Speakers -

THEOTOKOS

“THEOTOKOS” Foundation is a non-profit Organization, and has been operating uninterruptedly since 1963. Its’ 51 acre campus is located in Ilion- Attiki.

It provides special intervention and rehabilitation services to preschool children (early intervention) and teenagers, with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. It also provides vocational training and work rehabilitation for young adults. Finally, it supports their family environment and intervenes when necessary.

It has served and supported more than 5,000 people during its 60 years of operation. Today, more than 300 children and young people attend daily, of which approximately 40 are without social security or uninsured. They are supported through innovative methodology and Practices, which follow the European standards. It employs 98 staff members of interdisciplinary and administrative specialties.

The Smile of the Child

“The Smile of the Child” is a voluntary, non-profit organization that was created by Andreas Yannopoulos who passed away at the age of 10. Andreas in this diary, he asked his father to help all children live a healthy and happy life and to create an association to bring a smile to all children.

The Organization operates in Greece, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, aiming to defend the rights of children and address their everyday problems. Its activities include accommodation of children at risk, telephone support, counselling, support families in need, campaigns for social issues etc.

Kifidis Orthopedic World

Kifidis Orthopedic World is one of the oldest companies of manufacturing, importing and contributing orthopedic and medical items.
Our company has a rich history that begins at the beginning of the 20th century in Istanbul, when Athanasios Kifidis, an orthopedic and an excellent technician has founded the “Orthopedic World Kifidis”.
Christoforos Kifidis, the fourth generation descendant, is continuing the tradition.

Our vision for the future

To help the integration of humans with disabilities to society
To establish trustful relations with our customers
To improve the quality of our products and services
To deliver what we promise

Amimoni

Amimoni was founded in 1993 as a Nonprofit Organization with philanthropic status. It was founded by multiply disabled visually impaired children’s parents in order to meet the needs of children who were excluded from education and rehabilitation.
Today it runs 4 programs:

Early Child Intervention
It is a home-based program which includes educational activities with the child and parent counseling.
It also provides distance education and counseling to families who live outside Attica.

Day Center “IRIS”
It covers the needs of trainees aged 5 and above, with therapeutic interventions such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, physical and motor activities.

Guesthouse “Polichni”
It is an educational Program promoting semi-independent living.
It takes place from Friday to Monday, hosting 3-5 trainees, offering skills for independent life.

“Lilian Voudouri” Assisted Living Residence
The first – and still the only one – life-long residence in Greece for multiply disabled visually impaired people.
Amimoni’s ultimate aim is to maximize each individual’s independence in daily living activities and improve their social integration.

Petagma

Petagma was founded in 2002 by a team of parents of persons with intellectual disabilities who were concerned about their children’s future.
As it progressed, Petagma grew into an innovative service that supports intellectually challenged adults to live in normal houses in the community with a small number of housemates.

Today we are running three Supported living flats in Vrilissia neighbourhood in Attica, where twelve persons live.
Our inmates receive 24-hour support from specialised staff in order to develop their personal and social skills through an enriched and creative daily life adapted to their needs and desires.

Osteon

Osteon is a medical center, which covers the whole spectrum of orthopedic and neurosurgical conditions, staffed with specialized doctors who are dedicated to the general principles of medical science and ethics.

It was founded by a team of orthopedic surgeons who share a common vision, since they were junior doctors, regarding the provision of innovative medical services in Greece, as well as a common commitment to make this vision a reality back in the homeland, having previously been trained and distinguished for their work abroad.

EPILOGI

The Company Epilogi, which means the choice in English, operates two Centers for Creative Employment and a Center for Special Therapies based in Nea Filadelfia, while it also operates a branch in Nea Ionia.

Creative Employment Centers for People with Special Needs are made up of experienced therapeutic staff involved in group programs.
The programs are designed after an evaluation of each group in general and each beneficiary in particular, so that there is individualization in terms of the development of the abilities of each beneficiary, as well as the improvement of the social skills of each group.

ELEPAP

ELEPAP- Rehabilitation for The Disabled is the oldest non-profit charity organization in Greece providing rehabilitation services to children since 1937.
Over these years, more than 100.000 children and adults with disabilities have been supported.

ELEPAP currently operates high-level facilities and has 6 branches throughout Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Chania, Ioannina, Volos and Agrinion).
The organisation is open to infants, children and adults and provides therapeutic programs, education, and medical care for them, as well as support and counselling services to their families.

ELEPAP stands by the children and helps them develop their full potential for social integration and access to the formal school system. It is quite remarkable that 50-60 % of our children manage to achieve this.

All along this journey, we make sure to be at the side of the children’s families every step of the way, we create a spirit of solidarity, cooperation and trust were everything is possible.

BETA Medical Publishers

BETA Medical Publishers founded in 1976, introducing the production of high-quality biomedical books for all medical specialties, and covering a wide area of educational books in Μedical and Nursing Schools for the students in all Greek Universities. BETA has published more than 20 titles of WHO in Greece and more than 18 scientific magazines till now, having furthermore expanded into the area of History, Folklore and the Culture of Medicine.

After 48 years BETA Medical Publications, despite the present unfavorable circumstances in trading and enterprising, succeed the trust of their clients having been awarded by the Academy of Athens and several other national organizations.

ANAPLASI

ANAPLASI, the only rehabilitation center to be awarded a 100% score on quality criteria by the Hellenic National Organization for the Provision of Health Services, is the validated premier rehabilitation center in Greece.

The physical and mental well-being of the patient are at the heart of each customized rehabilitation program, delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experienced clinical staff. Both in-patient care and therapeutic sessions are conducted in a purpose-built facility utilizing state-of -the art technology. This provides an environment conducive to scientific research.

ANAPLASI started as the first Hellenic center of its kind and continues to lead the way!

