to give the trainees all the theoretical and practical background of computer systems and network technology. The graduate of the specialty "Web Design and Development" will be able to install and use at least one open software package for the development of websites, to use the web creation processes with the use of HTML and the corresponding web development environment, to use the specialized services and tools of technologies related to Dynamic HTML - JavaScript – CSS and to use software and hardware for the digitization and processing of video and audio. 

The use of technology, and in particular that related to internet technologies, offers many opportunities for the rehabilitation of trainees, who can work in the public or private sector.

• COMPUTERISED ACCOUNTING OFFICER

The graduate of the specialty "Computerized Accounting Officer" with the specialized knowledge and skills he has acquired during his training, applies Accounting Science with the use of computers and accounting programs – applications (software) and deals with the execution of any technical or other process that refers to the implementation of tax insurance and labor legislation.

Also, he is able to carry out formal administrative and accounting support tasks and has sufficient knowledge of e-mail management, programming and secretarial support applications.

 The graduate of this department, can work in a dependent job of small and medium-sized / large manufacturing / industrial / craft unit or construction / services / commercial etc. enterprise of the private or public sector.

With the method of tele-training the specialty Administrative and Financial Executive is provided.

In this program people with intense mobility problems that can not be moved can participate and are given the opportunity to train from home.

The graduate of the specialty "Management and Economics Executive" with the specialized knowledge and skills he has acquired during his training, applies the principles of management science, economics, and public relations.

He handles office equipment modern technology, plans and guides staff activities, classifies and files documents, plans and controls the procedures of issuing data such as invoices, consignment notes, bills of lading, etc. documents, implements tax, labor, commercial legislation as well as the legislation of social security, accepts visitors and deals on behalf of the company, uses human relations and communication. 

He is employed in departments and directorates of the administrative and financial services of private or public sector units.

Since 18/11/2009 there are two training courses for visually impaired people at the premises of the “Lighthouse for the Blind” with the following specialties:

• Ceramics 
• Administrative and Financial Officer of Enterprises

At the School, specialized seminars are held on an Ordinary basis (in person and online) by various bodies to inform trainees and trainers on prevention issues for the use of addictive substances, sexually transmitted diseases, work issues, first aid, etc.

Also, educational visits to museums and cultural sites are organized in order to link the specialty with social reality, but also for the promotion and cooperation of the School with the general public.

Regulation of Operation of the PwD School of Athens (BoD Decision No. 2589/61/10-05-2022)

The School of Vocational Training for People with Disabilities has been operating since 1990 at 19, Galatsiou Avenue, offering services in the field of training vulnerable social groups.

The training programs that operate at the School aim at the professionalization of unemployed persons with disabilities in specialties that are consistent with their specificity so that graduates have the opportunity to work or self-employment when they enter the labor market.

At the same time, the trainees are monitored by a team of special scientific staff who provide them with accompanying support services during their studies, in order to strengthen their skills and prepare for the labor market.

The course lasts for two school years (1,800 hours of training) and is subsidized.

In the vocational and training centre for disabled people in Thessaloniki, there are: 

a) Vocational Training Courses for the educable: The vocational training of the educable aims to provide the trainee with all the necessary skills and knowledge to practice a profession or empirical art according to their abilities. Moreover, it extends the general education, the integration of his personality and the awareness of his responsibility. Laboratory courses are held in the Centre's laboratories, but may also take place in various professional spaces within the framework of the Centre's extrovert operation.

b) b) Vocational Training Courses: For young people who belong to the category of Traineeships, the purpose of vocational education is to socialize, strengthen their basic learning level and finally, acquire supplies for their effective integration into a protected form of work (Protected Labour Centres - KEPE), where the element of productivity is ensured.

c) Protected Labour Centres (KEPE). KEPE offers a protected form of work to all graduates if they have successfully completed their studies in corresponding jobs. Their aim is to prepare all students for the acquisition of professional skills and competencies, necessary for their equal and smooth integration into the labor market, in combination with the acquisition of work consciousness and experience. 

The programs include the construction, repair of products, or the provision of services, which take place mainly in the laboratories of the Center with the supervision and guidance of teachers, but also in cooperating companies and bodies of the private or public sector. 

