AMYMONI is the Panhellenic Association of Parents, Guardians and Friends of Visually Impaired People with additional special needs. It was established in 1993 in Athens.The establishment of AMYMONI was of great importance, since this would be the only way for the parents to fight for their children's rights, since they can't defend themshelves.The Association right now is mainly active in Attiki, although its aim is to expand its services to the rest of the country.

Association's purposes

Society's familiarization and sensitivity about the problems of visually impaired people with additional special needs, meaning people who apart from having visual impairment, also face social skills difficulties, behavioural disorders, psychological problems, learning difficulties, motor impairment, lack of self-care skills or other difficulties.

Education and vocational training, employment and rehabilitation of these people.

Their equal social fit in and rehabilitation.

Creating social, psychological and vocational support.

Applying pressure on the Government to support these actions, to improve the relevant legislative context and take action on the accessibility section.

Assertion of social and constitutional human rights of the people with the impairments mentioned above.

Family support and solidarity among these families' members.

Promotion of scientific research for the prevention of all these problems, as well as the promotion of any kind of scientific research (psychological, etc) and their medical rehabilitation (if capable).

The function and development of AMYMONI's programmes, not only have been inspired, but also guided by the Special Centre La Pepiniere, in Lille of France.This valuable cooperation continues and composes a great source of power for the difficult mission of AMYMONI across all of Greece.

Associations Activities

Member of POSGAMEA, (Panhellenic Federation of Societies of Parents and Guardians of Disabled People).

Member of ANPEA (National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired Children of France).

Member of the Greek Federation of Voluntary Non-Government Organizations.

The Association is being, continually, represented in European Meetings since 1994.

A member of AMYMONI's Board, representing the Panhelenic Association for the Blind, participates as regular member in the E.B.U (European Blind Union) Commission for the multiple handicapped.

It has also organized meetings on issues related to training and handling with visually impaired people with additional needs. In some of them, the main speakers were specialists from European Centres.In Greece, AMYMONI has participated in Meetings and Congresses, always covering the issue of taking care of visually impaired multiple handicapped people's needs.

" EPIKINONIA "

EPIKINONIA (meaning 'communication' in Greek) is a govermental non-profit organization, which was established in 1995 and resides in the ex American Base's buildings, in Hellinico Municipality.
EPIKINONIA consists of an ideal therapeutic and educational place, covering at present time, 35 trainees.

EPIKINONIA was a parent's dream and need. Since AMYMONI was established as an association, their dream became a goal to assert. As a result, having also the support of the Centre for the Education and Rehabilitation of Blind People (K.E.A.T.) and the Panhellenic Association for the Blind, EPIKINONIA was founded.

EPIKINONIA is the only centre of this kind and its services have been rewarded from greek and foreign associations and centres. AMYMONI feels really proud of this crucial achievement

The dream remains: To provide services for every single visually impaired person with additional special needs across Greece.
The dream and the know-how of EPIKINONIA exists, all that's needed is the substructure.

"POLIHNI"

Training Programme for Independent Living.

POLIHNI (meaning 'our town' in Greek), is a training programme for independent living, which is under AMYMONI's responsibility. It started in May 1996 and is temporarily lodged at EPIKINONIA's buildings, in the ex American Base, in Hellenico area. In the available buildings, 5 trainees and 5 special trainers (1:1) can participate each time.

The programme begins every Friday at 15:00 and lasts till Sunday at 17:00.

On Friday afternoon relaxing activities take place (listening to music, singing, massage and friendly chats). Each Saturday morning the team participates in, already settled, educational, entertaining, social or athletic outside activities. These include :

Visiting museums (Botanological, Nautical, Musical Instruments', Trains', Children's Greek Museum, e.t.c.).

Excursions in Nature (parks, seasides, hills, mountains, lanes, swimming, e.t.c.).

Entertaining excursions (Amusement Park, playgrounds, cafes,e.t.c.).

Sport excursions.

Attending theatres, puppet shows, e.t.c.

Visits to shops and workshops (famililiariazing with shopping skills).

On Saturday evening, the acivities consist of training in cooking skills and various art activities (clay, gypsum, fingerpainting, creating candles, e.t.c.).

On Sunday, the trainees practice in daily living skills, something which is actually being practiced during the whole programme, like self-care, personal hygiene, cleaning up the place, making the tables, e.t.c.

The special trainers' team consists of : phycologist, social workers, special educators, occupational therapists, physical education teachers, toddler care-taker, e.t.c. In total, 10 specialists are occupied.

POLIHNI's philosophy is to avoid institutionism, to provide everlasting training in daily living skills, as well as the enrichment of the trainees' quality of life.

The goals - that are continually worked on - are : the greatest independence possible and the utmost participation in everyday life, to expand their chances, choices and social relations, and respect each individual's human rights.

The corner stone of all the above, will be obtaining permanent space that will be adequately adapted to the needs and particularities of these people by creating sheltered houses.

SPONSORS

MINISTRY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE

IONIAN BANK

LAIKI BANK

OPAP