BLOCKS REHAB FILOKTITIS

BLOCKS REHAB FILOKTITIS, Medical Rehabilitation Center, is a private unit of its kind in Athens, Greece, offering inpatient, outpatient and one day clinic medical rehabilitation services focused on restoring the health and functional abilities of people after acute illness or injury such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, heart surgery, amputation, joint replacement, sports injuries or spinal disorders etc.
Physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, psychology, clinical dietician, neuropsychology and rehabilitation nursing, acupuncture, prosthetics, orthotics are among the highly specialized services available to Filoktitis’ patients.

Filoktitis is dedicated to advancing knowledge of effective physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies, and to delivering the best possible patient care. Working together, physiatrists, nurses, therapists, and other specialties consultants help patients return to their highest levels of independent functioning.
Filoktitis applies European and American protocols and has the additional advantage of ensuring that patients are not disconnected from their social and family environment, making a great contribution to the success of the rehabilitation treatment.

The center is certified according to the International Standard ISO 9001:2008 and EN 15224: 2012 for the Quality Management System, HACCP Certification for Food Services.

THESEUS

«THESEUS» is a Rehabilitation Centerfor patients with neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiological, respiratory diseases and sports injuries that require a holistic and personalized approach.

Its mission is to improve the clinical and functional condition of patients and to give incentives and goals to reorganize their lives.

Lighthouse for the Blind

The Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece, is a Non-Profit Organization, “specially recognized as Philanthropic” by special law act, founded in 1946 (www.fte.gr).

Through its various Departments, the Tactual Museum and the 3 Workshops, unique in Greece, there is a wide range of social services offered, along with professional guidance/rehabilitation towards blind (and newly-blinded) and partially sighted people for the enhancement of their spiritual and educational level, the cognitive and emotional development and their well-being as individuals and Equal members of the society, for a descent and qualitative life.

The average annual number of beneficiaries is over 2.000 (from Greece, Cyprus and Greeks living abroad). There are also constant actions for the right information/awareness of the general community regarding the vision loss and the cultivation of a consciousness of acceptance, creative coexistence and social inclusion

Hospice for neuro - disabilities

The Hospice for neuro – disabilities is a public benefit, not-for-profit charitable organization which exists solely to serve its philanthropic goals. Since 1893, its specially-trained staff (doctors and nurses) have provided full medical and nursing care to thousands of patients with chronic conditions but no personal funds, along with financial assistance. The Hospice has also relieved families of the heavy burden of caring for their loved ones at home. It is managed by an 11-member Board of Directors and operates as a legal entity governed by Private Law.

Its financial resources stem exclusively from the rental and leasing of Hospice-owned property and contributions from supportive individuals, institutions, companies and societies. It operates without government funding of any sort. In 1972, in order to achieve the goals for which it was established, the Hospice for the Disabled established the Foundation for People with Chronic Illnesses. Today, the Foundation cares for around 125 beneficiaries from every part of Greece. Paraplegic or tetraplegic, stroke victims or suffering from multiple sclerosis or other conditions of the central nervous system, all face mobility issues. A full 80% of our beneficiaries are bed-bound and incontinent.

The Hospice for the Disabled takes in people whose incurable illnesses render them incapable of looking after themselves. Our only condition for entry is that an individual is not suffering from a psychiatric or infectious illness, has hard-to heal wounds, acute conditions or a cancer which requires special treatment. Our beneficiaries remain in the Foundation until the end of their lives; generally, they require increased medical, nursing and pharmaceutical care during the final stages of their struggle. A staff of 110 specialists provide them with 24-hour support.

Kifidis Orthopedic World

Kifidis Orthopedic World is one of the oldest companies of manufacturing, importing and contributing orthopedic and medical items.
Our company has a rich history that begins at the beginning of the 20th century in Istanbul, when Athanasios Kifidis, an orthopedic and an excellent technician has founded the “Orthopedic World Kifidis”

Christoforos Kifidis, the fourth generation descendant, is continuing the tradition.
Our vision for the future
To help the integration of humans with disabilities to society
To establish trustful relations with our customers
To improve the quality of our products and services
To deliver what we promise

PEGKAP-NY

PEGKAP-NY (Greek Union of Parents & Guardians of Mentally Disabled Individuals & Children) was founded in 1960, from Parents & Guardians of M. D. Individuals. It is a non-profit Charity Organization.

PEGKAP-NY is administered by the Board of Directors, that get elected through a General Meeting every three years. Our primary vision and purpose are to offer supportive and inclusive services designed to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, independently of the gender, the age of the individual, as well as care for the proper development and their smooth integration & embodiment in society.

We provide with specialized educational and therapeutic programs based on each individual’s special needs of all ages, from their adultness and for however much it is deemed necessary.

Rehab Care

Rehab Care is one of the leading companies in the field of disability service products in Greece, with exclusive distribution of pioneering companies like ETAC, PERMOBIL, R82, JENX, ROMPA and of other global leaders too.

Started its activity in 2011 by people who already had years of experience and strong presence in the field, the goal of the company is to provide the necessary, reliable, and suitable rehabilitation and self-care assistive technology products in order to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and adequately equip rehabilitation, therapy centers and clinics all over the country.

Aktios

Aktios Dynamic Model of Care offers nursing, medical and neurological monitoring, individual and group activities with psychologists and social workers as well as individual and group physiotherapy programs by specialized physiotherapists provided daily.

Aktios’ main focus is to create care spaces for seniors and people with Dementia, with a home-like environment. Spaces in which our guests feel safe and comfortable, like home, while enjoying the care of a specialized geriatric unit and a hotel-quality of life. Aktios Units are neither institutional nursing homes nor promiscuous retirement homes, but a positive attitude towards the 3rd Age. It is knowledge, expertise and the assurance of a framework for providing services to human beings and the community.

