Barrier free minds and hearts got together at the Near East University...
In order to promote barrier free information applications in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the 5th Barrier-Free Information Days was realised at the Near East University; which provided a platform to discuss the issue from a multi-dimensional approach. The event was carried out at the Near East University Grand Library and is considered as one of the most significant events which aims to raise awareness on the matter.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, the event was jointly organised by the Centre of Excellence, which functions under the body of Communal Research and Development Centre of Near East University, and Near East Institute. Furthermore, it was stated that the 5th Barrier-Free Information Days was realised with full support from the Barrier-Free Information Platform of Turkey and there was a high number of participation from state and private institutions, alongside non-governmental organisations and local authorities; all functioning within the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Barrier-Free Hearts displayed a show...
It was pointed out that the event was initiated with the national anthem, sang in sign-language by the students of Department of Hearing Impaired Teaching of Near East University. This was later followed by shows put on by Special Needs Education Centre students in Famagusta, Nicosia and Yeşilköy. Their show was regarded as an indication of the necessity and significance of cooperation between these centres. Additionally, poems were read and songs were sang by members of the Cyprus Hearing Impaired and Speech Impaired Foundation.

Prof Dr. Altınay: We are continuing to work on scientific projects and research so as to develop strategies and policies which are applicable and sustainable.
The opening speech of the event was done by the Head of Communal Research and Development Centre of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay. She stated that they were working on scientific projects and research targeted at developing applicable and sustainable strategies and policies. She added that they prioritised project designing and in order to make a contribution to the field at an international platform, they were working on two different publications. Furthermore, she stated that they were aiming to raise specialist for the field and in order to achieve success related to projects, they were aware of the necessity to cooperate on an institutional level. Prof. Dr. Altınay further stated that to enable disabled individuals to benefit from services provided by state institutions more effectively, information technologies and services seemed as the only means. In this regard, the Suggestion-Report Barrier Free Activities Booklet had been prepared and shared by all relative parties.

The significance of Barrier-Free Information and cooperation with relative parties was emphasised...
Making a speech, Coordinator of the Barrier-Free Platform of Turkey, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özhan Kalaç emphasised the importance of information applications and the significance of cooperation with non-governmental organisations so as to bring successful projects to life.

Prof. Dr. Serakıncı: The main aim is to raise communal awareness and to identify problems so as to contribute to their solutions...
Head of Centre of Excellence, Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı made a statement regarding the matter and stated that the main aim of the 5th Barrier-Free Information Days event held at the Near East University was to raise communal awareness and to identify issues which require solutions so as to later to relevant actions regarding solutions. Prof. Dr. Serakıncı further stated that an activity report was prepared by the Near East University. Based on the solution suggestions made, she emphasised her strong belief that necessary developments and improvements will be achieved within the next 5 years.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kurt: As a third generation university, we are making initiatives in this significance field to lead to social transformation...
Vice Rector of Near East University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt also made a speech and made significant remarks by pointing out that as a third generation university, Near East University aims to go beyond providing service to the community by also internalising a mission to help promote social transformation. He added the NEU was successfully fulfilling this mission via bringing numerous events to life.

Meral Akıncı: “It is time to move from the period of awareness to a period of successful applications!”
Meral Akıncı; Wife of President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mustafa Akıncı, made a speech at the event and stressed that she had been taking part in activities alike and that she attached importance to solution suggestions made. She thanked everyone involved and expressed how pleased she was to observe solidarity between the disabled. Meral Akıncı added that there was also a social resistance which was put forward due to being excluded, left alone and pressurised. She stated that the disabled individuals had to make effort against all of these and that this was why organising events to promote communal awareness on the matter was so important. Furthermore, she stressed her belief that it was time to shift from the period of raising awareness to a period where successful applications can be seen. She emphasised the need to move from effective slogans to actual applications.

All parties who continuously contributed to information days for the past 5 years were awarded with Barrier-Free Hearts Awards...
Subsequent to the shows made, Vice Rector of Near East University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dr. Mustafa Kurt; Head of Centre of Excellence, Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı; Co-Chairs of Communal Research and Development Prof Dr. Zehra Altınay and Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay; Head of Near East Institute, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umut Koldaş presented the “Barrier-Free Heart” Awards to all parties; representatives and authorities of institutions, local authorities and non-governmental organisations.

Awards, made by students with barrier-free hearts, were presented to Wife of President of TRNC, Mustafa Akıncı, Meral Akıncı; Head of YÖDAK (Head of Higher Education in TRNC) Prof. Dr. Akile Büke; Ayhan Barış from Turkcell; Head of Higher-Education and Foreign Affairs of Ministry of National Education, Ziya Öztürkler; Aydan Başkurt of Ministry of Labour; Ümit Özkıran from Ministry of Health; Şifa Soğukpınar from the Ministry of Transport; Mustafa Köprülü from Ministry of Tourism; TRNC Barrier-Free Information Platform Dr. Hakan Dinçyürek; Bora Tüccaroğlu; Nihat Yılmaz; Orkun Bozkurt Lisani Deniz; TC Engelsiz Bilişim Platformu kurucu ve üyeleri Prof. Dr. Gonca Telli, Yrd. Doç. Dr. Mustafa Özhan Kalaç; Berat Çelik; Adem Kuyumcu; School Authorities, Soner Öyken, Emirali Evcimen, Esma İneci, Havva Öztenay; Çelen Çağansoy from Nicosia Turkish Municipality; Association and Foundation Authorities, Günay Kibrit, Ömer Suay, Bahire Coşkuner Doğru and Melek Çaluda.

Seminars on Barrier-Free Information were given...
As part of the 5th Barrier-Free Information Days, seminars were held titled as “Successful Barrier-Free Projects, Barrier-Free Cities in the TRNC”, “Barrier-Free Cyprus and Life Fair”, “Education for families regarding Special Needs Education Centres-autism and technology”; “Disability Awareness the School Authorities and Teachers”, “Disability Awareness for the Public Institutes and Establishments”.