Report of PERPATO's 11th Educational Seminar
"People with Motor Disabilities in a Camping Environment"
PERPATO's 11th Camp was held from 29 May to 1 June 2026 at the Paidon Chora Camping Facilities in Maroneia as an educational seminar focusing on disability, independent living, accessibility, and the social model of disability.
The initiative forms part of PERPATO's long-standing commitment to educating individuals who are active—or wish to become active—in the disability sector. The seminar focused on promoting the meaningful inclusion of people with motor disabilities in mainstream camping programmes through the training of professionals, personal assistants, group leaders, volunteers, and representatives of organisations. This approach reflects the core philosophy of the Camp: education should eliminate segregating practices and strengthen participation in shared camping programmes.
PERPATO's Camp is founded on the principle that the meaningful participation of disabled people is achieved not through separate structures, but through the adaptation of existing programmes and the education of those who design and implement them. By transferring knowledge and lived experience directly from disabled people, the programme aims to create conditions in which independent living, accessibility, and equal participation can be successfully implemented in practice.
The programme aimed to broaden participants' knowledge and practical skills in areas including autonomy, daily living, rehabilitation, social reintegration, accessibility, education, and sport for disabled people. The educational process combined lectures, experiential workshops, practical sessions, and activities carried out in a real camping environment.
A total of 130 participants attended the 11th Camp. Among them, 70 trainees represented a wide range of professional backgrounds directly or indirectly related to disability, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, software developers, healthcare professionals, representatives of organisations and institutions, and individuals with an interest in accessibility, independent living, and inclusive programme design.
The educational team consisted of PERPATO trainers, external experts, professionals, coaches, and athletes. The programme also included the active participation of 30 disabled people with 20 different types of impairments, who contributed throughout the educational process by sharing first-hand knowledge and experience regarding everyday life, autonomy, mobility, assistive equipment, and real accessibility challenges.
The organisation and implementation of the Camp were supported by 20 volunteers, who assisted with the daily operation of the programme, transportation, educational sessions, and practical activities. During the four-day event, 30 accessible transportation services were organised to ensure equal participation for everyone involved.
As part of the educational programme, 12 Paralympic sports were presented by coaches, athletes, external instructors, and PERPATO trainers in cooperation with the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the Democritus University of Thrace. These activities introduced participants to Paralympic sport, adaptive sports equipment, applied psychomotor education, and practical approaches to inclusive physical activity.
The programme also included more than 10 lectures addressing social, political, and medical aspects of disability, together with five experiential workshops focusing on disability, independent living, accessibility, and the social model of disability. The thematic areas covered autonomy, daily support, social participation, sport, education, practical assistance, and environmental adaptation to meet the needs of disabled people.
A presentation and experiential workshop on 3D printing technology was also included in the programme. Participants were introduced to the way PERPATO designs and manufactures low-cost, personalised assistive devices tailored to the individual needs of disabled people, aiming to enhance autonomy and everyday functionality. The workshop highlighted the potential of this technology as a practical tool for supporting independent living.
In addition, participants took part in activities at an accessible beach using adapted canoes, sailing boats, and scuba diving equipment. The programme utilised the accessible beach of the Municipality of Maroneia–Sapes, which is equipped with a Seatrac system, accessible changing rooms, accessible toilets, and specially designed pathways for wheelchair users. These facilities ensured safe and equal participation in all water-based activities.
The Camp provided accommodation for all participants, accessible camping facilities, and accessible transportation to every activity. Accessibility was considered a fundamental organisational requirement and was incorporated into every stage of the planning and implementation process.
PERPATO's 11th Camp was held under the auspices of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Municipality of Maroneia–Sapes, the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, and the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the Democritus University of Thrace.
Impact
The 11th Camp created an educational environment for learning, exchanging experiences, and applying practical approaches to disability and accessibility. Participants gained valuable knowledge on issues related to the everyday lives and autonomy of disabled people while becoming familiar with practical methods and tools that can be applied within their professional and social environments.
The active involvement of disabled people throughout every educational session was a defining feature of the programme, highlighting the importance of lived experience and experiential knowledge in disability education.
Support for the Initiative
The implementation of the programme was made possible through the support of its sponsors and partners, whose contribution was instrumental in delivering a well-organised educational initiative focusing on disability, accessibility, independent living, and the implementation of inclusive programmes within a camping environment.
Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace played a key supporting role in the organisation of the event, placing the 11th Camp under its auspices and actively contributing to its implementation. Through its financial support, it covered essential operational needs of the programme, helping to create the necessary conditions for the smooth delivery of an educational initiative focused on disability, accessibility, and social participation.
Diamantis Masoutis S.A.
Diamantis Masoutis S.A. has been a longstanding and valued supporter of PERPATO's work, consistently standing by the Association's initiatives and activities. Its continued trust and practical support make a meaningful contribution to the development of actions that promote accessibility, social participation, and the equal inclusion of disabled people. As part of the 11th Camp, Diamantis Masoutis S.A. covered essential needs of the event by providing basic supplies for all participants, making a significant contribution to the smooth implementation of the programme.
WHEEL
As a longstanding supporter of PERPATO's Camp, WHEEL actively contributed to the educational programme by presenting the process of wheelchair assessment, measurement, manufacturing, and individual customisation according to each user's needs. The presentation highlighted the importance of selecting and properly adjusting a wheelchair to enhance comfort, functionality, and the independence of disabled people. In addition, WHEEL supported the organisation of the 11th Camp by providing commemorative T-shirts and tote bags for all participants, making a valuable contribution to the successful delivery of the programme.
Vergina & TUVUNU
Vergina and TUVUNU are longstanding partners and supporters of PERPATO, maintaining a strong and continuous collaboration with the Association through shared initiatives and activities. Their ongoing trust and practical support make a meaningful contribution to the implementation of actions that promote equal participation and the social inclusion of disabled people. As part of the 11th Camp, Vergina and TUVUNU supported the organisation by providing their products to help meet the hospitality and catering needs of participants, contributing significantly to the smooth delivery of the programme.