All About Aquatics

All About Aquatics Greece & Cyprus since 2008 has specialized in education and professional services in the fields of aquatic therapy, aqua fitness, therapeutic water exercises and swimming lessons. Operating in certified swimming pools across Greece and Cyprus, the company offers high-level services and professional training certifications, thanks to the expertise, experience and the ongoing development of its instructors.

The organization’s philosophy emphasizes on the training of health and exercise professionals in evidenced based practices, according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization, World Physiotherapy, International Aquatic Therapy Faculty and BECO Aqua College.
More information https://www.allaboutaquatics.eu/

Professor Anna Barnett

Anna is a Professor of Psychology in the Centre for Psychological Research at Oxford Brookes University, UK. Her general area of research is the development of motor control and coordination in children and young adults, with a special focus on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/’Dyspraxia’). Her publications include work on the diagnosis, description and developmental course of DCD, examination of the perceptual-motor difficulties and also exploration of the genetic contribution to motor difficulties.

Much of Anna’s work involves the development of assessment tools, used by education and allied health professionals across the world. Most recently, she co-authored the Movement ABC-3rd Edition and was principal author of the Detailed Assessment of the Speed of Handwriting – 2 nd Edition (DASH2). Anna is also enthusiastically involved in community intervention programmes and currently helps to run and evaluate courses to help children with movement difficulties learn to ride a bike.

Prof. Dr. Filiz Can

Prof. Dr. Filiz Can is a Full Professor and is been working in Hacettepe University, Faculty Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation as a member of academy, lecturer, researcher and clinician. She is the chair of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Department and chair the units of Orthopaedic and Geriatric Rehabilitation. She is coordinator, lecturer and advisor for “Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation” postgraduate program in Health Science Institute of Hacettepe University.

She is giving orthopaedic rehabilitation, manual therapy and geriatric rehabilitation lectures for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Up to date, she has completed 39 dissertations included master of science (MSc) and doctoral (PhD) disertations as an advisor. Her research studies are on orthopaedic rehabilitation, geriatric rehabilitation, sports injuries and manipulative therapy. She has published one book and is the author of 51 book chapters in national and international orthopedics and geriatrics textbooks and many articles in peerreviewed journals. She has been invited speaker or keynote speaker for many national and international congresses.

She has been a member of the organization or scientific committee in many congresses in national and international levels. She was the general secretary of the National Geriatric Physiotherapy Congresses which have been held on 2005, 2009 and 2012. She was also the general secretary of the 3 rd IPTOP Congress (World Congress of IPTOP) in Istanbul in 2006. She was the organiser and president of “Symposium on Education of Physiotherapy: ERWCPT Perspective in January 2020, Istanbul- Turkey.

She has been vice chair of working group in “Advancing Health and Well-Being into Old Age in National Commission on Aging” coordinated Prime Ministry State Planning Organization in Turkey and became one of editors of the Turkish National Reports for National Plan of Action to follow Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing in 2002. She has been one of the chairs of the core groups for “National Guidelines of Physical Activity Meeting” and took place as writer of the chapter of the “National Guidelines of Physical Activity Book”. She has also worked and still working as a consultant commission member or a core group member in many meetings of The Health Ministry and The Ministry of Family and Social Policies. She is working as official Advisory Board Member in the Ministry of Family and Social Policies in Turkey for the last 8 years.

She has contributed 2 year’s work as a multi- professional team member of the Development Group for Dementia to the Development of World Health Organizations’s (WHO) Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation (PIR)

She is board member of “Turkish Physiotherapy Association” since 2016 as responsible member for international affair. She was the founding member of the Geriatric Physiotherapy Association (2003) and Orthopedic Physiotherapy Association (2015). She is the chair of “Turkish Geriatric Physiotherapy Association” and also chair of “Turkish Orthopedic Physiotherapy Association.” She has been elected as executive Committee Member of IPTOP (International Association of Physical Therapists working with Older People- Subgroup of World Confederation for Physical Therapy) in 2003 and became vice Chair of IPTOP in 2006.

She was the Chair of IPTOP between the years of 2007-2011. She has still a position in IPTOP as a member of Research Subgroup.

She has been elected as a member of “Education& Research Matters Working Group” of World Physiotherapy Europe Region in 2018 and she has been re-elected for the period of 2020-2022, 2022-2024 and 2024-2026. She has also worked for Cross Thematic Working Group (MSDs Workplace Group) between 2020-2022 and still working as a member of Musculoskeletal Disorders Satellite Group.

She served as the mentor and coordinator of the physiotherapy group in the Turkey Earthquake in 2023. He was also invited to become a Member of the Earthquake and Disaster Coordination Board of the Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in 2023. She has given many lectures in the national congresses and postgraduate courses about the role of physiotherapy in disaster management. She was also invited speaker in the discussion panel titled “Is Physiotherapy in Essential Service as Part of Emergency Response” in World Physiotherapy Congress 2023 in Dubai.

Dr. Joan Ma

Dr Joan Ma is a qualified speech and language therapist with experience working with acquired communication difficulties and swallowing disorders. She is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Queen Margaret University (QMU). She is involved in delivering undergraduate and postgraduate Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) programmes and is actively engaged in research. She has recently completed a Research Fellowship funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Joan is the Principal Investigator in the research project, Swallow Vision (www.swallowvision.com), which aims to develop novel use of ultrasound in different areas of speech and language therapy clinical practices. Together with her team and collaborators, the project focuses on developing Ultrasound Evaluation of Swallowing (USES) for swallowing screening and monitoring changes to swallowing functions in individuals with progressive conditions. In addition, the project also explores the use of ultrasound as a biofeedback tool for swallowing rehabilitation. In the last year, the scope of Swallow Vision has extended to include ultrasound research on vocal fold movement in infants and young children.

