Empathy and awareness gathering at Medipol
The event titled “Step by Step Empathy: An Awareness Gathering for Students,” held at Istanbul Medipol University, brought the social dimensions of disability and the power of an empathetic approach into focus. The event emphasized addressing disability within the framework of the social model and highlighted the importance of conscience and human connection alongside professional roles.
Organized on the occasion of December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the awareness gathering was hosted by Istanbul Medipol University in collaboration with the Medipol Disabled Students Office and the Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics of the Faculty of Health Sciences. The event underscored the fact that disability is a societal issue and conveyed a key message to future professionals: professional knowledge is essential, but conscience and empathy are equally critical.
Held at the South Campus Conference Hall, the event was attended by Prof. Dr. Devrim Tarakçı, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University; Dr. Faculty Member Sena Özdemir Görgü; Lecturer and Disabled Students Office Specialist Pelin Vural; sociologist and psychologist Merve Nur Özmişin; psychologist Beyzanur Kaykun; Gülcan Çelik, a mother of a child with cerebral palsy; as well as numerous academics and students.
Alongside the heartfelt experiences shared by a mother of a child with a disability, the event scientifically demonstrated that the primary barrier lies not within individuals themselves, but in the lack of accessibility in their surrounding environments.
Last Update Date: 19/04/2026 - 17:33
