Marmara University organized a series of events at the Dr. İbrahim Üzümcü Conference Hall on the Göztepe Campus as part of the 3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The program, held with the contributions of the Barrier-Free Marmara and New Media Clubs under the coordination of the Disabled Student Unit and the Academic Development Coordination Office, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Üstün, Secretary General Hasan Şahin, academics, students, and guests. The program consisted of various events, including an exhibition, speeches, an award ceremony, a panel talk, and a concert.
A Rights-Based Approach and a Call for Collective Conscience
The event began with the opening of the “Accessible 7 Masterpieces Painting Exhibition,” and following the tour of the exhibition, the opening speeches commenced. In her opening speech, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Üstün emphasized that the 3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds society of a rights-based approach that supports the equal participation of individuals with special needs in education and social life. She stated that Marmara University builds this understanding on the principles of sensitivity, inclusiveness, and communication, expressing her gratitude to all award recipients who contribute to social participation, and wished for the event to contribute to a more barrier-free future. She concluded her speech by thanking the relevant coordination offices for their role in organizing the program.
Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, Academic Development Coordinator, who also delivered remarks during the program, stated that Marmara University acts with a mission that remembers individuals with disabilities not only on 3 December but throughout the year. Prof. Dr. Kırık noted that the term “disabled” is not an accurate definition and expressed that disability stems from the insufficient utilization of available opportunities. He recalled the university’s long-standing collaboration with the Barrier-Free Marmara initiative and the Disabled Student Unit, stating that they were pleased, as the Academic Development Coordination Office, to be part of the process this year. Emphasizing the importance of acting with collective wisdom and collective conscience, Prof. Dr. Kırık made a call for empathy. He also stated that they have initiated new efforts to support students with disabilities academically, expressing his gratitude to all units contributing to the event.
Lecturer Zuhal Özgenç Pek, Coordinator of the Disabled Student Unit, who also addressed the audience, emphasized that universities are institutions shaping societal transformation and stated that the Disabled Student Unit has long been working to prepare individuals with special needs for employment within an accessible educational environment. Highlighting the importance of a rights-based inclusivity approach grounded in human dignity, Özgenç stated that it is a great source of happiness for them that students can pursue their education safely and with dignity. She added that the Unit’s efforts being recognized with awards by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) increases their motivation, and noted that they continue to produce more inclusive and accessible practices. She also stated that the event not only addresses employment but also makes visible the experiences of exemplary individuals who inspire society, expressing her gratitude to all stakeholders and the university administration.
Speaking on behalf of the Barrier-Free Marmara Club and the New Media Club, the club presidents shared their views on disability and inclusivity. Emre Yalaz, President of the Barrier-Free Marmara Club, stated that equality does not mean everyone being the same, but rather having the same rights; while İsmail Hasan Hopikoğlu, President of the New Media Club, emphasized that differences are a richness of society and that every step taken towards accessibility contributes to social transformation.
Following the speeches, the Social Participation Contribution Awards were presented to their recipients. Among the award recipients were Lokman Ayva, President of the Turkey White Crescent Association (Türkiye Beyazay Derneği); Deniz Peköz, Producer and Presenter of the “Engelsiz Sesler” program on TRT Radio; Mehmet Kızıltaş, Founder of engelsizkariyer.com; and Nurseli Şark, on behalf of Adidas Turkey. The awards were presented by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Üstün, Academic Development Coordinator Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, Disabled Student Unit Coordinator Lecturer Zuhal Özgenç Pek, and Secretary General Hasan Şahin.
The program continued with the panel talk titled “Best Practices in the Employment of Persons with Disabilities.” The panel included Lecturer Zuhal Özgenç Pek, Mehmet Kızıltaş, and Nurseli Şark as speakers, and was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık. The session addressed the workplace experiences of individuals with disabilities, institutional practices, and solution proposals. The event concluded with a concert by the Odeon Choir, followed by a group photo.
