-An Awareness Event for December 3rd International Day of Disabled Persons Held at Uşak University -

An awareness event titled "Rights of Individuals with Special Needs and Inclusive Education" was organized by the Uşak University Disability Unit Coordination and the Special Education Society on the occasion of the 3rd of December International Day of Disabled Persons.

The event, held at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Congress and Culture Center of Uşak University, was attended by Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfi Özav, Director of Family and Social Services Provincial Directorate Zekai İnan, Disability Unit Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şule Güçyeter, guests, academics, administrative staff, and students.

The event began with the opening speech of Ali Oruç Yılmaz, the Senate Student Representative of the Disability Unit and a final-year student in the Department of New Media. Yılmaz emphasized that the real barrier is not physical, but prejudice, and stated that everyone should work for an accessible and barrier-free world.

In her speech, Disability Unit Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şule Güçyeter talked about the rights of individuals with special needs in society and the importance of equal opportunities, and shared the activities of the Uşak University Disability Unit Coordination. She thanked everyone who supported the event and stated that they would continue to organize awareness-raising activities.

After the opening speeches, a panel was held with the academic staff of the Disability Unit Coordination and Research Assistant Elif San from the Special Education Department as the moderator. Speakers included Prof. Dr. Sezgin Vuran from Anadolu University (via video interview), Lawyer Günay Doğan from the Family and Social Services Provincial Directorate, Social Worker Sümeyra Yılmaz from the Family and Social Services Provincial Directorate, Uşak Branch President of the Disabled Association Salih Küçük, and Uşak Branch President of the Six Dots Blind Association Serkan Çiğdem.

In the panel, where experts from different fields shared their experiences and knowledge, the speakers discussed the rights of individuals with special needs and inclusive education. Prof. Dr. Sezgin Vuran provided information on the full participation of special individuals in society and their rights through a video interview. Lawyer Günay Doğan and Social Worker Sümeyra Yılmaz addressed the legal and social aspects of the issue. Salih Küçük and Serkan Çiğdem shared the problems encountered in the field and proposed solutions.

After the panel, the Uşak University Folk Dance Community performed a folk dance show, and the USDEM Community held a concert.

During the event, the "Barrier-Free Flag" awards and nomination certificates for 2024, given by YÖK (Higher Education Council), were presented to the winning units of our university, along with the flags and nomination certificates.

The event concluded with the presentation of thank-you certificates to the panelists and contributors to the event by Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfi Özav and Disability Unit Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şule Güçyeter, as a token of appreciation for the day.

Additionally, sign language translation was provided throughout the program by Selda Akçalı, a Computer Operator from the Student Affairs Department.