Scientific training for caregivers and a lasting contribution to schools: A model project completed

The “Program for Strengthening Practice- and Education-Based Parenting Skills of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs,” implemented by the Department of Occupational Therapy at Istanbul Medipol University Faculty of Health Sciences, supported by the Social Contribution Commission, and carried out in cooperation with Gülseren ÖzdemirInclusive Education and Practice School, has been successfully completed. Within the scope of the project, led by Specialist Occupational Therapist İbrahim Erarslan, a detailed training process was designed for caregivers of children with special needs, and the “Sensory Integration Room” of the school where the implementation took place was reinforced.

AN EDUCATION-ORIENTED APPROACH
In the successfully completed project, theoretical and practical training sessions were delivered to enable caregivers to act more consciously in daily life and caregiving processes. These trainings included “Technology-Supported Instructional Practices, Access to Health Services and Policies, Creative Drama, Therapeutic Play, and Joint and Energy Conservation Techniques.” Participants gained significant competencies in providing more effective support tailored to their children’s developmental needs.

CONCRETE CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCHOOL: ENHANCED SENSORY INTEGRATION ROOM
In addition to its educational component, the project strengthened the physical facilities of Gülseren Özdemir Inclusive Education and Practice School by providing material support to its Sensory Integration Room. This contribution offered substantial support for the sustainability of a high-quality learning environment that promotes the motor, sensory, and cognitive development of students with special needs. 

“A MODEL THAT STRENGTHENS OUR MISSION OF SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION”
In his evaluation regarding the successful completion of the project, Project Coordinator Specialist Occupational Therapist İbrahim Erarslan expressed his gratitude to all academic and administrative staff who contributed to the project and stated the following: 

“While implementing this project, our aim was to provide a scientifically grounded contribution to the caregiving processes of children with special needs and to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges families face in daily life. I would particularly like to thank the Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy, Prof. Dr. Devrim Tarakcı, who supported us at every stage from the very beginning, and the Chair of the Social Contribution Commission, Prof. Dr. Türkan Yiğitbaşı, who believed in the project and stood by us from the acceptance process to the final stage of implementation. I would also like to thank School Principal Abdulvahap Mirza and Guidance Counselor Ramazan Kuruçay for their support throughout the project process. Together with all my team members who took part in the project, witnessing the impact of scientific knowledge in the field has been a great source of motivation for us.”

Emphasizing that the study was not merely a social responsibility project but also a sustainable collaboration model established between the university and a special education institution, Erarslan continued his remarks as follows:

“Through this project, both the level of knowledge and awareness of families was strengthened, and we had the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Gülseren Özdemir Special Education and Practice School. In line with Medipol University’s vision of serving society, we take great pride in supporting the strengthening of initiatives aimed at children with special needs. We will continue to share updates regarding the project through the social media channels we have established.”