Category: DISABILITY CARD

International Day of Persons with Disabilities — 3 December

A day of awareness, commitment, and action

The International Disability Day, also known as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), established by the United Nations in 1992, serves as an annual reminder of the need for full inclusion, equality, and respect for the rights of persons with disabilities across all aspects of social life. Moreover, today, more than ever, promoting accessibility and inclusion is not optional — it is an obligation.

According to the World Health Organization (2024), approximately 1.3 billion people — 16% of the global population — live with some form of disability. Disability is part of human diversity, and the lived experience of it highlights the systemic inequalities that continue to exist in many countries, including Greece. As a result, the need for stronger inclusion policies becomes increasingly evident.

These global figures highlight why International Disability Day remains a vital call to action worldwide.

Challenges and inequalities in Greece

In Greece, persons with disabilities still face significant barriers in their daily lives: inadequate accessibility in public spaces and services, difficulties in mobility, limited access to employment, and persistent social stigma that deeply affects their quality of life. National data confirm that these inequalities have direct consequences on health, education, and participation in social and economic life.

At the same time, improving accessibility is not only about removing barriers — it is about shaping a society that recognizes the real needs of its people. Therefore, from training professionals and changing attitudes, to ensuring universal access to healthcare and psychosocial support, inclusion requires sustained commitment. Only then can we guarantee that every citizen has equal opportunities, dignity, and participation.

Kapa3’s perspective: A world where every voice is heard

At the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, we support individuals facing serious health challenges every day. We understand how essential the following are:

  • clear and accessible information
  •  timely support
  •  respect
  •  care without exclusions

Learn more about the rights of Persons with Disabilities in the following publications on our website here.

Find information about issuing a disability card here, and about free or reduced public transportation fares here.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that every action and every policy must be built on the principle of inclusion.
No one should be left behind.

Building more inclusive societies: From vision to practice

Creating a truly accessible environment requires:

  • Accessible cities and public services
  •  Training for professionals in health, social care, and customer service
  •  Accessible digital technologies
  •  Employment policies that enable active participation
  •  Awareness-raising and dialogue to combat stigma

Inclusion is not an act of “good will” — it is a prerequisite for social progress.

At the same time, the transition to a genuinely inclusive society is not instantaneous. It requires coordinated efforts from the State, civil society, and persons with disabilities themselves. Continuous evaluation, transparency, and meaningful participation are the foundations of lasting change.

Access is a right.
Every person deserves respect and equal opportunities.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Sources

 

Free and Reduced Transportation for People with Disabilities and Large Families – What Changes in 2025

The Greek state is implementing significant changes regarding transportation for people with disabilities and large families in 2025. The new regulations simplify procedures, expand rights, and make public transport more accessible for all eligible individuals.

People with Disabilities (PwD)
Who is eligible:
Eligible individuals include people with disabilities with a disability rate of 67% or higher, or those receiving disability benefits from OPEKA. Totally blind individuals and holders of a digital Disability Card marked with levels II or III are exempt from income limits.

What changes:

  • Residency criteria are removed.
  • The right to free or reduced transportation now extends to one accompanying person, if needed.
  • Using the Disability Card for OASA, OSETH, KTEL, and Thessaloniki Metro is now simple with electronic or personalized card validation, without additional documents.

Practical use:

  • Free travel on OASA, OSETH, urban KTEL, and the municipalities of Kos and Rhodes.
  • 50% discount on intercity KTEL routes.
  • Thessaloniki Metro requires topping up the ThessCard with zero fare.
  • Accompanying persons can travel without separate validation when accompanying the eligible individual.

Large Families
Who is eligible:
Eligible individuals are large families and their members, according to existing legislation protecting large families.

What changes:

  • Travel with OASA, OSETH, and KTEL becomes more flexible.
  • Free or discounted tickets are supported depending on the policy of each transport service.

Practical use:

  • Simple procedure for issuing travel passes through Citizens’ Service Centers (KEP) and relevant regional authorities.
  • Tickets are valid for urban and intercity transport services.

These new regulations simplify the daily lives of people with disabilities and large families, reduce bureaucracy, and make access to all public transport easier.

See the Official Government Gazette (FEK) here

Read more about citizens’ rights here

Read more about the Disability Card here 

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

 

Disability Card in Greece: What You Need to Know

The Disability Card was established under Law 4961/2022 (FEK A’ 146, Article 106) and is regulated by Ministerial Decision 16996/2023 (FEK B’ 932/23-02-2023).
It serves as a unified proof of identity and disability, which must be accepted by all public and private entities.

Read the text of Ministerial Decision 16996/2023 (Article 20) here.

In short, the Disability Card offers:

  • Proof of disability without the need to show medical certificates or documents from KEPA.

  • Priority service at public offices, utilities, banks, and hospitals.

  • Free or reduced access to museums, archaeological sites, and cultural events for the cardholder and their companion.

  • Use of special facilities (e.g., seats or parking spaces for people with disabilities).

  • Mutual recognition of the Card in EU countries where an agreement exists.

Card format

The Card is digital, but it can also:

  • Be saved as a PDF,

  • Be printed,

  • Be added to the Gov.gr Wallet,

  • And will soon be available in a plastic card format.

How to obtain it

The process is simple:

  1. Visit the National Disability Portal here: karta.epan.gov.gr

  2. Log in with your Taxisnet credentials.

  3. If a valid disability certificate exists, the Card is issued immediately.

  4. The same process applies for minors or companions using their respective Taxisnet credentials.

Applications for the plastic disability card began on November 18, 2025. The process is carried out as described above (through the National Disability Portal), and the plastic card is sent by registered mail within a two-week period.

For any inquiries, you can call: Helpdesk 210-3007606 or send an email to: helpdesk@epan.gov.gr

KAPA3 continues to stand by cancer patients and their families, offering reliable guidance and practical support so that every patient feels safe and fully informed about their rights and benefits.

For oncology patients who want detailed information on all the exemptions and benefits they are entitled to, KAPA3 has compiled a complete guide in the “Exemptions and Benefits” section of its website here.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for KAPA3