Lighthouse for the Blind Of Greece

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Rights

Monetary Aid for the Blind

According to the current legal regulations in Greece the blind and all persons having visual acuity less than 1/20 in both eyes which is non-treatable (article 1 of Law 958/79) are entitled to a monetary assistance benefit from Social Welfare.
Steps to claim the benefit are as follows:

  • Apply to your local Social Welfare office in the are of your permanent residence, presenting the following :
    • recent photograph (small)
    • your Police Identification Card and
    • Electric, Telephone or Water bill in your name
  • Your photograph will then be attached to the application form presented to you. The form must then be filled out by the department head at the state eye hospital or the Director of an eye clinic.
  • To complete the form the ophthalmologist must include a complete history of the impairment of the eyes and the confirmation that the candidate is legally blind (visual acuity of less than 1/20 in both eyes with a non-treatable impairment). The candidate must have their police identity card with them. *Don’t forget the official signature of the ophthalmologist, from the hospital register.
  • Then give the application form and the other papers requested to the responsible official at Social Welfare. You will then be informed of the amount and for how long you will receive your benefit. Once approved you will receive the benefit every two months by postal cheque and you will be then be registered at Social Welfare.

Unemployment Card from OAED for handicapped individuals

According to current legislation, the blind, as well as all handicapped individuals are entitled to an unemployment card from OAED which doesn’t have to be renewed each month.
To receive the card you need:

  • The Percentage of Disability as recorded by IKA’s AMEA Health Committee. Submit an application at your local IKA branch for an examination by the AMEA Health Committee together with the official pronouncement of your visual acuity and impairment from the state eye hospital, citing the reason for application. The appointment is given for hours and days on which the committee meets. (It is not necessary to be insured by IKA)
  • Confirmation of AFM (Tax Registration Number), which is issued by the local tax office in your area
  • Police Identification Card
  • Written statement that you are unemployed.

Submit the papers requested to the local branch of OAED in your area, to the AMEA department. The usual process after that is to work together with the labor advisor to complete the individualized intervention form (includes information regarding your knowledge and skills) and to be informed about the existing programs of OAED.

Entrance to Higher Education Schools

According to the ordinance passed by the Ministry? No. Ö 152/Â6/1504/23-5-2001 (FEK 659 T.B) the blind and anyone who suffers from serious illnesses with a disability of more than 67% and are high school or TEE (Technical High School) graduates, can register for a school or classes of their choice without having to take entrance exams. The amount of seats available are 3% of the total accepted students. In the case where the number of applications from candidates for any one school or class is larger than the amount of seats available the school itself chooses the candidate based on their final high school grades.
Required documents:

  • Statement from an ophthalmologist who is a member of Teaching and Research Personnel
  • Percentage of Disability confirmed by the Primary Healthcare Committee
  • Submission of application for the school of choice as well as the documents required for new students including
    • Percentage of disability
    • High school or TEE diploma
    • Copy of police identification card

The application and the documents listed above are submitted within the deadline requested for new candidates. They are submitted every year by the candidate or by a legally authorized person.

The Telephone Operator School

The Telephone Operator School for the Blind run by OEEK in the IEK of Nea Smyrnis gives visually-impaired individuals the opportunity to study to become telephone operators. The duration of study is one year followed by a 6 month period of practical exercise. After finishing the program, holders of the certificate are able claim posts for Blind operators made available by OAED in the public sector. Applications are accepted at the start of each six month period (Autumn and Summer) with deadlines which are announced by the school.
Requirements to apply:

  • High School or TEE Diploma (official copy)li>
  • Official copy of Police Identification Card
  • Receipt from the Monetary Aid Benefit
  • Signed document stating visual acuity from an Ophthalmologist at a public hospital.
  • Audiogram-hearing test from a public hospital
  • Written statement that you are unemployed
  • Application from the school stating all of the above

Additional information : KEAT

Discounted telephone bill

According to current legislation blind individuals are entitled to a discount up to 2,000 units every two months on their personal account for regular phone service with OTE. To get this discount you must submit the suitable form, along with a written confirmation that you are registered as a blind. The confirmation can be obtained from the Social Welfare office in your area.

Unlimited Travel Card

Regards the free entry to all means of mass transport including, blue buses, trolleys and the underground inside the limits of the Prefecture that issues the card, as well as a 50% discount for long distance buses and trains. Blind individuals are eligible for two of the same cards (the second is intended for a travelling companion). They are issued by the Prefecture at the beginning of each year.
Required documents:

  • Application
  • Copy of Police Identification Card
  • Latest receipt from the Monetary Aid Benefit received or the percentage of disability (at least 67%) as recorded by Health Committee.
  • Health Insurance Book
  • Two recent color photographs

Culture Card

Culture Cards are issued at the Centers of Service for Citizens, KEP and give the holder free entry to:

  • Museums which are under the Ministry of Culture
  • Archeological sites and monuments
  • Cultural Events sponsored by the Ministry of Culture
  • Sunday Morning Events at the Music Hall of Athens
  • Performances at the National Theater
  • Performances at other public theaters
  • Movies at the Center of Greek Cinema in Athens (or with reduced entry)
  • Discounts on books and at the gift shops in the museums

Required documents:

  • Confirmation of disability (percentage)
  • Copy of Police Identification Card
  • Photograph

For more information, please call the Culture Hotline at 800-110-0100 (free of charge) or visit a KEP center

Handicapped Automobile

Visually-impaired individuals have the right to purchase an automobile at a reduced price. To apply you must submit the following documents to the Health Department of your local Prefecture Self-government of your region:

  • Medical opinion from the State Ophthalmology Hospital, signed by the Head of the hospital.
  • Written Statement documenting that it is the first time the interested party has applied to the Health Committee for a reduced price automobile.
  • Electric, Telephone or Water bill in the name of the interested party
  • Copy and original Police Identification Card

An appointment for you to be examined must be made with the Health Committee. All Greek citizens from 4 - 70 years have the right to an examination.