The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is once again taking an active part in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (03/12) with a series of specially designed activities. True to the vision of its creator, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), for a public space open to all, Italian architect Renzo Piano and the Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) designed the SNFCC to welcome all visitors. Ensuring the full accessibility of its facilities,the SNFCC implements a multi-community program of activities throughout the year that encourages collaboration between disabled and non-disabled people,increasing visibility and interaction in the public space .
In this context, on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, from 10.30 to 21.00, at the SNFCC Lighthouse, non-profit, independent, voluntary and activist organizations participate in a two-day open market. The 4th Open Agora at the SNFCC is a bazaar with free admission to the public and a central theme of “Health, Mental Health and Disability”.
Open Agora seeks to raise public awareness as well as strengthen participating organizations by providing them with a platform for debriefing,exchange of ideas and experiences,and promoting interaction and collaboration.
At the same time, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a series of speeches, workshops and school programs are being held thanks to the donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
On Wednesday, December 3 at 18.00, the SNFCC, in collaboration with liminal, offers a workshop that aims to foster empathy, break down prejudices and stereotypes regarding disability.
The human library is an act that started in Denmark. A library of people instead of books.each person has a title – a “book” and the reader chooses the “book” that will tell their story. “Reading” is interactive,with questions and answers.
As part of the human library at the SNFCC, four artists with disabilities share personal stories and invite the public to an honest dialogue about issues they might potentially be reluctant to talk about.
Melani Zachariadis,a student and visual artist,shares stories and experiences that shed light on her own life as a person on the autism spectrum and art as a means of personal expression.
Demi Papathanasiou, dancer/choreographer with a disability (crip), mechanical engineer tells how she discovered dance when she was older. Despite her mobility disability, she embraced dance performance and found a new way of creating, emphasizing the power and freedom that dance can offer.
Andreas Plemmenos, special education playwright, writer, who belongs to the K/deaf community, shares his experience of daily life between the two worlds, the Deaf and the Hearing.
Christina Sarri, psychologist, writer, speaker and content creator on the issues of blindness, tells experiences from her daily life and her action to inform the public about the independent living of the blind.
The event is accompanied by simultaneous interpretation in ENG.
Entry: Those interested can send an email with the title “World Disability Day Hear My Story”. [email protected] or call 216 8091000.
Saturday, December 7, the SNFCC in collaboration with the Department of Sports Excellence | sports Excellence, from the 1st Orthopedic Surgery Clinic, EKPA within the framework of the Therapeutic Exercise program | Action for Kids with Disabilities presents an open discussion on the use of Technology as a means of creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
In the first part of the discussion, well-known scientists will present the latest scientific data regarding the use of technological equipment to upgrade the daily life of people with physical and mental disabilities.In addition,the prospects that will emerge through technology for a more accessible future will be discussed.
Programs for schools
On December 3rd and 4th, SNFCC School Programs invites students to a festivity on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities! School groups from general and special education schools at all levels of education will have the opportunity to participate in activities to familiarize themselves with the concept of disability, aimed at awakening, raising awareness and attitude and change students’ attitudes towards diversity and disability.
I learn not to see (3/12)
For Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School and High School students
Students are invited to participate in interactive games to get to know themselves and become familiar with visual impairment. They learn how to see a blind person in the street and how they can help him/her, why there is a guide dog, how to use a white cane correctly, and the importance of Braille writng by touching the blind students’ books .with the help of a shadow mask, they put themselves in the shoes of blind people.
Design – Implementation:
Chrysella lagaria CEO & co-founder of Black Light,
Marianna Xenaki Psychologist & lecturer with Black Light educational activities, Dimitra Kapnia Coordinator of Black Light school Programs
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Students from general and special education schools will participate in the inclusive sports of Baskin and Colpbol,in an effort to create an surroundings of noble cooperation and competition without boundaries!
