The real barrier is prejudice and inequality of opportunity!

An event titled “Women Who Nurture with Love, Rise with Determination” was organized by Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Child Development Program and Child Protection and Care Services Program. Within the scope of Disability Awareness Week, the event addressed the life experiences of mothers with special needs children, social awareness, inclusive education, and family solidarity in all aspects. Afterwards, Artist Emirhan Tetik's personal photography exhibition titled “What You Think You See” was visited within the scope of the event. The exhibition attracted great interest from visitors with its approach that re-evaluated the limits of the senses.
 

Students, academics, and guests showed great interest in the event held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emir Nebi Conference Hall. The guests of the event were Education Administrator Nihan Yılmaz, Child Development Specialist Serpil Muşlu, and Communication Consultant-Author Bilgen Öniz.

The real barrier is prejudice and inequality of opportunity!

It was emphasized at the event that individuals with disabilities inspire society with their life struggles and achievements. At the event, it was pointed out that a life without barriers is only possible with understanding, respect, and common sense, and that the real barrier is not in bodies, but in prejudices, lack of love, and inequality of opportunity.

Speaking at the event, Communication Consultant and Author Bilgen Öniz underlined that Disability Awareness Week is not a period of “celebration”; “Disability Awareness Week is not celebrated; it exists to raise awareness and make existing problems visible,” she said, pointing to the importance of social consciousness. 

Nihan Yılmaz: “Every child has a unique learning process”

Education Administrator Nihan Yılmaz, who shared her experiences as a mother of a child with special needs from both personal and professional perspectives, stated that this experience made very important contributions to her life. Yılmaz said; “Today, first and foremost, I am here as a mother. As a mother of a child with special needs, I want to speak with my emotions. This process teaches us patience, crisis management, and empathy. We must not forget that every child has a unique learning process.”

Families also need to be included in the education process

Serpil Muşlu, who conducts significant work in the field of child development, emphasized that special education should not be limited to the child alone, and that families must also be actively informed during this process. Muşlu stated that families' participation in education plays an important role in children's development processes and drew attention to the fact that prejudices in society can negatively affect the families of individuals with special needs. Muşlu also emphasized that individuals with disabilities should not be seen as pitiable.

Muşlu also spoke about the spiritual values that children with special needs add to their lives; “These children are truly a reward, not a punishment,” she said.

“What You Think You See” photography exhibition garnered great acclaim

The event, which participants followed with great interest, concluded with a visit to artist Emirhan Tetik's personal photography exhibition titled “What You Think You See” after an interactive Q&A session. 

The exhibition, which was examined by protocol members and students together, received full marks for its awareness messages.