Disability Rights in Education: Together in School, Together in Life 3

BACKGROUND

Right to education is a fundamental right recognized by national and international legislative regulations. However, it is widely known that students with disabilities cannot fully enjoy their rights and access quality education. There are some obstacles to education such as teachers’ lack of information, parents’ negative attitudes, lack of accessible buildings and materials as well as students’ negative attitudes and behaviors against their peers with disabilities. It is necessary to inform all actors in the school environment about disability rights and make the concept of disability ordinary.

PROJECT GOALS

• Project materials will be disseminated to various cities in Turkey.
• The contact and cooperation between stakeholders will be enhanced in order to amplify the inclusive education approach at two pilot schools; the contact between general education and special education students will be enhanced.  
• The project contents will be incorporated into the syllabus and works will be conducted to generalize them through advocacy directed at and cooperation with the Ministry of National Education.
• Raising awareness activities will be targeted through communication works.

Project Results

• With the participation of 90 teachers from 17 provinces, two-day face-to-face meetings were held in four regions, including Istanbul, Izmir, Erzurum and Gaziantep.
• After the meetings, a total of 38 events, one of which was digital, were organized in 14 provinces by 33 participants. A total of 765 students and 504 teachers were reached through 38 activities.
• After the trainings held in two pilot schools, the teacher's guide was updated. In addition, the memo titled ’Education in Pandemic Conditions: Teacher Experiences and Inclusive Strategies’ was prepared and published.
• A social media campaign was carried out during Disability Week between May 10-16, with the slogan #HerkesAynıOlsa [#IfEveryoneWereTheSame]. Over 4 million people were reached with the campaign.

“Although the project is focused on disabilities, it may have improved all of us to some extent in terms of perspective. To say no to all kinds of discrimination, to all stereotypes, and to stop it when someone uses discriminatory language - I am now committed to this. This is very good for me and I can say that this is the most deserving cause I have ever been involved in. We wish fair conditions for everyone and everything in the world.”  Ezgi İdemen Hazar - Elementary School Teacher

“It has made me very strong as a teacher. Its effect on mobilization is also very valuable. Realizing that I am not alone and growing by sharing fills me with hope for the future.”  Merve Tuna - Preschool Teacher