The Symposium on 'Touching and Changing Boundaries with Occupational Therapy' was held
The “4th Touching and Changing Boundaries with Occupational Therapy” symposium was organized by Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy as part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Many experts in the field attended the symposium, and third-year students from the Occupational Therapy Department contributed to the event.
The symposium, held online, featured renowned experts who approached occupational therapy from various perspectives.
The opening speeches of the symposium, which was structured into three sessions, were delivered by Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Üsküdar University, and Prof. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at Üsküdar University.
Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “Disability is an unforeseen circumstance”
In his opening speech, Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin stated that “Disability is an unforeseen circumstance that can happen to anyone at any time in life. Looking at global data, approximately 15% of the population is disabled, equating to about 1 billion people. In Türkiye, as of 2024, there are approximately 2.5 million disabled individuals, the majority of whom are male. Disability is categorized into eight subgroups, encompassing areas such as intellectual, hearing, visual, orthopedic, speech and language, mental, chronic illnesses, and attention deficit. Occupational therapy stands out as a multidisciplinary field capable of addressing almost all these issues. Our institution also offers many departments and services to facilitate and support the lives of disabled individuals. I believe this meeting will yield significant outcomes that provide greater support to our disabled citizens.”
Prof. Sevda Asqarova: “Where there is love, there are no handicaps”
Prof. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at Üsküdar University, stated in her opening remarks: “The United Nations declared December 3, 1992, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This special day is an important opportunity to ensure the full and effective participation of disabled individuals in social life, raise awareness, and educate society. Society's perspective on disabled individuals plays a critical role in this awareness process. If a society views disabled individuals solely as objects of pity and needing help, this can damage their self-confidence. Therefore, we should adopt a supportive and empowering attitude toward our disabled citizens instead of pity. Ensuring the full participation of disabled individuals in social life and improving their living standards is an indispensable part of a civilized society. Disability is not a flaw, and we all have duties to ensure that our disabled citizens never lose their determination to live. It should be remembered that disability is not a choice, and anyone can become disabled one day. With this awareness, it is our shared responsibility to take the necessary precautions to prevent the causes that may lead to disability. Improvements in accessibility, equal opportunities, and social participation in society are important steps we must take together. By overcoming obstacles with love, solidarity, and empathy, we can build a brighter world. Let us remember: where there is love, there are no handicaps. Let us take steps filled with love to create an accessible life together.”
After the opening speeches, the symposium sessions began.
Prof. Abdullah Karatay: “Disability is as old as human history”
The first session was chaired by Prof. Abdullah Karatay, a faculty member in the Department of Social Work at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Health Sciences. He delivered a presentation titled “Social Services for the Disabled in Türkiye.” Karatay stated that “Social services encompass a wide range of health services, and occupational therapy holds a significant place within this field. Disability is an issue as old as human history and cannot be completely eliminated. Disabilities arising from human nature have always existed and will continue to exist. In addition, disabilities resulting from accidents, illnesses, and other external factors are also present. Reducing these causes can partially decrease the rates of disability. However, disability will always remain a significant issue on the agendas of societies.”
Exp. OT Özlem Yalçın: “Individuals with severe mental disorders are quite numerous”
Specialist Occupational Therapist Özlem Yalçın from Çankırı State Hospital delivered a presentation titled “Stigma and Severe Mental Disorders: Fighting Prejudices and Raising Awareness with Occupational Therapy.” Yalçın explained that “Society ostracizes these individuals. They face difficulties when renting a home, as they may encounter issues with neighbors. When applying for jobs, they experience problems due to health reports. Even care facilities may hesitate to accept them when hospitalization is needed because it is challenging to find suitable facilities for mental disorders. Many of these clients are among us, passing us by on the street or studying alongside us in school. Severe mental disorders are not immediately apparent, and this issue is increasingly seen in younger age groups. For instance, there is a notable presence of individuals with severe mental disorders among university students. They struggle to find employment, and when they do, employers often hesitate to accommodate their conditions due to the illness process. However, workplaces with a certain number of employees are obligated to employ disabled individuals. Severe mental disorders can fit within this scope because these individuals have no physical obstacles to performing their jobs. They can fulfill their responsibilities if they continue their treatment and therapy.”
