BIOPOLITICS INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION

People with a Disability in Modern Society

Office of the European Parliament in Greece
September 17, 2004

With the cooperation of the Paralympic Games Division of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games Organising Committee and the support of Coca Cola

Speakers:
Dr. Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, President and Founder of B.I.O.
George Kasimatis, Director-General, Office of the European Parliament in Greece
Kostis Hatzidakis, New Democracy Representative for the European Parliament
Rodi Kratsas, New Democracy Representative for the European Parliament
M. Cassiotou- Panagiotopoulou, New Democracy Representative for the European Parliament
George Papastamkos, New Democracy Representative for the European Parliament
Evagelia Tzabazi, PASOK Representative for the European Parliament
Paul Brouwer, Ambassador of the Netherlands
Lourdes Morales, Ambassador of the Philippines
Petros Karachalios, General Manager, Coca-Cola ATHENS 2004 Olympic Group
Marili Christofi, Head, Paralympic Facilities Project
Dr. Lydia Mouzaka, Municipal Counsellor

A new book entitled People with a Disability in Modern Society has been published in Greek and English by the Biopolitics International Organisation in collaboration with the Paralympic Games Division of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games Organising Committee and Coca Cola.

The Paralympic athletes have reached beyond their disability to acquire the physical and mental strength and skill necessary to compete at the highest level. They can inspire the world to celebrate this great event, leaving a legacy for the generations to come. The success of the Paralympic Games of 2004 seals the success of Olympic Games in Athens.

The book aims at raising awareness of the needs and rights of people with a disability as related to the environment and quality of life. People with a disability are often excluded from society and face many barriers. In addition to the physical obstacles, they have limited access to information services, economic activity, and job availability. B.I.O. has prepared this publication with the hope of changing the mentality of society. A new vision for humanity, one based on accessibility and social justice, is a prerequisite for improving the quality of life for people with a disability.