The awareness program that Atatürk University organized in conjunction with World Disability Day on December 3rd served to underscore the challenges faced by disabled individuals.

At the Nenehatun Culture Center, the Faculty of Sports Sciences hosted an event that was attended by Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Reyhan Keleş, Prof. Dr. Bülent Çavuşoğlu, Prof. Dr. Hasan Türkez, Prof. Dr. Hasan Yılmaz, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Göktaş, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gökhan Yazıcı, University Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Okkay, panelists, academicians, students, and numerous disabled individuals.

The program commenced with a poignant performance that was intended to increase awareness following the inauguration of the exhibition that was prepared for Disability Week. Dr. Yasin Sepil, a 2019 Teacher of the Year and a graduate of the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Atatürk University, demonstrated the value that disabled individuals contribute to life by singing and playing the guitar while blindfolded, accompanied by a harmonica. The hall was filled with emotive moments as a result of Sepil's remarkable performance.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gökhan Yazıcı, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences, addressed the significance of World Disability Day in terms of social awareness during his inaugural address. According to Yazıcı, "Disabled individuals achieve great success despite the difficulties they face in every area of life." It is incumbent upon each of us to comprehend their issues and devise solutions.

Rector Hacımüftüoğlu: "We are striving to enhance the conditions of disabled individuals."

In his address, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, emphasized that the integration of disabled individuals into society and the enhancement of their living standards are among the most important objectives. Hacımüftüoğlu stated, "We are currently engaged in the development of a variety of projects to enhance the conditions of disabled individuals in the areas of education, health, and social services." This awareness will be enhanced by the event that we are hosting today.

The program continued with panels that addressed the challenges that disabled individuals face in their daily lives and the potential solutions. Prof. Dr. Necati Kutlu, Assoc. Dr. Ahmet Şirinkan, Nazan Yaşarbaş, Macit Papagan, Filiz Acar, and Şaban Hepekbiç discussed their experiences and solutions in their respective disciplines with the participants. The panelists underscored the significance of these awareness programs in the context of social awareness, as the event was designed to offer participants a fresh perspective on the lives of disabled individuals.

Corporate Communications Directorate – December 2, 2024