Expert Occupational Therapist Özlem Yalçın: “Individuals with severe mental disorders are quite numerous”
Çankırı State Hospital Specialist Occupational Therapist Özlem Yalçın gave a presentation titled "Stigma and Severe Mental Disorders: Combating Prejudices and Raising Social Awareness through Ergotherapy." Yalçın stated that “Society tends to marginalize these individuals. They face problems with neighbors when they try to rent a home, and experience difficulties in obtaining medical reports when applying for jobs. Even something as basic as being admitted to a care facility can be challenging, as such institutions often hesitate to accept individuals with mental disorders. Finding a suitable care home for mental disorders is genuinely difficult. Many of our clients in this situation are people among us, walking past us at school or on the street. Severe mental disorders are often not visibly apparent, and these issues are increasingly being seen in younger age groups, such as university students. Many of these individuals struggle to find jobs, and even when they do, employers are often reluctant to accommodate their condition. Yet, as you know, workplaces with a certain number of employees are legally required to employ disabled individuals. Severe mental disorders could qualify under this category, as these individuals do not have physical limitations that prevent them from working. They are fully capable of performing their duties, and they only need to continue their treatment and therapy.”
Instructor Hilmi Bakır: “High-tech electronic devices can be utilized in various ways”
Hilmi Bakır, Instructor in the Audiometry Program at Üsküdar University’s Vocational School of Health Services, presented on "Technological Products That Facilitate the Lives of Disabled People." He stated that “Assistive technologies are tools, equipment, and methods used to address the needs of individuals with special requirements, enhance their independence, and improve their quality of life. According to international standards (ISO), assistive technology refers to products, devices, equipment, or systems that are specifically designed or widely available to prevent, compensate for, reduce, or neutralize barriers. ISO sets quality standards for these technologies. These include low-tech products and systems, as well as solutions involving high-tech electronic devices, software, and artificial intelligence applications, which enhance or improve the functional capacities of disabled individuals.”
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan: “We aim to avoid unnecessary hazards by assessing risks”
The second session was chaired by Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Uçan shared his presentation titled "Developing a Risk Assessment Method Using the Disability Ratios in Health Reports of Disabled Workers: A Case Study in the Casting Sector." He stated that “As the Occupational Health and Safety Department, we have developed a risk assessment method to improve the working conditions of disabled employees. By considering the health reports, disability ratios, and risk factors in the work environment, we determine in advance which areas they can work in. According to labor laws, workplaces with more than 50 employees are required to employ 3% disabled personnel. By evaluating the risks in the work environment for disabled individuals, we aim to avoid unnecessary hazards. This method considers not only human factors but also the specific disabilities, which has greatly facilitated our efforts.”
Expert Occupational Therapist Şevval Kazan: “Occupational therapy offers a comprehensive guide to improving quality of life”
Expert Occupational Therapist Şevval Kazan delivered a presentation titled "The Power of Occupational Therapy in Orthotic-Prosthetic Rehabilitation: A Journey to Functional Independence." Kazan stated that “The primary role of occupational therapy in orthotics and prosthetics is to improve individuals’ quality of life. In this process, we educate patients, teach them how to use orthoses or prostheses, and develop programs aimed at equipping them with the skills needed for effective use. Occupational therapists offer personalized rehabilitation approaches tailored to the physical, mental, and psychological characteristics of each individual. Depending on the type of orthosis or prosthesis used in the rehabilitation process, a customized treatment plan is prepared. In the use of orthoses, the occupational therapist’s role involves teaching the patient how to use the device, guiding proper usage, and providing ongoing support throughout the process. For prosthetic use, the aim is to help regain functional skills to replace the lost limb. This process includes training individuals to integrate the prosthesis into their everyday activities. Ultimately, occupational therapists provide comprehensive guidance to enhance both independence and quality of life in the use of orthoses and prostheses.”