The operation and actions also seek to raise awareness among professional bodies, of enterprises and employers for the effective professional integration of the specific population in the local labour market.

At the same time, Accompanying Support Services are provided, such as career guidance, psychological support for the development of self-confidence and counseling to enhance social communication and transaction skills with services, employers, and generally in the workplace. 

In combination with the protected-support work, students are provided with other promotion services in the labor market such as connection with employers and mediation with employers, counseling for the creation, organization, and operation of partnerships, counseling to enhance social communication and transaction skills in matters of legal, insurance and financial technical coverage of individual and business actions.

Trainees of all categories are paid a daily allowance of five (5) euros for each training day. Students participating in the Protected Labor Centers (KEPE) are paid an allowance equal to 40% of the salary of the unskilled worker, as defined each time.

The duration of study in the classes of the Traineeships is set at four (4)  years of study, while in the classes of the Traineeships, the duration of study is set at five (5) years. All trainees after graduation and at their request, can be employed in KEPE.

The duration of stay in KEPE is for the Educables three (3) years and for the Trainees four ( 4) years.

1. The vocational and training centre for disabled people in Thessaloniki (former Model Industrial Unit of Lakkia Thessaloniki) participates in the program "Youth Parliament" and in sports events of national and international scope (Panhellenic, European, World Championships, Special Olympics).

2. During the period 2015-2016 he participated in a European learning mobility program entitled "CrossCultural Vocational Training for Teachers of SEN and Students with SEN" (code 2014-1-EL01-KA102-000410) under the KA1 action, ERASMUS+. This programme was implemented in collaboration with the National Star Specialist College Foundation in the UK, in Cheltenham and included Training of Teaching and Scientific Staff and Training of Students with Special Educational Needs.  In total, 40 students,  15 chaperones and 30 members of the educational and scientific staff participated. This program was the largest program approved and evaluated in Greece in 2015 with such a high score. Finally, it was awarded by the State Scholarships Foundation State (IKY) and set an example for all schools in Greece.

3. During the period 2016-2018, the EKEK for People with Disabilities implemented a second mobility program, as a continuation of the previous one. 

Specifically, within the framework of the Erasmus+ program and the Action KA1 “Mobility for learners and staff in vocational education and training”, the program was implemented under the title “EmployAble”. Partner and host institution was the National Star Specialist College in Cheltenham, UK.

The program, whose main purpose was to promote young people with disabilities in the labor market and employment, included two actions, teacher training and student training. The first action involved a total of 25 teachers of the School, who were trained in professional guidance and mentoring as well as in the structure and operation of social enterprises. The trainees had the opportunity to get in touch with the work mentors, to visit work environments where students with disabilities are employed and to follow in practice the process of supporting both young people and employers at work. 

The second action involved 30 students who were supported by 15 accompanying teachers and who were placed in jobs in the social enterprises of National Star College

A group of students were employed in Starprint, the printing business, where they were trained in logo design, printing on mugs, fabric and wood, They became familiar with the machinery, tools and electronic means and in general with the way the business operates, while another group of students was placed at StarBistro, where young people gained work experience in restaurant services, in front and behind the counter, such as in cooking, setting tables, serving, ordering, operating the coffee machine, etc.

The students were also trained in Customer Services through the social enterprise Starshop, a store where food and beverages are sold, but also the products manufactured in the professional laboratories of the college thus learning how a commercial store works: operating a cash register, inventory, supply, food quality control, etc. They were also placed in the secretariat of the college where they offered auxiliary services, such as sorting of correspondence and distribution, operation of the photocopier, and operation of the machine that calculates postage. 

Finally, the students were employed in the field of cooking by professional chefs, in the professional laboratory of the college, where meals and sweets are prepared, which are sold in cafes and Bistro of the wider region and which, like the social enterprises mentioned, operates in real working conditions.

Participation in the Erasmus+ program was an important experience that contributed significantly to the expansion of the professional and personal horizons of the participants but also offered the students a strong breath of confidence, confidence and optimism bringing them even closer to the coveted Autonomy.
 

4. During the current period (2020-2022) the school participates in the implementation of the new ERASMUS+ program entitled “Steps towards autonomy” with partner-host the BERUFSBULDUNGSWERK training center for people with disabilities in Mosbach-Heidelberg, Germany.

