The Week of Persons with Disabilities, an annual event celebrated from May 10 to 16, was commemorated at Abdullah Gül University (AGU) under the theme "Colors of Life, Unhampered Touches."
The celebrations took place on the AGU Sümer Campus in collaboration with the Kayseri Provincial Directorate of National Education, Kocasinan District Directorate of National Education, Kocasinan Guidance Research Center (RAM), and Hacı Mustafa Postaağası Special Education Vocational School. These events spanned four days and were held in various locations on the Sümer Campus, including the studios of the Department of Architecture, the Central Research Facility, the front yard of the Fitness Center, and several workshops.
On the first day, students from Hacı Mustafa Postaağası Special Education Vocational School participated in a workshop where they learned the art of paper marbling, known as ebru.
The second day featured activities in which students created diverse designs using models in one of the studios of the Department of Architecture. They also received training on the use of 3D printers at the Central Research Facility.
On the third day, students gathered in front of the Fitness Center for a Zumba dance class led by AGU lecturer Hülya Öztürk. Öztürk also guided the students through basic step aerobics and organized a game of bocce, played with iron balls.
The concluding day of the celebrations took place at the Rectorate Conference Hall, where students from Hacı Mustafa Postaağası Special Education Vocational School showcased their talents. They sang heroic anthems, performed folk dances, and presented music and dance performances with the Mehter/Janissary Band they formed.
During the final event, Rector Prof. Dr. Cengiz Yılmaz expressed his appreciation for the meaningful activities held at AGU Sümer Campus in honor of the Week of Persons with Disabilities. He thanked the students who received specialized training such as the art of marbling, model design, 3D printing, and design production. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz also extended his gratitude to the hardworking students and all the institutions, organizations, and employees who contributed to the events.
Provincial Director of the Ministry of National Education, Bahameddin Karaköse, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, stating that Abdullah Gül University had hosted a remarkable event by opening its facilities to students within the framework of "University without Barriers." Karaköse emphasized that individuals with disabilities are equal human beings and their differences should be embraced as a source of richness rather than seen as a problem.
Prominent attendees at the events included Kocasinan District Governor İlhan Abay, Kocasinan District Director of National Education Adnan Göllüoğlu, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Erk Hacıhasanoğlu, Provincial Director of Migration Management Ahmet Danışman, AGU Secretary General Osman Yıldırım, representatives from non-governmental organizations, school principals, teachers, students, parents, and numerous guests.
