A shared roadmap for an accessible campus has been drawn up

Organized by the Office of Students with Disability of Istanbul Medipol University, the “2nd Accessible University Workshop” was held to foster an accessible and inclusive campus environment. The event, conducted at the South Campus, brought students and staff together to raise awareness on accessibility issues.

Coordinated by Assist. Prof. Duygu Buğa, Manager of the Office of Students with Disability at Istanbul Medipol University, and Edanur Hıra, Officer of the same office, the workshop began with an introductory circle among participants. Following the informative opening speech delivered by Edanur Hıra about the workshop, students had the opportunity to share their views and experiences regarding an inclusive university.
 

A SHARED TABLE FOR AN ACCESSIBLE LIFE
Within the scope of the workshop, participants gathered around five different thematic tables addressing various dimensions of campus life. Under the theme “Accessible Physical Campus: Overcoming Spatial Obstacles” physical accessibility conditions on campus were evaluated, while the theme “Inclusive Education: Accessibility and Academic Support in the Teaching Process” focused on course materials and academic processes.

At the “Equal Participation in Social and Cultural Life” table, students’ access to social life was discussed, whereas the theme “Inclusive Language and Awareness: Transforming Attitudes” addressed communication practices and awareness levels within the university. Under “The Role of Communities: What Can We Do for an Inclusive Campus?”, the potential roles of student communities in this process were evaluated.
 

FROM INVISIBLE OBSTACLES TO CONCRETE SOLUTIONS
In the first part of the workshop, participants thoroughly examined the challenges encountered in daily campus life. Discussions on the needs of different disability groups, existing deficiencies, and invisible barriers created a strong sense of awareness among participants.

In the second part of the event, solution-oriented proposals were developed for the identified problems. Participants exchanged ideas on both short-term practical steps and long-term structural improvements.

Proposals such as creating an accessible campus map, strengthening academic support mechanisms, promoting the use of inclusive language, and enabling student communities to take a more active role stood out among the recommendations.