Lect. Gönül Kil Tetik from Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Department of Disability Care and Rehabilitation explained that the rehabilitation process is critically important for individuals with disabilities to fully participate in society and lead independent lives.
Rehabilitation process varies according to individual needs
Lect. Gönül Kil Tetik stated that the rehabilitation process for individuals with disabilities varies according to the individual's type and severity of disability, age, general health status, and individual needs, adding, “This process is meticulously planned and implemented by specialists using a multidisciplinary approach. In the initial assessment, which is the first step of the process, the individual's situation is comprehensively addressed. This includes examining their medical condition (neurology, orthopedics, psychiatry), physical functions (muscle strength, balance, range of motion), psychological and cognitive capacity, social environment (family structure, living conditions), and educational and vocational background. The purpose of this detailed assessment is to determine the individual's needs and potential and to create a personalized rehabilitation plan.”
Rehabilitation plan carried out through the collaborative work of experts
Lect. Gönül Kil Tetik, stating that the rehabilitation plan is carried out through the collaborative work of many specialists such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and special education teachers, continued:
“The treatment plan covers a wide range, from physical therapy and exercise programs to vocational (work-occupation) therapy, and from psychosocial support to family education. If necessary, supports such as speech and language therapy, orthosis/prosthesis use, and special education are also included in this plan. This plan, implemented with daily, weekly, or monthly sessions in line with determined goals, is dynamically updated by regularly monitoring the individual's progress. The implementation of this comprehensive plan requires the cooperation of a competent, multidisciplinary team including a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, special education teacher, and social worker. Dietitians are also involved in the process when needed. The duration of rehabilitation is not standard and varies greatly from person to person; this process can extend from a few months to several years, and in some disability cases, it can continue lifelong.”
What are the differences in rehabilitation methods applied for physical and mental disabilities?
Lect. Gönül Kil Tetik also noted that the rehabilitation methods applied for physical and mental disabilities vary according to the type and degree of disability and the individual's needs, stating, “These differences manifest themselves in both the targeted areas and the techniques used. While physical disabilities mainly aim to restore bodily functions, the goal in mental disabilities is to ensure the individual's development in areas such as learning, communication, and participation in social life. Therefore, rehabilitation processes differ significantly in terms of tools, methods, and expertise.”
Early diagnosis and timely therapy improve a child's quality of life
Lect. Gönül Kil Tetik pointed out that early intervention greatly increases the success of both physical and mental rehabilitation in children, stating, “Delay in intervention can limit a child's potential. Therefore, especially in cases of developmental disorders, sensory deficiencies, or motor problems, early diagnosis and timely therapy significantly affect a child's quality of life.”
Cooking is also taught to develop independent living skills
Lect. Gönül Kil Tetik, drawing attention to efforts to develop independent living skills for individuals with disabilities, continued:
“Many fundamental areas of work are undertaken to develop the independent living skills of individuals with disabilities. These works include the acquisition of daily living skills such as personal care, cooking, and cleaning. At the same time, communication and social skills are supported for individuals to express themselves, establish social relationships, and adapt to society. While transportation skills such as using public transport and safe mobility for freedom of movement are emphasized, practical abilities like shopping, budgeting, and time planning are also acquired. The process is completed with support provided in areas such as vocational training, technology use, self-health monitoring, and preparedness for emergencies, aiming to empower the individual in all aspects.”
Seeking professional support is not a weakness…
Lect. Gönül Kil Tetik, stating that societal prejudices encountered during the rehabilitation process are one of the biggest obstacles negatively affecting both the individual's psychological recovery and their reintegration into society, said, “Unfortunately, in this process, individuals face misconceptions such as being seen as dysfunctional or dependent, exclusion with fear especially in mental illnesses, and hopelessness about the recovery process. Furthermore, it is still a common situation for professional support to be seen as a weakness in society. All these prejudices undermine the individual's self-confidence and lower their quality of life.”
It is essential to inform society correctly
Emphasizing that a holistic approach is adopted to combat these destructive perceptions, Lect. Gönül Kil Tetik concluded by saying, “Educational and awareness campaigns are organized to correctly inform society. The stories of individuals who have successfully completed the rehabilitation process are highlighted as role models. Support groups and psychosocial rehabilitation programs are implemented so that individuals do not feel alone. A rights-based understanding, which approaches disability not as a deficiency but as a human rights issue, is promoted, and the regulation of language and content in the media is encouraged to prevent misrepresentations.”
