This report examines the system of structures, services and programs aimed at people with disabilities in the Region of Crete, capturing their basic and qualitative characteristics. The analysis is based on mapping the geographical distribution, the legal form of the institutions, the type of benefits and the number of beneficiaries, providing an overall picture of the social care framework. The findings show that, despite the relatively high number of structures, access is not evenly distributed, with remote and less densely populated areas showing limited-service capabilities.
Significant differences are recorded between Regional Units and Municipalities. The highest concentration of structures is found in the Heraklion and Chania Regions, while Rethymno shows lower availability of services. At the municipal level, there is a strong concentration in the largest urban municipalities, which highlights spatial inequalities in the structure of the support system. At the same time, the dominance of public bodies, mainly through Special Education structures, co-shapes the overall physiognomy of the system, while the contribution of private bodies is mainly found in social care and living services.
The service system is oriented towards open and community-oriented structures, supporting the extra-institutional care and social integration of people with disabilities. However, more specialized and housing-based structures remain limited and concentrated mainly in large urban centers. At the same time, a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries is recorded in the period 2021–2023, mainly due to the expansion of the Children’s Creative Activity Centers (K.D.A.P.) for people with disabilities and certain housing services, which indicates a growing demand for support services, especially among the adult population.
Finally, the age distribution of beneficiaries shows a shift towards older age groups, while the lower participation of children and adolescents may be linked to their remaining in the family environment and the limited development of early intervention services. Furthermore, in the structures under consideration in the year 2024 there is a higher representation of men/boys.
Overall, the findings highlight the need to strengthen equal access to services, especially in remote areas, as well as to further develop open care and supported living structures.