Izmir University organized a panel titled “Towards a Barrier-Free University” which addressed the problems that disabled individuals encounter in their daily lives and recommended solutions.

The panel drew attention the problems of disabled people in integrating into social life, and it has been emphazised that “disabilities exist not in the bodies, but in the minds.”

The panel’s opening speech was made by Izmir University’s president Prof. Dr. Kayhan Erciyeş, who stated that disabled people undertake very important positions if they are educated. Prof. Erciyeş expressed that individuals with disabilities in developed countries have the same rights as other citizens in education and health. He also noted that 70 percent of the 8,5 million disabled people in Turkey are able to work. Prof. Erciyeş mentioned that important steps have been taken towards becoming a disabled-friendly university.

DISABLED FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY: IZMIR UNIVERSITY

• Izmir University cooperates with Karabağlar Municipality and Turkish Library for the Visually Impaired for disabled people…
• All floors and classes can be accessed with wheelchairs at Izmir University…
• There is a restroom for the disabled at every floor at Izmir University…
• Izmir University Continuous Education Center IZUSEM is starting programs for the training of instructors for individuals with hearing disability…
• Izmir University supports sports activities of the disabled people by sponsoring Karşıyaka Disabled Sports Club…

Karşıyaka Disable Sports Club played on the field under sponsorship of Izmir University for the first time and finished the league with a win. The team rivaled Bornova Peace Team who guaranteed a play-off, and finished the league in third place with a score of 60-47. Izmir University has done something unprecedented by sponsoring the disabled basketball team.

Izmir University Social Responsibility Center was established on the 10th of March 2009. First project of the Social Responsibility Center was the establishment of the Unit for handicapped students.

Izmir University attended second Çeşme Presentation and Recruitment Days, organized in Çeşme Tourism and Hotel Management hall in Ege University on the 19th and 20th of March.