In order to remove the barriers that limit accessibility of the persons with disabilities in the society and ensure an accessible and inclusive society for all, the Societal Research and Development Center (SRDC), which is affiliated with the Center of Excellence of Near East University, has been carrying out studies regarding disability sensitivity and accessible information technologies. SRDC researchers highlight that the problems faced by the persons with disabilities every day can be overcome by supporting them through collaboration and project-oriented scientific studies.
According to the info delivered by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations Office of Near East University, SRDC celebrated the 3rd December International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and delivered information about their studies regarding the issue. "NEU Societal Research and Development Center attaches a great importance on removing social, economic and attitudinal barriers that exclude the persons with disabilities from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society, accessing to basic resources, such as education and other services. In this regard, our researchers launch projects and conduct scientific studies aiming at raising awareness and ensuring collaboration for an accessible and inclusive life for all. Such studies for an accessible and inclusive society should be carried out every day; not only on a specific day”.
Societal Research and Development Center co-chairs Professor Zehra Altınay and Professor Fahriye Altınay stated that they had covered a step towards removing the barriers and building up an accessible and inclusive life embracing the persons with disabilities. "Within this scope, we have conducted many project-oriented scientific studies aiming at raising awareness and fostering collaboration on the issue. On this path that we set a foot with equal view for a barrier-free life, we have established well-rounded collaborations not only with the faculties and centers within the university but also with NGOs and governmental institutions and organizations. Our main objective is to cover all necessary steps in order to reintegrate the persons with disabilities into society without otherizing them through creating awareness, ensuring collaboration and bringing arrangements at social, governmental and public level” noted they.
Underlining their commitment to providing the persons with disabilities with all possibilities required for an accessible life, the co-chairs Professor Zehra Altınay and Professor Fahriye Altınay stated that they had concluded projects regarding accessible information and education. "As an indicator of NEU's commitment to embracing people with disabilities within a barrier free campus, Near East University provided all educational opportunities to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights and realize their great potential. Within the scope of our project-oriented scientific studies for an accessible and inclusive life, Near East University has rolled up her sleeves for students who have special training requirements due to specific vital impairment or dysfunctions. In this regard, our project-oriented scientific studies reflect the innovative and leading mission of the Near East University".
We need collaboration for an inclusive society without otherizing the persons with disabilities...
Underlining that they had been carrying out activities including projects, workshops, seminars and congresses for raising awareness and ensuring accessible education, accessible tourism, accessible information and an inclusive life for the persons with disabilities since 2013, The Head of NEU Center of Excellence, Professor Nedime Serakıncı stated that they had achieved well-established collaborations between NGOs and state organs. Underlining NEU's devotion to removing all barriers in all areas of our lives by using education in an effective and systematic manner, Professor Nedime Serakıncı indicated that Near East University had realized many activities regarding basic issues such as accessible campus, education, tourism, health, urban and inclusive society adding that they had shared the outcomes of these activities with the relevant authorities.
Highlighting that they adopted it as a social responsibility and realized a barrier free life for women and accessible society projects as a first, Professor Serakıncı stated that they had created a synergy by ensuring collaboration with the respective centers and they would continue to progress with scientific steps to provide more and better opportunities for people with disabilities and enable them to involve in social, economic and cultural life more actively.
"All people regardless their physical limitations, disabilities or age will be able to benefit equally from educational, health, social, tourism services, information technologies and holiday opportunities when an accessible and inclusive society is ensured for all in our country. Collaborations with NGOs and governmental institutions for raising public awareness and generating regulations for an accessible and inclusive society without otherizing the persons with disabilities can be sustained through academic project-oriented studies. In this regard, Near East University adopts "love only grows by sharing" as a principle and exerts every effort to ensure an accessible life and inclusive society for the persons with disabilities. Accessible Cinema and Activity Center launched by NEU for persons with disabilities is the latest example and clearest indicator of NEU's commitment to embracing the persons with disabilities" said she