The 2023 Orientation Meeting of the Disability Coordination Unit was held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Troia Cultural Center, Amphitheater A, chaired by the Coordinator of the Disability Student Unit. The meeting commenced under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan KALKAN, with the participation of coordinators from 38 units and unit supervisors Hakan PENBEK and Süleyman ŞAHİN.

The orientation program, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan KALKAN and assisted by Unit Secretary Chief Hakan PENBEK, proceeded according to the designated agenda. Files containing "Disability Unit Coordinators Evaluation Survey Forms," "Building Observation Forms," and "Lists of Students with Disabilities in Schools" were distributed to the unit coordinators. Participants were requested to evaluate the descriptive questions in the forms using "Yes" or "No" options and provide feedback.

Furthermore, it was conveyed that documents such as the CoHE (YÖK) Flag Awards Letter, Accessibility Guide, Disability Unit Directive, and Exam Petition Templates for Students with Disabilities are accessible via the Disability Student Unit's website. It was also noted during the meeting that a new survey form is being prepared for students with disabilities.

To analyze the deficiencies in faculties and vocational schools for the CoHE Flag Awards competition, the Disability Unit drafted and dispatched official documents to the relevant units under two main categories: "Physical, Educational, and Administrative Requirements" and "Accessibility in Education and Socio-Cultural Activities."

The meeting continued with a Q&A and discussion session chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan KALKAN, with the broad participation of disability unit coordinators from all Faculties, Schools, Vocational Schools, the State Conservatory, and Graduate Schools.

Key Points from the Discussion:

• Physical Accessibility Challenges: Dr. Tutku AK (Faculty of Architecture and Design) highlighted the significant difficulties faced by students with physical disabilities regarding transportation. Due to the steep ramps and terrain, accessing the campus cafeteria, library, and Troia Cultural Center is often arduous or nearly impossible for these students.

• Infrastructure and Standards: Prof. Dr. Mahmut AÇAK (Faculty of Sports Sciences) emphasized the critical importance of building accessibility. He pointed out existing deficiencies and stressed the urgent need for comprehensive structural improvements to meet accessibility standards.

• Psychological and Social Inclusion: Dr. Aytun YAZGI (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) noted the necessity of approaching students from a psychological perspective. He mentioned that many students feel marginalized, which leads to lower attendance in classes and meetings, as well as a reluctance to communicate their problems to coordinators.

• Navigational Safety and Support: Psychologist Serdar TOPAL (PDR Unit & Board Member) emphasized the need for a more sensitive outreach strategy to ensure students feel comfortable contacting the unit. He specifically requested practical safety measures, such as pruning low-hanging tree branches that pose a risk to visually impaired students, and advocated for the installation of tactile paving (yellow lines) and audio signage in buildings and libraries.

• Administrative Recommendations: The coordinators collectively proposed that the selection of unit coordinators should be based on voluntarism. They also suggested that specialized training sessions and comprehensive orientation programs be organized to better equip coordinators for their roles.

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  To ensure accessibility in education, our coordinators will report the deficiencies identified during the orientation programs held within their respective units. Based on these findings, we will take the necessary actions within our available resources to address these needs.

  Furthermore, a primary concern raised by all coordinators is the significant lack of accessibility in campus living spaces and buildings. To resolve this, we will collaborate with the University’s Department of Construction and Technical Works. Based on the technical reports they prepare for all campus buildings and their surroundings, we will strive to make our university a more accessible and inclusive environment.

  Every individual possesses unique talents, and each of these differences holds inherent value and beauty. We must work tirelessly to remove the barriers faced by our students with disabilities, end discrimination, and ensure equality of opportunity. While drawing attention to the challenges they face, we must simultaneously focus on their strengths and achievements.

  The orientation meeting concluded with final questions, suggestions, and heartfelt wishes for a successful academic year.