Engelsiz ODTU

Engelsiz ODTU began 3 years ago as an access project, under the Architecture Department in conjunction with the Rotary Club. In January 2003, the project took on an extra dimension, considering academic and social aspects. Our aim is to enable disabled university students to achieve their potential.

Why Engelsiz ODTU?

Because, while over 10% of the population are disabled, they are under-represented among university students

Because people have a right to education

Because there is a need for role models

Because without a support system, many members of staff are currently have difficulties in providing ineffective support for individual students

And because it is easy to become disabled, but difficult to be disabled.

Objectives:

To provide suitable alternatives

To inform staff and classmates about the needs of these students

To design accessible environments and buildings

To increase understanding and inclusion

How? By listening to the needs of all: staff, students, administrators, etc.

By organising discussion groups

By providing information and running training sessions

By liaising with decision makers

By establishing standards (for exams, etc.)

We are not aiming for perfection or immediate radical change. These are first steps, in the right direction. For long-term improvement, all changes must be reasonable, acceptable to all parties and feasible within current means.

In 2003, Engelsiz ODTU has

• Established the first register of disabled students at METU.
• Established both a committee and a student club working on issues of disability.
• Appointed Psychologist Sibel Yarg›c› as counsellor and Claire Özel as coordinator of Engelsiz ODTÜ.

• Contacted disability support units at universities worldwide for support and information. The British Council is prepared to sponsor the visit of a specialist to Turkey as soon as a suitable time is found.
• Prepared brochures.
• Designed the beginnings of a bilingual website, www.engelsiz.metu.edu.tr
• Begun a register of departmental advisers willing to assist disabled students.
• Supported individuals at other Turkish universities wishing to establish similar support programs.

• Organised the first Engelsiz ODTU Committee stand during the registration of new students, 8-11 September.
• Prepared a training seminar, that can be offered to any interested groups.
• Organised the first inter-university discussion involving over30 people from 5 universities.

Please contact us

…to share experiences or ask questions.

…if you have a student who for reasons of disability or long-term health problems is not able to take exams under regular conditions. A student registered with us a month before exams start can be assisted in arranging appropriate alternative conditions.

…if you are a member of staff needing support in teaching a student with a disability.

…to ask about training sessions, general or relating to a particular need. …if you are interested in becoming a departmental counsellor, a link between your department and the central Engelsiz ODTU program.

Our room is in the library Reserve Room, but may not always be open, so send an email to Claire Özel, Engelsiz ODTU coordinator and academic advisor of Engelsiz ODTU Toplulugu: clair@metu.edu.tr