World Disability Week is observed annually in Türkiye from May 10 to 16 to support the equal participation of individuals with disabilities in social life, raise awareness about disabilities and promote inclusivity in society. Disability arises from the partial loss of a person’s physical, mental, emotional, social or cognitive abilities, either congenitally or acquired later in life.
History
The United Nations General Assembly designated 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons. In the preceding five years, studies focused on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and ensuring their access to equal opportunities in society. Between 1983 and 1992, the UN declared this period the Decade of Disabled Persons. In 1992, May 10–16 was officially recognized as “World Disability Week.”
Purpose and Significance
The main goal of World Disability Week is to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate in social life on equal terms and to highlight the protection of their rights. The week aims to raise public awareness, provide information about disabilities and reduce discrimination. As life expectancy increases and chronic diseases become more prevalent, the number of people living with disabilities also rises.
Causes of Disability
In Türkiye, the most common causes of disability include chronic illnesses, accidents and injuries, genetic conditions and complications during pregnancy. Disabilities can be congenital or arise later in life due to illness, accidents or injuries.
Social Awareness and Activities
Throughout the week, various activities support the inclusion of people with disabilities and increase societal awareness. Forums, panels and cultural events highlight the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Projects in Türkiye aim to help children and youth with disabilities gain social acceptance and strengthen societal equality.
Global Practices
World Disability Week is celebrated in UN member states through awareness-raising activities, discussions, forums and campaigns. Communities are encouraged to organize meetings, consultations and demonstrations to show that individuals with disabilities are active members of society and to raise awareness about equal rights. These initiatives help make the challenges faced by persons with disabilities visible, contributing to a more inclusive society.
Activities in Türkiye
In Türkiye, World Disability Week is observed through educational and awareness programs organized in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Health. Special education schools and hospital classes participate, with social awareness projects carried out under the slogan “My Difference is My Strength.” These projects support the acceptance of children and youth with disabilities in society and help them overcome the challenges they face.
Preventive and Health Programs
Health programs aimed at preventing disabilities in Türkiye include newborn hearing screenings, early hearing and vision tests, phenylketonuria, biotinidase deficiency, hypothyroidism screenings, early diagnosis and treatment of developmental hip dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and congenital adrenal hyperplasia screenings, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) screening and hemoglobinopathy screenings. The “Ensuring Child Safety Program” aims to prevent accidents and injuries in children under five.
Access to Health Services
Hospitals have been made accessible for persons with disabilities, hospital staff have received sign language training and remote health report applications have been introduced for home- or bed-bound patients. Additional measures include providing companion staff, prioritizing services in outpatient clinics, and facilitating communication for hearing-impaired individuals through ESİM. Accessibility improvements have been made on the e-Nabız website for individuals with visual or hearing impairments, allowing parents to access their children’s health data.
