Gereksinimli

Gereksinimli is a Turkish adjective meaning “having needs” and is used to describe individuals who require additional support due to disability, chronic illness, or other limitations. It derives from the noun gereksinim (need, requirement) with the suffix -li, producing a term that labels people by the needs they have rather than solely by a condition.

In Turkish discourse, gereksinimli is commonly found in educational, health care, and social policy contexts. Common expressions include özel gereksinimli çocuklar (children with special needs) and özel eğitim gereksinimli bireyler (individuals with special education needs). Some speakers prefer phrasing that foregrounds the person, such as gereksinimleri olan kişiler (people with the needs).

In practice, gereksinimli relates to policies and practices around inclusive education, where schools provide accommodations, support staff, and individualized plans such as Bireyselleştirilmiş Eğitim Programı (BEP) or its equivalents. The term also appears in health and social services to identify groups for assistive technologies, rehabilitation, and related supports. Its use is part of broader discussions about disability language and stigma, with a trend toward person-centered language and options like özel gereksinimli bireyler or gereksinimleri olan kişiler, depending on context and community norms.

There is no universally fixed standard; usage varies by country, institution, and setting. The term remains a practical descriptor for a segment of the population requiring additional resources and accommodations.