Joan has recently been appointed QMU’s first Women in Research Champion and Associate Academic Lead for REF 2029. In this role, she provides research leadership and an enhanced strategic focus on encouraging good practice, influencing cultural change and ensuring gender equality.

Dr. Cathal Morgan

Cathal’s current role with WHO/EUROPE is leading the workforce optimization agenda within the Health workforce and Service Delivery team. Previous to this, Cathal provided policy and technical advisory support to Governments in scaling access to rehabilitation, digital and assistive technologies and in developing disability inclusion policy solutions in health and care services.

Previous to this his work in WHO/EUROPE, Cathal has held several senior leadership positions within Irelands public service, including as Head of Disability Operations in the Irish health service, Director of the Homeless Agency, and as Irelands National Drug Strategy Manager. Cathal was appointed by the Irish Government as a non-executive director to the Board of the National Disability Authority. He has worked with International organizations such as the International Initiative for Disability Leadership (IIDL) and European Union development programmes such as the EQUAL Initiative.

Cathal is a registered clinical psychotherapist (IRL) and holds a master’s degree in clinical psychotherapy, a PhD in clinical research relating to suicidology and a post-graduate diploma in executive leadership coaching. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors in Ireland.

Dr. Christina Schulze

Starting her career in research and development at the Institute of Occupational Therapy at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in 2008, she has become deeply fascinated by how research can address clinical questions. This interest has grown steadily, and she is inspired by the opportunity to combine clinical practice, research, and teaching. In December 2020, she became a professor specializing in children’s participation and inclusion, overseeing projects that focus on improving children’s participation in daily life.

As a practitioner and leader of a multi-professional teams and projects, she has observed that different disciplines offer varied perspectives on children’s health, wellbeing, inclusion, and participation. These complementary views are strengths, yet the valuable contributions of children and parents are often overlooked. Her current work aims to enhance children’s participation by modifying their environment through policy, attitude, and built environments. Her ambition is to improve children’s activity, participation, and inclusion in society, helping them become, social, healthy, happy and productive adults.

With extensive experience in diverse research methods, she understands the importance of contextbased approaches that focus on modifying activities or environments rather than the child. She has participated in several COST actions and serves as a Co-investigator for the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action P4Play, supporting occupational therapists in research and supervising numerous projects topics related to children`s health, inclusion and wellbeing.

Dr. Anastassios Philippou

Dr. Anastassios Philippou is Professor of Physiology-Exercise Physiology at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. His research interests focus on Exercise Physiology and Clinical Exercise Physiology. He has more than 135 publications in international scientific journals and has been involved in the translation and scientific editing of books as well as the writing of Greek and English book chapters. His scientific work covers a wide field in the physiology of exercise and particularly in skeletal muscle physiology, for which he has received international and national awards. He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Founding Member and President of the Greek National Center “Exercise Is Medicine – Greece”, and member of 8 scientific societies.

AMISTIM

AMISTIM is a pioneering company in the medical equipment industry, with 20 years of constant presence in the field of medical rehabilitation. We provide technological innovation and integrated proposals from leading manufacturers around the world.
Our passion and vocation for science and people are embedded in our DNA. It’s in our nature to be innovative, effective and to create flexible and high standard solutions for our partners.

A company based on growth, has evolved rapidly and today is considered as one of the leading and most reliable companies in South East Europe and the Balkans. Our goal is to globally cover the needs of our partners and consumers with consistency, high quality, innovation, constant education, wide range of products, and premium after sales service.

BTL

BTL Industries has become one of the world’s major manufacturers of medical and aesthetic equipment with direct offices in more than 70 countries around the world.We have become a market leader in non-invasive treatments, the fastest-growing segment of medicine. BTL Areas: Development, Manufacturing, Sales, Education, Service.

Vaggelis Avgoulas

Vaggelis Avgoulas

NPO “Me Alla Matia” was founded in 2018 by the blind lawyer Vaggelis Avgoulas and a group of disabled people claiming inclusion, with the ultimate goal of erasing the under-representation of disability. It was implemented as an afterthought of the fully accessible news portal meallamatia.gr. “Me Alla Matia” means “with a different point of view” and implements a series of customized educational programs:

business training in inclusion strategy and consultancy
dismantling stereotypes, raising awareness & promoting inclusion in schools
training professionals in disabled customer service in order to claim a more “Humane Organization”

Μeallamatia.gr, who has over 211,000 unique users, runs the #SpeakUp campaign that features disabled people in short videos and has garnered over 9 million views. Since September 2017, the NPO has implemented 285 free educational programs in schools, with over 23,000 students. In the last 2 years, 55 custom-made training & consulting programs were designed and coordinated for companies, agencies and municipalities, training over 5,500 employers and employees in accessibility and inclusion.

Rehab Care

Rehab Care has been active since the end of 2011 in the field of rehabilitation of children and adults. It is staffed by persons with many years of experience who are always ready to offer their knowledge by evaluating and consulting towards the right choice regarding Assistive Technology. Rehab Care represents pioneering companies that are the leading forces in the field worldwide. In addition to our experience in assistive technology, our company also undertakes the equipment of rehabilitation centers and clinics. Our essential goal is to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities of all ages, but also to achieve optimal working conditions for therapists and caregivers.

We understand disability.
We aim for safe autonomy.
We create possibilities.

ELEPAP

ELEPAP-Rehabilitation for The Disabled is the oldest non-profit charity organization in Greece providing rehabilitation services to children since 1937. It currently operates high-level facilities and has 6 branches throughout Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Chania, Ioannina, Volos and Agrinion). Our mission is to provide Lifelong Support and access to rehabilitation programs to all persons with disabilities and their families, regardless of financial, social or religious circumstances. Our aim is to help our Brave Kids and adults with disabilities to take small or big steps, to take “Life Steps”.