Open dialogue aimed at knowledge,awakening and awareness of Deaf and Sign Language issues between Deaf/Hard of Hearing people,students and teachers. Two Deaf teachers will talk to the students about the variety of hearing disabilities, the obstacles they face every day in Greece, the accessibility of communication in Greek Sign Language.
In addition, participants will have the opportunity to learn basic words in Greek Sign Language.
What does inclusion mean? How can a building be truly accessible? Can a space be open to everyone, without discrimination?
Middle school students will have the opportunity to learn about the SNFCC by participating in a tour that highlights how the design, construction and operation reflect the SNFCC’s vision of creating public, open space, and are stimulating conversation about accessibility and inclusion.
The aim of the educational program is to change children’s minds and attitudes towards diversity and disability. By awakening general education students and, accordingly, their direct and indirect environment, appropriate expectations are created for the awareness of the general public, with the ultimate goal of securing and fulfilling the basic rights of people with disabilities. Implemented by animators with disabilities.
What are the main activities planned for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor and Disability rights Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning! Today, we’re focusing on an incredibly significant event—the International day of Persons with Disabilities. We’re joined by Dr. Sofia Kourkoumeli, a disability rights expert and advocate who is involved with the stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. thank you for being with us, Dr. Kourkoumeli!
Dr.Sofia Kourkoumeli (SK): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is hosting a series of events in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Can you tell us about the significance of this occasion and the activities planned?
SK: Absolutely. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is essential for raising awareness about the challenges individuals with disabilities face. The SNFCC has designed a fantastic program aimed at fostering inclusion. This year, we have a two-day open market called the 4th Open Agora focusing on “Health, Mental Health, and Disability,” providing a platform for non-profit organizations to exchange ideas and promote their work in the community.
TNE: That sounds impactful! How do these activities help bridge the gap between disabled and non-disabled individuals?
SK: Our approach is centered around collaboration and mutual understanding. by engaging both communities, we create opportunities for dialog and shared experiences. Events like the Human Library, where individuals with disabilities share their personal stories, encourage honest conversations and dismantle stereotypes. It’s an interactive way for attendees to learn more about different disabilities and promote empathy.
TNE: Speaking of the Human Library, could you elaborate on how it operates and who will be participating in it?
SK: Of course! The Human Library allows participants to ”check out” a person instead of a book. Each person shares their unique life story related to their disability. This year, we have notable artists, like Melani Zachariadis, who uses art for self-expression as a person on the autism spectrum, and Demi Papathanasiou, a dancer who overcame her mobility challenges to find freedom in movement. It’s a unique chance for honest dialogue and can significantly change perceptions.
TNE: It sounds like a powerful initiative. Additionally, I heard there’s an open discussion on technology in disability. Why is that significant now?
SK: Technology is rapidly advancing, and it’s crucial for creating opportunities for people with disabilities. The upcoming discussion will address how technological innovations can enhance daily living for those with physical and cognitive challenges. These conversations can pave the way for a future that is more accessible, ensuring everyone can benefit from technological advancements.
TNE: How does the SNFCC ensure that these events are accessible to everyone,and what measures are in place for participants?
SK: Accessibility is at the heart of our programming. The SNFCC was designed by Renzo Piano with inclusivity in mind. We ensure that our facilities are fully equipped for individuals with various needs. for instance, all speeches and workshops during the events will feature simultaneous interpretation, so everyone can participate and engage fully.
TNE: That’s commendable! how can our readers get involved or support the initiatives presented at the SNFCC?
SK: We encourage everyone to attend the events, especially the Open Agora and the Human Library, to learn, connect, and show support. For those interested in the School Programs, schools can sign up to participate in the festivities. Additionally, volunteering or reaching out to the organizations involved can be a massive help.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kourkoumeli, for sharing your insights and the inspiring work happening at the SNFCC. It’s essential to keep the conversation going about inclusion and accessibility.
SK: Thank you for highlighting these important topics.Together, we can create a more inclusive society for everyone.
TNE: Absolutely! We hope our readers will engage with these initiatives. Thanks again, Dr. kourkoumeli!