The program will take place in the framework of enhancing the extroversion of our school as well as the provision of equal opportunities to our students.
The aim is to bridge the gap between the educational process and the transition to the labor market.

The program will involve a total of 30 students and 45 teachers.

The 30 teachers will have the opportunity to be trained with experiential techniques in the know-how and good practices of the professional inclusion of students, with emphasis on methods of implementing the dual system in special vocational training.

The 15 teachers who will accompany the 30 students will have the opportunity to experience innovative learning practices and visit the laboratory and professional areas.

The participation of 30 students will enhance their skills, both technical and professional. Through interaction with young people of different cultures, their social skills and social adaptation will be enhanced. At the same time, cultivating a sense of belonging will improve their self-image and self-esteem. 

Visits to Germany will take place in 5 flows. Each flow will be attended by 6 students with 3 accompanying teachers and 5 teachers-in-training. In the program trainees and educable students can participate from the specialties of informatics, geotechnics, carpentry and tailoring workshop.

This cooperation will undoubtedly be an important tool in acquiring practices for the connection of the school with the market and labor and the smoother integration of students in society.
 

5. During the period 2020-2022, the PwD EKEK of THESSALONIKI implemented the ERASMUS+ program in the KA2 action in cooperation with 3 countries, Great Britain, Poland and Romania. 

This action took place for the first time and its aim was to create cooperation strategies that support and promote innovation. Furthermore, the aim of the action was to prepare and guide people with disabilities in their easier work integration. Through the creation of a network of exchange of practices and educational-work programs, guidance for professional opportunities was given. The program was implemented with the aim of highlighting consulting practices as well as the development of professional networks and partnerships. Driven by the tradition of each country, while emphasis was placed on highlighting the wealth and products of Greece.

The teachers of EKEK for People with Disabilities Thessaloniki, in cooperation with students, prepared three projects oriented to innovative educational practices that promote the cooperation of institutions for smoother integration and familiarization of students. 
A total of 8 meetings between countries took place, while the program involved a total of 14 teachers.

The ultimate goal of the action was the creation of a website (http://www.work-able.co.uk) that will promote the work of each country, in this way, students have the opportunity to present their work but also to attend the work of their peers, to share experiences, practices, and skills while stimulating their self-confidence and sociability.
Finally, the aim of the web site is the transmission of ideas and practices tested and ready to be adopted by other structures.

The vocational and training centre for disabled people in Thessaloniki (former Model Industrial Unit of Lakkia Thessaloniki) provides vocational training to adolescents and young people with disabilities, who reside in the wider agglomeration of Thessaloniki.

In particular, it provides training to students with:

• mild mental retardation 
• Down syndrome and related syndromes
• disorders on the spectrum of autism of moderate and high functionality 
• complex cognitive, emotional, and social difficulties, due to abuse, or a particular family environment or domestic violence, which bring about serious special educational difficulties 
• special learning difficulties such as combined speech and speech disorders (dyslexia, ADHD and others), which require serious special educational interventions.

The students of PwD EKEK Thessaloniki, based on the level of professional skills, belong to the diagnostic categories of Trainable and Practicable, depending on the diagnosis that has been carried out by a public body before the registration at the Centre. It can also provide its graduates with Forms of Protected Employment.

In addition to the standard daily training program, EKEK may also participate in the following activities:

• Education, Training and Employment, in collaboration with Organizations in Greece and abroad, aiming at the search for good practices and innovations that will lead to the upgrading and improvement of the services offered, the social and professional integration of students in the wider community and the labor market.
• Education aimed at the elimination of social exclusion, the socialization of adolescents and their conscious integration into social functions and actions.

Through these actions, students are given the opportunity to reflect and express their views as equal members of society, on important and current problems of modern Greek society, but also on particular issues related to the everyday life of young people with disabilities, with the ultimate goal of experiencing the principles of democracy, equal treatment of citizens and social solidarity as a way of life. In order to achieve the above objectives, the PwD EKEK of Thessaloniki cooperates with social institutions and organizations that have corresponding orientations.

Official Gazette of Establishment of the Thessaloniki EKEK for people with disabilities