EPILOGI

EPILOGI (Social Cooperative Enterprise) is an organization that provides curative support and creative leisure activities services to children and teenagers with disabilities. More specifically, in the two “EPILOGI” Special treatment centers in Nea Philadelphia and Nea Ionia, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, Psychological Support and Family Counseling services are provided by an experienced interdisciplinary team. The two Centres that operate at the facilities of “EPILOGI” in Nea Philadelphia are a place of creative leisure activities for people with disabilities providing adapted programs in a comfortable and safe environment, which helps them develop their individual and social skills.

EL.S.S.A.

The Hellenic Association for Asperger’s Syndrome (EL.S.S.A.) is a non-profit association founded in 2007 by a group of scientists, parents, and friends of people with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Its purpose is to contribute to the recognition of the diversity of this group of citizens, to the information and awareness of society, to the promotion of the institutionalization of their special needs, to the promotion of social and professional acceptance, vocational training, and employment. The operation of the online platform JobsLink (www.asperger.gr) by EL.S.S.A. aims to support people with ASD in finding and maintaining a job, through the connection of businesses with prospective employees.

The Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece

The Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece is a Non-Profit Organization, “specially recognized as Philanthropic” by special law act, founded in 1946. Through its various Departments, the Tactual Museum and the 3 Workshops, unique in Greece, there is a wide range of social services offered, along with professional guidance/rehabilitation towards blind (and newly-blinded) and partially sighted people for the enhancement of their spiritual and educational level, the cognitive and emotional development and their well-being as individuals and Equal members of the society, for a descent and qualitative life. The average annual number of beneficiaries is over 2.000 (from Greece, Cyprus and Greeks living abroad). There are also constant actions for the right information/awareness of the general community regarding the vision loss and the cultivation of a consciousness of acceptance, creative coexistence and social inclusion.

The Smile of the Child

“The Smile of the Child” was created in 1995 by 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos, who, shortly before leaving from life, expressed in his diary his wish to found an organization that will ensure for all children what he had so generously enjoyed: love, affection, care and respect. The dream of 10-year-old Andreas became reality and today the Organization “The Smile of the Child”, recognized internationally, with a Vision: the Smile of every child, implements nationwide, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, effective and direct actions for preventing and addressing particular phenomena that threaten children.

In the course of 27 years of action “The Smile of the Child” has supported more than 1.800.000 children and their families. Children victims of any form of violence, missing children, children with health problems, children living in poverty or threatened by poverty, have found a solution. The Organization is staffed by specialized scientific personnel, has the precious support of volunteers and is based on citizens and companies that actively provide their support in practice through donations and sponsorships.

PLANET PHYSICS

PLANET PHYSICS has the mission of spreading scientific knowledge to the public. In order to achieve our mission, we use our interactive exhibition (35 interactive exhibits), science experiments in our labs (both demonstrations and “hands-on”), STEAM courses etc.

Every year, we accept more than 70.000 visitors, in the state-of-the-art facilities of “Hellenic Cosmos” Cultural Centre. Our visitors are teachers that need to be aware of STEAM or delve into practical implementations of it, groups of students during school fieldtrips, students attending our STEAM courses and our Summer Camp, families with children etc. Moreover, we organise corporate events, teacher trainings and “scientific” birthday parties.”

Amimoni

Amimoni

Amimoni was founded in 1993 as a Nonprofit Organization with philanthropic status. It was founded by multiply disabled visually impaired children’s parents in order to meet the needs of children who were excluded from education and rehabilitation. Today it runs 4 programs:

Early Child Intervention

It is a home-based program which includes educational activities with the child and parent counseling.

It also provides distance education and counseling to families who live outside Attica.

Day Center “IRIS”

It covers the needs of trainees aged 5 and above, with therapeutic interventions such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, physical and motor activities.

Guesthouse “Polichni”

It is an educational Program promoting semi-independent living.

It takes place from Friday to Monday, hosting 3-5 trainees, offering skills for independent life.

“Lilian Voudouri” Assisted Living Residence

The first – and still the only one – life-long residence in Greece for multiply disabled visually impaired people.

Amimoni’s ultimate aim is to maximize each individual’s independence in daily living activities and improve their social integration.

P.E.G.K.A.P.- NY

P.E.G.K.A.P.- NY

The Panhellenic Association of Parents and Guardians of Individual & Children with ID (P.E.G.K.A.P.- NY), is a non-profit charitable organization, which was founded in 1960. It operates three units in Attica (Chalandri, Anixi, Galatsi). PEGKAP-NY implements different programmes aiming at providing holistic support to children and adults with intellectual and other developmental delays. In doing so, PEGKAP-NY also offers holistic support and information to their families, with respect and dignity to the individual life of the beneficiaries. More specifically, PEGKAP-NY operates two Daycare Centers that are addressed to adults with intellectual disability and offers therapeutic support through different projects and activities like drama therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, a daily living skills program, community integration projects, STEM activities etc.

Moreover, since 2013, a Supported Living Shelter has been operating (S.Y.D.) for six people (people with ID, orphaned by one or both parents) in Chalandri. Furthermore, PEGKAP-NY implements a unique Day Center (KAPI) for Seniors with Intellectual Disabilities and/or cognitive impairment. In addition, PEGKAP-NY operates a Prevention & Counselling Center that implements programmes such as Family Centred Early Intervention for children 0-6 years old. Overall, PEGKAP-NY follows closely all the latest global developments vis-a-vis a range of intervention models, invests in the design and implementation of contemporary and innovating prevention and intervention programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages. A case in point is the European program “leisure skills” through which PEGKAP-NY designed its Day Centers based on the needs of the beneficiaries attending them and implements it as a leader together with partners such as the Metropolitan College Athens and a number of European foundations.

