The Non-Profit Civil Company "Me Alla Matia" was founded in 2018 by a group of young people with disabilities, with the aim of advocating for inclusion and accessibility, and the vision of eliminating the underrepresentation of people with disabilities in public discourse.
It operates with advisory support from focus groups composed of individuals with disabilities and specialized professionals, ensuring that all services are provided with the approval and guidance of the end users.
“Me Alla Matia” has extensive experience in implementing multifactorial and large-scale programs, with a strong emphasis on educational initiatives that familiarize schools with disability.
Its scientific team includes special education teachers, social workers, psychologists, and accessibility and inclusion consultants.
With the goal of helping students become more familiar with diversity, the non-profit organization Me Alla Matia implements the educational program “See Life Through Different Eyes” in schools.
Through an open and honest dialogue, a person with a disability shares their everyday experiences with students and describes what life with a disability is like in modern-day Greece. Following the discussion, students are encouraged to explore how we can work together to improve the challenges faced by people with disabilities. They are given the opportunity to guide the conversation, express their emotions, share their thoughts and personal experiences.
A key element of the program is its experiential approach—students participate in interactive activities and games designed to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of disability.
The grant will support the in-person delivery of the program on at least 12 remote, small, and borderland islands, which typically have limited access to educational and cultural opportunities due to their location. The program will also be implemented in special education schools, recognizing that children with disabilities on these islands often lack exposure to positive role models with similar experiences—something that can be vital for their personal development. The number of direct beneficiaries of the program is estimated at 1,500 children and 70 educators.