Neurologist Bülent Madi: “Disability can occur at any age and requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment”
Founder of the Bülent Madi Neurology Clinic, Neurologist Bülent Madi shared a presentation titled "The Necessity of Neuroscience in the Development of Individuals with Disabilities." Madi stated that “Neurological disabilities encompass a wide group of individuals, with intellectual disabilities being the most well-known. The causes of such conditions include genetic factors, issues during pregnancy, birth complications, and environmental influences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in autism diagnoses was observed due to a lack of stimuli, along with cases of dementia among the elderly. Disability can emerge at any age and necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Collaboration among neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and special education specialists is essential. Additionally, attention must be paid to the side effects of medications, as they can influence the treatment process. Occupational therapy plays a significant role in enhancing individuals’ quality of life.”
Special Education Expert Akif Ülger: “We all face the potential of becoming individuals with disabilities”
The final session of the symposium was chaired by Special Education Expert Akif Ülger. Ülger delivered a presentation titled "We Are All Candidates." He stated that “Each of us faces the potential of becoming an individual with disabilities. The experiences following the Kahramanmaraş and Hatay earthquakes have once again highlighted this reality. These events demonstrate how devastating natural disasters can be and how they can change our lives in an instant. At the same time, we must not forget that disability is a possibility for everyone. Acting with this awareness is of great importance in fostering solidarity and empathy.”
Expert Occupational Therapist Leyla Ak: “An approach that also aims to improve the quality of life of families”
Expert Occupational Therapist Leyla Ak shared her presentation titled "The Importance of Occupational Therapy in Families with Individuals with Disabilities." Ak stated that “Occupational therapy is an approach that not only develops the everyday living skills of individuals with disabilities but also aims to improve the quality of life of their families. Supporting individuals with disabilities to gain independence and participate more actively in social life can be achieved through occupational therapy methods. At the same time, it alleviates the emotional and physical burden on families, contributing to the establishment of a healthier family dynamic. In this context, it should not be forgotten that occupational therapy has positive effects not only on individuals but also on their entire family.”
Exp. Occupational Therapist Duygu Ece Kılıç: “We aim to improve individuals’ resilience through personalized exercise programs”
Expert Occupational Therapist Duygu Ece Kılıç presented on "Occupational Therapy Interventions for Individuals with Scoliosis." Kılıç noted that “Occupational therapists can evaluate the everyday activities, routines, and environments of individuals with scoliosis to identify challenges. They propose various adjustments and adaptations to ensure a more manageable and comfortable life. In the area of postural alignment, techniques are taught to help individuals maintain optimal alignment during activities, and efforts are made to reduce muscle tension around the spine. Additionally, we aim to improve individuals’ strength, flexibility, and endurance by implementing personalized exercise programs. For pain management, strategies such as teaching relaxation techniques, providing recommendations for ergonomic improvements, and incorporating adaptive equipment to reduce discomfort are employed.”
Third-year Occupational Therapy students also presented their presentations
Occupational Therapy students Alper Durdu Turnalar and Ayşe Şahin shared their presentation titled "Art Therapy from the Perspective of Occupational Therapists for Individuals with Disabilities." In their presentation, they discussed the benefits of art therapy. They highlighted that activities such as painting contribute to emotional, mental, and physical development in individuals with disabilities and emphasized that art could be used as a communication tool in situations where verbal expression is challenging.
Students Sude Özge and Zeynep Mengi presented on "Awareness of Genetic Predisposition in Disability Rehabilitation."
Later, students Nisa Gamze Aydın and Naime Zehra Yılmaz gave a presentation titled "Occupational Therapy Applications for Visually Impaired Individuals," discussing the interventions occupational therapists can offer. They noted that therapy programs are designed to address the physical, psychological, and social needs of visually impaired individuals.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)