Med2Go

Med2Go

Med2Go is a new Greek company that focuses in the delivery of Wireless Portable Medical Devices in the Greek market. Composed by highly experienced personnel in the healthcare sector, covering business and technical areas can fully support healthcare companies and private medical practice. Med2Go motto is “offer affordable, quality and innovative medical devices that provide flexibility and ease of use for doctors and medical centers that use them”.

As technology evolves in fast pace, we expect an increasing interest in portable devices and there will be frequent additions in our line of products. Have a look at our website www.med2go.gr or send us an email at info@med2go.gr for more information.

OSTEON

OSTEON

The scientific team of Osteon Clinic offers high-level orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery services covering the entire range of musculoskeletal and nervous system diseases. Multifaceted and comprehensive care is provided to each patient, while minimally invasive surgical techniques and innovative medical technology are used.

Theseus Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center

Theseus Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center

Theseus Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center started its operation in 2016, in a state-of-the-art building, located on Syngrou Avenue. The area of the Center is 7,000 m2, including five nursing units, (58 beds – 30 rooms) of excellent specifications and specially designed areas with therapeutic departments for physical therapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, speech therapy, psychological and social support, orthopedics, neurological pathology, and cardiology clinic, as well as a fully equipped ergometric center with a therapeutic gym and an indoor swimming pool.

Theseus has the scientific knowledge to treat all diseases of the nervous, muscular, circulatory, and respiratory systems with the sole aim of optimal functional rehabilitation, independence, and improving the quality of life of individuals.

Kifidis Orthopedics

Kifidis Orthopedics

Kifidis Orthopedics is an orthopedics company established in 1919. Located in Greece on the sector of orthopedics, prosthetics, and medical equipment sector.

We operate as manufacturer, importer and dealer, retail and wholesale in the field of disability service products. Our aim is to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, the equipment of rehabilitation centers and clinics.

Our vision for the future:

To help the integration of humans with disabilities to society,
To establish trustful relations with our customers
To improve the quality of our products and services.
To deliver what we promise

Attica Recovery & Rehabilitation Center

Attica Recovery & Rehabilitation Center

Attica Recovery & Rehabilitation Center is a leading physical therapy and rehabilitation provider offering top quality specialized services, and the country’s largest dedicated rehabilitation facility with a capacity of 300 beds.

Our comprehensive treatments are based on a holistic personalized approach, addressing medical, physical and emotional conditions caused by neurological or myoskeletal dysfunctions that inhibit movement, communication, performance of everyday tasks and impair the quality of life. Attica Recovery & Rehabilitation Center is a leading physical therapy and rehabilitation provider offering top quality specialized services, and the country’s largest dedicated rehabilitation facility with a capacity of 300 beds.

Our comprehensive treatments are based on a holistic personalized approach, addressing medical, physical and emotional conditions caused by neurological or myoskeletal dysfunctions that inhibit movement, communication, performance of everyday tasks and impair the quality of life. Under the care of a specialized team of medical, nursing and physiotherapy professionals, each patient follows a comprehensive physiotherapy rehabilitation program tailored to their specific needs, starting from the treatment of the condition and underlying pathology, to resuming everyday activities and learning how to achieve and maintain good physical and emotional health.

Dr. Cathal Morgan

Dr. Cathal Morgan

Cathal is a Policy Advisor/Technical Officer working in the Division of Country Health Policy and Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe. In this role, Cathal provides technical advisory support to WHO member states in scaling access to rehabilitation and assistive technology and in developing disability inclusion policy solutions in health and social services.

Cathal has held several senior leadership positions within the Irish Public Service including as Assistant National Director of Disability Operations in the Irish health service, Director of the Homeless Agency, and National Drug Strategy Manager. He is also a member of the Board of the National Disability Authority, an independent statutory body that delivers independent research and policy advice to the Irish Government on disability matters.

Cathal is a qualified clinical psychotherapist and holds a master’s degree in clinical psychotherapy, a PhD in clinical research and a post-graduate diploma in executive leadership coaching.

Sikiarideio Foundation

Sikiarideio Foundation

Sikiarideio Foundation is a Day Care Center for young people aged from 14 and over with intellectual disabilities based in Maroussi area. Psychology, psychiatry, special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, applied gymnastics are among the highly specialized services available to Sikiarideio service users.

Sikiarideio runs workshops in painting and decoration of wooden, mosaic, batik techniques as well as decoupage, ceramic, gardening, recycling, bookbinding, cooking, candles and seasonal decorations. Sikiarideio empowers the uniqueness of every human being working towards social inclusion, access to the community, employment possibilities and independent supported living.

Roots Wellness Center

Roots Wellness Center

Roots Wellness Center is an integrative practice, providing psychotherapy that combines holistic methods. Our priority is to create a safe framework with respect to clients’ individual needs and provide them with the support and unconditional positive regard from which they can grow.

The online and face-to face services we offer include individual and group therapy, internship opportunities and clinical supervision to graduate students in psychology programs, educational seminars and webinars, workbooks and manuals. Our therapists work with adults and adolescents to facilitate development of life skills necessary for coping with: trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, social anxiety, assertive behavior, perfectionism, among others.

BETA Medical Publishers Ltd

BETA Medical Publishers Ltd

BETA Medical Publishers Ltd, founded in 1976 introducing the production of high-quality biomedical books for all medical specialties and covering a wide area of educational books in Medical and Nursing Schools for the students in Greek Universities.

BETA has published more than 20 titles of WHO in Greece and more than 18 scientific magazines till now, having expanded furthermore to the area of History, Folklore and the Culture of Medicine. After 46 years BETA Medical Publishers, despite the present unfavorable circumstances in trading and enterprising, succeed the trust of their clients having been awarded by the Academy of Athens and several other organizations.

