engelliler

Engelliler is a Turkish term used to describe people with disabilities, referring to individuals who have long-term physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental-health conditions that may limit activities or participation in daily life. The term encompasses a broad range of impairments and emphasizes the community of people who may face barriers in society.

Disability is viewed through different models. The medical model treats disability as a problem within the individual, while the social model argues that disability arises from barriers in the environment and society. Contemporary disability rights discourse prioritizes removing these barriers and ensuring equal participation, using inclusive language and person-centered approaches such as “persons with disabilities.”

Rights and inclusion: Internationally, persons with disabilities are protected under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which Turkey ratified in 2009. National policies in many countries aim to guarantee access to education, healthcare, employment, housing, and social protection, along with measures to promote accessibility. Despite progress, challenges persist, including stigma, insufficient infrastructure, and uneven access to services.

Accessibility and services: Key areas include accessible built environments (ramps, lifts, step-free routes), transportation, digital and information accessibility (alternative formats, sign language interpretation), and inclusive education that supports students with disabilities within mainstream schools when appropriate. Supportive services, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies play important roles in enabling independence and autonomy.

Organizations and advocacy: A network of disability-rights organizations and advocacy groups in Turkey and elsewhere works to advance legal protections, raise awareness, and provide support to individuals and families. Ongoing efforts focus on removing barriers and promoting equal opportunities for engelliler to participate fully in society.