Improving Access for the Disabled: A Project for Turkey

July 9 - 12, 2014

About Turkey

Cobblestone streets, steep hills and crowded streets are commonly seen in Turkey, what some may call character, others with disabilities call challenges. In 2005, Turkey adopted their first Disability Law, which changed the overall mindset about how they address those with disabilities by reducing obstacles to health care, education and employment [1]. The increase attention to people with disabilities and those being affected by it has improved the quality of life to over 33 million. However, Turkey has no current NGOs focusing on those with disabilities, and many facilities for disabled only provide required services but don't address the discrimination problems that are still prevalent[1].

About the Program

The IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. Over the last 70 years, the IVLP has developed into the premier professional exchange program in the U.S. and brings over 200 emerging leaders to Jacksonville every year.

[1] http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/06/turkeys-many-disabled-long-shunned-by-society-play-new-role-in-politics/240249/

[2] http://www.tr.undp.org/content/turkey/en/home/operations/projects/poverty_reduction/making_dreams_come_true_employment_of_disabled_in_turkey.html