AKTIOS Medical Rehabilitation Center

AKTIOS Medical Rehabilitation Center

AKTIOS Medical Rehabilitation Center, is one of the largest private units of its kind in Athens, Greece, offering inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services focused on restoring the health and functional abilities of people after acute illness or injury such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, heart surgery, amputation, joint replacement, sports injuries, or spinal disorders.

Physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, psychology, clinical dietician, neuropsychology, rehabilitation nursing, robotic rehabilitation, acupuncture, are among the highly specialized services available to AKTIOS Medical Rehabilitation patients. AKTIOS MEDICAL Rehabilitation functions, based on protocols, evaluating the treatment results with internationally recognized rating scales, personalized intensive recovery treatment programs based on established international practices, rules and guidelines, personalized service, and care.

Agis D. Tsouros, MD, PhD, FFPH (UK)

Agis D. Tsouros, MD, PhD, FFPH (UK)

Dr Tsouros is a leading international expert with 30 years of experience in the fields of health policy, urban health and healthy cities, inter-sectoral governance and health in all policies, social determinants of health and equity, public health systems, and health promotion. He worked for the WHO Regional Office for Europe for almost three decades in leading positions in the areas of health promotion, non-communicable diseases, health inequalities and public health systems. He led the development of the WHO European Healthy Cities movement and the development of the WHO European Policy and Strategy Health 2020.

He was instrumental in drawing international attention through WHO on the social determinants of health. During the period 2004 to 2006 he was seconded to the Greek Government to lead the public preparedness for the Athens 2004 Olympics and assumed the position of Chairman of the National Board of Public Health and President of the Greek CDC. He is the author, co/author or intellectual sponsor/ initiator of several influential and widely translated publications on urban health and healthy cities, the solid-facts series for policy makers on topics such as the social determinants of health and equity, active living, home care, health literacy, palliative care and healthy ageing and publications on leadership and inter-sectoral governance for health and sustainable development.

He is currently advising WHO Regional Offices as well as national governments and cities world-wide on health policy and governance. In 2020 he was appointed chairman of the Bodossaki Foundation Initiative for Public Health in the 21 century.

Professor Cathy Bulley

Professor Cathy Bulley PhD, BSc (Hons.), MCSP, SFHEA

Co-Director of the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Professor Bulley is a Physiotherapist by training and now works across health, with specific interest in supporting people affected by long-term conditions. For many years she has been involved in leading research, scholarship, and more recently she branched out into innovation and social entrepreneurship. She believes research is the way of being a health professional and she has a very pragmatic and applied approach.

Professor Bulley’s research interests focus on person-centredness and people’s lived experiences of health conditions and of strategies that aim to optimise participation and quality of life. Her longest-lasting research focus is on devices to support people affected by foot-drop, which result from various conditions including multiple sclerosis and stroke and affects their ability to get out and about safely and confidently. She is also co-founder and co-Director of a Social Enterprise called the ‘Health Design Collective’ which has a vision to “Transform product design in health care” and mission to “Collaborate with end-users to co-design fit-for-purpose, accessible, attractive and affordable health care products.” See: https://www.healthdesigncollective.co.uk/

With users, she designed footwear with ‘Smart Strap Technology’ which supports people in lifting their toes while walking – while remaining unobtrusive and comfortable.

Dr. Maria Pyrgeli

Dr. Maria Pyrgeli

Dr. Maria Pyrgeli graduated the Medical School of Semmelweis University, Englishspeaking Department, and received a Master Degree from the Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the discipline of “Metabolic Bone Diseases”.

She is recertified as a Senior Doctor of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine from the European Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SFEBPRM) and she has been specialized in Neurological and Pediatric Rehabilitation. Dr. Pyrgeli is the Scientific Director of ELEPAP – Rehabilitation for the Disabled.

She has extensive research, writing and educational work as well as active participations in International and National Conferences and she is a member of International and Hellenic Scientific Societies and Committees. Dr. Pyrgeli is a founding member and President of the Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Section of the Hellenic Society of PRM and she has been nominated National Coordinator of the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD) for Greece.

Dr. Johnny Collett

Dr. Johnny Collett

Johnny has been working in rehabilitation research since completing his PhD in 2007. He has a wide range of interests from researching underpinning mechanism in areas such as biomechanics, exercise physiology and imaging to evaluating pragmatic delivery of intervention including self-managed and peer delivered programs.

The goal, at whatever stage of the research, is to lead to improvement in people’s daily lives and enable people to realise their potential. Key this is embracing a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, working with and led by people living with long term conditions.

As such he is keen to support clinicians into research and 7 of his 8 current PhD students are part-time most studying alongside their clinical roles, researching diverse, but clinically important topics such as ‘positive risk enablement in adult social care’ and ‘developing a Core Outcome Set for identifying musculoskeletal dysfunction in women with chronic pelvic pain’. He has over 70 publications, a book chapter and has 2 patents through his collaborative research into gait analysis and developing remote monitoring.

Professor Helen Dawes

Professor Helen Dawes

Director of the Centre for Movement, Occupational Sciences (MOReS) and Scientific Manager of the Oxford Clinical Allied Technology and Trial Services Unit (OxCATTS)

Helen has developed a sustainable, vibrant, multidisciplinary research group with an established international reputation, consisting of innovative talented researchers who embrace a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, and am currently involved in ongoing clinical trials across the world that involve over 45,000 people within her appointments at both Oxford University, Oxford Brookes University and the local NHS trusts. In addition to generating over 190 publications, two patents and four book chapters, Helen’s research has been translated into teaching, practice and clinical training locally, nationally and internationally. As Deputy Chair of the Oxford Institute for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR), which is nested within the Oxford Academic Health Science Centre, one of only six Department of Health accredited centres of excellence, and her role within the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Helen is engaged in wide public involvement programs and numerous multidisciplinary collaborations that lead to improvements in patient care, community health, and enriching environments for her research team. Locally, Helen’s research is translated into practice through the Community Exercise and Rehabilitation (CLEAR) Trust, which provides specialist equipment and rehabilitation facilities, enabling children and adults with long-term neurological or degenerative disorders to participate in physical exercise and rehabilitation programmes. Helen is a Co-Investigator on grants worth over £42 million and Principal Investigator on grants worth £1.3 million, and has supervised 18 successful PhD completions to date, and currently supervises 7 externally funded PhD students including a Fulbright Scholar. Helen hosts approximately 7 visiting researchers from BSc/PhD level each year and provides mentorship to internal and external research staff.

