Avali, which in Greek means “small, sheltered harbor,” is a bold endeavor by families of adults with intellectual and developmental differences in Athens. These families have joined forces to build a safe haven for their children, who want independence in an environment that respects their needs and empowers them, but often require continuing care. This project reflects the need for the deinstitutionalization of individuals with disabilities in Greece.
The Vision for an Open Village Community
The idea of creating an innovative model community—a small “open village” where neurodiverse individuals can live autonomously, safety, and with quality of life, first emerged in the minds of parents and families ten years ago. It was also born from their fear of what would happen to their special children when they were no longer there to support them.
However, as Pinelopi Alexiou, co-founder and mother of an autistic individual, told TO BHMA International edition, “Back then, the conditions were not favorable for such a model.” But the time is now right to address the challenges that existing institutions and models have proven insufficient to tackle, Alexiou emphasized.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Independent living within the community is a fundamental principle of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, embodying the contemporary view that people with disabilities are individuals with equal rights and responsibilities. According to the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL), this means that all people with disabilities should have the same opportunities, autonomy in life decisions, freedom, and self-determination as any other member of society.
Avali beneficiaries enjoy outdoor activities including a hike on Mount Hymettus. Credit: Avali
Government Initiatives
Recently, the Greek government, aligning with this global perspective and with EU directives, has taken initiatives to incorporate such policies into its national strategy. The “Personal Assistant,” introduced in 2023 and funded by the EU, aims to support people with disabilities and their caregivers. The assistance provided covers activities that are part of daily living, facilitating access to work and education, as well as participation in leisure activities.
Another key initiative were the Supported Living Residences (SID)—a group homes model which, though definitely a move in the right direction, falls short of addressing the problem effectively. “While there are tens of thousands of neurodiverse individuals in our country, fewer than 1,000 are currently housed in structures of this type,” noted Alexiou.
Challenges Facing Supported Living Residences
The shortfall is due to financial difficulties facing the current structures. The regulatory framework does not ensure comfortable living for residents, nor does it enable the development of new activities, Alexiou emphasized.
Despite initial government promises, many SID facilities still function like small institutions, and the much-praised deinstitutionalization remains incomplete. According to Alexiou, parents are often not even allowed to see their children’s living space and have no say in decisions regarding their child’s daily life routine.
In many cases, families also bear the financial burden, being required to make significant contributions to maintain acceptable living conditions; these often include large sums of money or even transferring properties to the SID.
Quality of Life in SIDs: A Persistent Issue
The services provided to SID residents lack variety and creativity. The daily program is usually repetitive, which very quickly leads to depression and mental fatigue for the beneficiaries. As Alexiou points out, the smaller and more closed-off a structure is, the harder it is to detect existing problems.
Many SIDs are run by private entities that operate based on profit-driven criteria. They view disability as a space providing “new opportunities,” Alexiou stresses. The existing facilities of “independent living” are, in reality, restrictive, limiting any opportunity for people with special needs to flourish and develop their talents.
A New Model of Independent Living
In contrast, the transition programs to the sort of independent living the Avali initiative is working towards go beyond basic life skills like dressing, self-care, doing chores, and grocery shopping. The goal is to create an open community where individuals can express their creativity, be happy, and have a quality life.
Building a Sustainable, Inclusive Community
The main objective is to design a sustainable, cost-effective structure while also providing prospects for growth. “We can create structures that cost less and offer more to the beneficiaries,” said Alexiou.
A larger community of residents offers more opportunities for socialization, the exchange of experiences and variety in activities. It also provides a broader social safety network without imposing spatial restrictions or promoting closed, fearful structures.
Additionally, the Avali community offers opportunities for employment, education and recreation, while creating living conditions that allow parents to rest easy about their child’s future.
Obstacles and the Path Forward
The biggest challenges the Avali project faces are clearly funding and getting the state to adopt the plan as an alternative way of organizing the lives of neurodiverse individuals. “Greece has no vision for a new and ‘different’ perspective for ‘different’ people,” said Alexiou with evident disappointment.
Outdoor activities with Avali
To progress, the plan requires tangible support from the state, which must seriously consider how it can contribute to the implementation of such initiatives—starting with the removal of bureaucratic obstacles. Another major challenge is the availability of specialized personnel and caregivers.
Success Stories Abroad
Independent living models for autistic and neurodivergent adults thrive across Europe, Australia, and the United States. The Arc Jacksonville Village in the U.S., the Sólheimar Ecovillage in Iceland, and Botton Village in the UK are all examples of communities which support adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health problems, and complex needs.
In Greece, there is a small community in Galaxidi that has been operating successfully for many years. “I witnessed a space with forty happy people (PWD) without a single protective fence or locked door. Only joy and tranquility. Yes, it is possible!” Alexiou said.
