During the globally celebrated "10-16 May Disability Awareness Week," students and members of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) came together with various associations and organizations to hold the "Life Without Barriers Event." This event aimed to understand, articulate, and support the challenges faced by disabled individuals.

The event, held at the Life Center in OMU's central Kurupelit Campus in collaboration with the Samsun Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate, was organized by the OMU Disabled Student Unit, Special Education Community, Talking Hands Student Community, and the Hearing and Balance Community. The goal was to raise awareness and sensitivity towards ensuring that disabled individuals can participate in social life on equal terms with others.

Many Associations and Organizations Participated

The event saw participation from numerous associations and organizations, including the Down Syndrome Children and Families Education Solidarity Association (DOWN-ÇED), Samsun Dyslexia Learning Disabilities Association, Amisos 55 Disabled Youth and Sports Club, Altınokta Association for the Blind, the Leukemia Children Foundation (LÖSEV), OMU Visually Impaired Unit, Central Library, Hearing and Balance Community, Talking Hands Community, and the Painting and Drawing Education Department of the Faculty of Education.

Students Created Awareness with Prepared Materials, Brochures, and Booklets

Stands at the event featured materials, brochures, and booklets about disabled groups. Student volunteers provided information to visitors about the characteristics of these groups. The stand of the Painting and Drawing Education Department displayed beautiful examples of the art of marbling. Additionally, table activities were organized with special needs individuals from DOWN-ÇED and Amisos 55 Disabled Youth and Sports Club.

Rap Performance by Disabled Individuals Turned into a Wave of Love

Among other activities, the rap performance by students with Down syndrome at the event hosted by OMU turned into a wave of love. A musical performance was also held with special needs individuals from the Amisos 55 Disabled Youth and Sports Club.

Meanwhile, the Hearing and Balance Community and Talking Hands Community exhibited hearing screening devices and materials at their joint stand.

SKS Director Kural: "Disabled Students Especially Prefer OMU"

Sharing his thoughts on the event, Director of Health, Culture, and Sports (SKS) Güngör Kural said that OMU, which has taken significant steps towards becoming an inclusive university, is particularly preferred by disabled students.

"Disability Should Also Be Seen as a Richness that Requires Acceptance and Respect for Differences"

Kural emphasized that they are working to improve the educational environments for disabled and disadvantaged students. "Through these events we organize, we want to draw attention to the difficulties and challenges disabled individuals face and encourage initiatives towards a more inclusive and equal life. Disability should also be seen as a richness that requires acceptance and respect for differences. We all have important and serious responsibilities in helping them overcome their difficulties, making their lives easier, and providing more support. We should be in solidarity with disabled individuals not just during this week but at every moment of life. Standing against discrimination and increasing opportunities for education, health, employment, and participation in social life for these groups is, above all, a humanitarian and moral duty," he said.

The "Life Without Barriers Event" attracted significant interest and concluded with dance and folk performances.