Innovative solutions offered by artificial intelligence technologies to disability services and a roadmap for the TRNC were discussed at an event organized in collaboration between Near East University’s Digital Education and Information Unit and the Turkish Cypriot Association of Orthopedically Disabled Persons.
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in making disability services more accessible, effective, and sustainable. Artificial intelligence-supported applications, in particular, offer new opportunities that transform service delivery and social awareness in this field. In this context, an event titled “Awareness of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Disability Services” was organized in collaboration between Near East University’s Digital Education and Information Unit (DEBİM) and the Turkish Cypriot Association of Orthopedically Disabled Persons.
DEBIM Deputy Director Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay and Information Technologies Chief Coordinator Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay, Near East University academics, DEBİM-affiliated UZEBİM Coordination Office staff, and officials and members of the Turkish Cypriot Association of Orthopedically Disabled Persons attended the event held at the Turkish Cypriot Association of Orthopedically Disabled Persons.
Günay Kibrit, President of the Turkish Cypriot Association of Orthopedically Disabled Persons, who gave the opening speech, said, “Technology is advancing rapidly, and artificial intelligence is bringing solutions that will make the lives of our disabled individuals easier and offer them new opportunities. Of course, we cannot ignore the ethical dimension of these developments; every innovation should be used with responsibility and a human-centered approach. Our priority is that all our disabled friends can benefit from this knowledge.”
Following the opening speech, Prof. Dr. Sezer Kanbul, Director of the Digital Education and Information Unit of Near East University, gave a presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Disability Services”, providing participants with a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence applications in disability services and innovative solutions that can be developed in this field. The event, which included topics such as “Artificial Intelligence Transformation in the Field of Disability”, “Artificial Intelligence for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation”, “AI and New Technologies in Orthotics and Prosthetics”, “Artificial Intelligence in Speech Disorders and Language Therapy”, “Artificial Intelligence in Gastronomy and Vocational Training”, “Wearable Technologies and Smart Assistive Devices”, “Artificial Intelligence Project Proposals for the Association”, “AI-Supported Humanoid Robots”, “Applicable Artificial Intelligence Roadmap for the TRNC”, “Key Objectives of the AI Roadmap for the TRNC”, “Basic Infrastructure and Preparation, Pilot Project Period”, “Large-Scale Implementation”, “Strategic Transformation and Web Integration”, and “International Funding and Cooperation Phase”, addressed how artificial intelligence can be used in different fields and the concrete steps that can be taken for the TRNC.
Digital and technological transformation in disability services was discussed in all its aspects!
Stating that artificial intelligence technologies have created a radical transformation in disability services, DEBIM Director Prof. Dr. Sezer Kanbul noted that rapidly developing AI solutions offer significant opportunities to improve the quality of life and strengthen equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Emphasizing that AI is not merely a technical innovation, Prof. Dr. Kanbul said, “Artificial intelligence is not only a technological tool in disability services, it is also a powerful tool for social transformation.”
Expressing that this transformation is particularly concretely felt in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation, Prof. Dr. Kanbul stated that thanks to AI-supported motion analysis systems and robotic rehabilitation solutions, treatment processes have become more measurable and personalized. He added that these technologies offer significant gains in the field of orthopedic disability, saying, “Thanks to personalized rehabilitation plans, it is possible to monitor the recovery process in real-time and reshape it whenever necessary.” Prof. Dr. Kanbul also touched upon new AI-supported technologies in the field of orthotics and prosthetics. Kanbul stated that thanks to 3D scanning and design systems, solutions tailored to the individual’s anatomy can be developed more comfortably and in a shorter time. He noted that this approach both reduces costs and facilitates access to services.
Artificial intelligence support in speech therapy and language disorders…
Prof. Dr. Kanbul also drew attention to the importance of artificial intelligence applications developed in the field of speech disorders and language therapy, stating that systems developed for individuals with aphasia, ALS, and speech loss after stroke make significant contributions to therapy processes. Emphasizing that artificial intelligence supports therapists’ decision-making processes, Prof. Dr. Kanbul said, “These systems have become powerful assistants that can perfectly mimic the therapist’s approach and provide personalized progress.”
In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Kanbul also addressed artificial intelligence applications in gastronomy and vocational training, stating that AI-powered kitchen assistants and training systems have made practical training more accessible. Touching upon wearable technologies and smart assistive devices, Prof. Dr. Kanbul said, “Smart devices and wearable technologies enable individuals with disabilities to move more independently and safely in daily life.” He also stated that disability associations could improve their service capacity with AI-based projects, emphasizing the great importance of collaborations between universities, civil society organizations, and relevant institutions. He concluded by saying that a viable AI roadmap for the TRNC would form the basis of digital transformation in disability services.