Professor Anand Pandyan

Professor Anand David Pandyan

Professor of Rehabilitation Technology & Head of the School of Health and Rehabilitation, Keele University, UK

Professor Anand Pandyan is the Head of the School of Health and Rehabilitation at Keele University. He completed his undergraduate training in India and then worked at the Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore. In 1993 he emigrated to the UK to read for a PhD on full Scholarship at Strathclyde University. On completion of his doctoral studies in 1997 he worked for 5-years as a post-Doctoral Researcher with the Center for Rehabilitation and Engineering Studies at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Anand joined Keele University as a Lecturer in 2002 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2007 and in 2011 he was awarded a personal chair as the Professor of Rehabilitation Technology. He has a broad portfolio of responsibilities and has excelled as an academic and research leader. His research has focused on preventing significant complications in severely disabled patients and he is internationally recognised for his work on spasticity and in the role of assistive technology in neurological rehabilitation. He has attracted research income in excess of £4 million and authored more than 50 major academic journal articles. Anand has presented his research findings at more than 100 national and international conferences and is a highly regarded and engaging keynote speaker. He currently supervises all levels of undergraduate and postgraduate research and 20 students have completed their research training under his guidance. Anand advises international and national grant awarding bodies and is an expert consultant to several pharmaceutical companies. As an academic leader he has significant curriculum development and implementation experience and has been recognised for implementing efficient operational and QA processes. His most recent achievement has been replacing the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy curriculum with a 4-year integrated MSc (Physiotherapy). He has led the transformation of a single programme School into a multi-programme School of Allied Health Professions with a substantial research portfolio that will contribute to the 2025 REF submission. He has experience of managing franchise activities and partnership development with both academia and industry.

Professor Fiona Coutts PhD MSc MCSP

Professor Fiona Coutts PhD MSc MCSP

Dean of School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Chair of Council of Deans of Health Scotland

Professor Coutts took up appointment as Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh in September 2010. As Dean of the School of Health Sciences she leads academic, clinical and research development across the School The School has the broadest range of pre registration health programmes in Scotland and offers some professional programmes which are unique in Scotland e.g. Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Hearing Aid Audiology etc.

Professor Coutts represents the School on a number of internal committees including Court, Senate, School Academic Board, International and Research Committees and is chair of the University wide Student Experience Committee.

Professor Coutts is the Convenor of the Council of Deans of Health Scotland (CoDHS) and represents CoDHS at the UK forum and at many Scottish Government committees. These have included the review of the bursary for Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHP) in Scotland; NHS Education Scotland (NES) National Strategic Educational Alliance and the HCPC review of Professional Standards. Previously as Chair of the AHP strategic Academic Heads group she was part of the collaboration group with Scottish Government to review funding for AHP student expenses. These strategic roles offer the opportunity for Professor Coutts to have an overview of clinical, educational and research priorities for health and the interaction of these groups to the betterment of individuals and wider agencies. Professor Coutts is also a Trustee of the Queen’s Nursing Institute for Scotland.

The ultimate objective in the role of Dean is to remain cognisant of the ever changing landscape of delivery of healthcare and clinical expectations, (public, 3^rd sector and private provision) in Scotland and the UK, which directly impacts on and influences the education of health care professionals.

With a background in Physiotherapy, Professor Coutts still maintains her research interest in Human Movement, Movement Science, Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Breast Cancer Care, and models of Health Care education.

Professor Brendan McCormack

Professor Brendan McCormack D.Phil (Oxon.), BSc (Hons.), FRCN, FEANS, FRCSI, FRSA, PGCEA, RMN, RGN

Head of the Divisions of Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Art Therapies; Head of the Graduate School; Associate Director, Centre for Person-centred Practice Research, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Professor II, University of South Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway; Extraordinary Professor, Department of Nursing, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Professor of Nursing, Maribor University, Slovenia; Visiting Professor, Ulster University; Adjunct Professor, Canberra University Australia.

Brendan’s internationally recognised work in person-centred practice development and research has resulted in successful long-term collaborations in Ireland, the UK, Norway, The Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Slovenia and South Africa. His writing and research work focuses on person-centred practice, gerontological nursing, and practice development and he serves on a number of editorial boards, policy committees, funding panels and development groups in these areas. He has a particular focus on the use of arts and creativity in healthcare research and development. Brendan has more than 600 published outputs, including 190 peer-reviewed publications in international journals and 10 books. He is the ‘Editor Emeritus’ of the “International Journal of Older People Nursing”. Brendan is a Fellow of The European Academy of Nursing Science, Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. In 2014 he was awarded the ‘International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame’ by Sigma Theta Tau International and listed in the Thomson Reuters 3000 most influential researchers globally. In 2015 he was recognized as an ‘Inspirational Nursing Leader’ by Nursing Times (UK nursing magazine) and in 2019 was listed in the New Year ‘Top 100 outstanding nurses’ by the Twitter Group #wenurses.

Speakers

Learning from the Experts

Keynote Speakers

OFFICIAL ORGANIZER

Metropolitan College