Professor Dr. Ayşegül Ataman, a faculty member of the Special Education Teaching Department at the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Education at the European University of Lefke (EUL), made statements regarding the significance of “December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities.”

“Since 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been recognized globally on December 3rd by the United Nations. On this day, various organizations worldwide hold events, which are typically free and based on volunteer participation. Celebrations of this day vary with government support and contributions from civil society organizations,” said Ataman, continuing her remarks: “Approximately 15% of the world’s population, or over 1 billion people, experience some form of disability. Disabilities are highly diverse, and their prevalence is increasing due to aging populations and a rise in chronic illnesses. The decision by the United Nations in 1992 to designate December 3rd as the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ aims to draw attention to the issues faced by people with disabilities and foster a better understanding of their lives.”

Emphasizing the importance of this significant day in fostering understanding of individuals affected by disabilities or, in other words, those who are “differently developing,” Ataman stated, “The challenges they face in daily life are not only their issues but are problems for all of us.” She continued in her statement: “Today, we must recognize and not forget our disabled individuals, who struggle to find a place in both social and professional life and face various ‘barriers’ in many areas of life. For this reason, efforts must be made to protect and enhance health, which is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.”

Ataman stated, “It is crucial for various sectors, from healthcare to education, to collaborate in preventing disabilities, providing necessary treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, increasing public awareness about disabilities, and enabling individuals with disabilities to recognize their own rights.” She continued: “Celebrating December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons is undoubtedly important; however, it is not a correct approach to remember our disabled citizens only one day a year and forget them afterward. For our disabled citizens, measures, precautions, and initiatives taken by public authorities, as well as the activities organized, must be expanded to include civil society organizations, just as they are worldwide. Moreover, concrete steps must be taken, particularly regarding the employment of individuals with disabilities in Turkey and the TRNC.”

Ataman concluded by saying, “Let December 3, the International Day of Disabled Persons, be a turning point for individuals without disabilities. Action must be taken, and support must be provided. Take a moment today to pause, reflect, and empathize. Because every day is a new opportunity to understand them. What must not be forgotten is that we are all passengers on the same ship. There is no difference between any of us. To become a cohesive society, we must strive to understand the ‘others’ beyond ourselves.”