"ALMA" Pan-Hellenic Association of Adapted Activities

ALMA was created in 1996 by a team of scientists of various specialties, who dreamed of an equal opportunities’ society for people with disabilities.

The Association provides educational and therapeutic services to autistic children and adults and/with mental disability, along with various daily sports programs (such as swimming, horseback riding, bowling, athletics, cycling), and cultural programs (theatrical play, yoga, painting, traditional dance etc.) ALMA also organizes outings, visits to cultural and sports events, excursions and camping trips.

Additionally, the Association regularly educates people about autism (schools, organizations etc.), to increase awareness in the community. In fact, all our efforts at ALMA, build on one or more of the following three pillars:

• the education and socialization of people with disabilities,
• the support of their family and
• the awareness of the community.

Since 1996, ALMA has served more than 2.500 children and adults with disabilities, while during the last academic year, about 230 children and adults aged 2.5 and over participated in our programs.

We start with the early intervention program and follow the child's path at all stages of his/her life as a parallel family, inspiring both the child and the family to discover the power of diversity and the opportunities it creates. We are close to the family from the difficult time of accepting the diagnosis until the lifelong settlement of the young person with disability in a Supported Living Home (which promotes their autonomous and dignified living). We also, provide him/her with professional support through Prevocational Training and Supported Employment programs.

The main Structures we currently operate in, are:

(1) The Day Care Center for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, which supports children aged 2.5 - 5 years and operates as a family support center (around 300 sq.m.)

(2) The Care Center for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, aged 14 and over

(3) Two Houses of Supported Living, in which seven young people with disabilities live permanently with the care of well-trained scientific staff.

(4) One House of Short-term Living, which mainly works as an intermediate step for the adults who will move in the House of Supporting Living

(5) Our offices, where our administrative services take place

(6) Sports and cultural programs are offered in public places, such as the Ag. Skepi Playground, in Palaio Faliro.

The Pan-Hellenic Association of Adapted Activities "ALMA" is a non-governmental non-profit association, registered in the Greek National Registry of non-profit Institutions of Private Sector character, and a certified provider of primary and secondary care.