Barrier Free Living In The Epidemic

We’ve talked to the President of İzmir Buca Disability Association and the Representative of the Association of Izmir Union of Disabled Associations Harun Kara and to the President of Izmir Rehabilitation and Sports Club Association Ramazan Kaymaz about the problems of physically disabled individuals who are among the risky groups and about the accessible services in the pandemic. 

What is your purpose as an association, can you tell us about your activities?

Harun Kara: We carry out all the necessary work for all disadvantaged groups, by giving priority to our disabled citizens regardless of religion, language, race, region or gender. As Buca Disabled Association, we work in collaboration with institutions and individuals. We do educational, unifying and therapeutic activities so that people with disabilities can gain sufficient mental and physical strength. For example, we aim them to become self-sufficient by opening field of operations and workshops, by providing them the necessary trainings and supporting disabled people to become producers rather than consumers. It is among the priorities of our association to be an advocate and follower of the rights and demands of the disabled people, to provide rehabilitation for the ones who are desolate and needy, to provide the necessary equipment for orthopedically handicapped and to support them and their families by providing financial and moral aid.

Our association makes our disabled and non-disabled citizens benefit from the courses within the scope of the trainings conducted jointly with District National Education Directorate, Public Education Center, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Buca Municipality as well as many other district municipalities. These courses include computer, literacy, music, sign language, soap making, EKPSS exam, rhythm for mentally disabled, table tennis, folk dancing, choir, physical education and crafts.

It is a fact that individuals with multiple disabilities are among the highest risk groups against this virus. Many people with disabilities who are not employed and who are waiting to be assigned have to live under the poverty line.

What kind of problems has the epidemic created for individuals with disabilities?

Harun Kara: The whole world is going through a difficult period due to the Coronavirus. Approximately 12% of the population of Turkey is constituted by individuals with disabilities. This number goes up to four times when their families are added to it. Due to architectural obstacles and social policies in daily life, the quality of life of most people with disabilities is seriously affected. With compulsory isolation, the epidemic made the lives of people with disabilities even more challenging. Hospitals are of vital importance for people with disabilities who need physical therapy and have chronic conditions especially in this period.

In addition, many disability groups with chronic illnesses state that they cannot regularly benefit from the health services they need to receive. Every product that is not available due to economic reasons affects the immune system of the disabled person and triggers larger life problems. It is a fact that individuals with multiple disabilities are among the highest risk groups against this virus. Many people with disabilities who are not employed and who are waiting to be assigned have to live under the poverty line.

So what are the emergency services that disabled people need during this period?

Harun Kara: Employees who have disabled people who need care in their families experience even greater difficulties during the epidemic. Since the Private Rehabilitation Centers that provide education to disabled people are shut down, trainings cannot be held. However, it is very important for these children to continue their education in the environments they were adapted to and with the teachers they are accustomed to. In this wprld embracing epidemic, works carried out in our country for disabled individuals are obviously not enough.

Ramazan Kaymaz: Meeting the needs depends on financial capability. Since the severely disabled people are dependent on their families, they meet most of their needs with the support of their families. Families are trying to meet these needs within the scope of their socio-economic statuses and health insurances. Meeting vital needs such as treatments and medicine depends on financial capability.

What kind of demands do you have from the authorities or what do you suggest especially during the epidemic process?

Harun Kara: We can list our suggestions as follows: In addition to those working in the public sector, all disabled personnel working in the private sector should be given paid leaves during the epidemic, and disabled individuals among the risk groups should be able to receive health care at their homes. Those who request should be able to get tested in their homes for Coronavirus. While making official statements, a sign language interpreter should be available to ensure that individuals with hearing disabilities fulfill their right to information. Distance education programs should be made accessible for visually impaired teachers and student users. Individual trainings given in Education and Rehabilitation Centers should be provided in a virtual environment or at home. Food and cleaning materials they need should be provided regularly to disabled people who have financial difficulties. If necessary, cleaning staff should be sent to the homes of needy people.

Who are you working in collaboration with in this process?

Harun Kara: It is very useful to be involved in activities on a voluntary basis by establishing solidarity networks with the contributions of NGOs. In our province, our Metropolitan Municipality and some district municipalities provide the allocation of service vehicles for disabled people in emergency situations. Again, in line with the requests received, the necessary supplies and social aids for disabled people living alone, for people with chronic illnesses and for elderly people over 65 years of age are provided as fast as possible with the contributions of metropolitan municipality.

Ramazan Kaymaz: Although there are adversities due to the destructive and complex effects of the process, supportive works are carried out for the disabled individuals with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services publishing facilitating circulars. It is gratifying that employees are considered being on administrative leave, and municipalities assist in private transportation. Izmir Metropolitan and district municipalities providing maintenance and cleaning services to the homes of disabled people or food support from the soup kitchen are humanitarian approaches and examples of social solidarity. Developing more active and practical studies on a local basis can be realized with the cooperation of non-governmental organizations and government.

How do you evaluate the call of the United Nations to provide 1 billion disabled people and their families with equal conditions in the fight against Covid-19?

Harun Kara: People with disabilities face discrimination and prevention and problems that prevent them from taking part in society on an equal basis with others. They are facing problems with the equal rights everyone should have such as being included in the school system, living within the community, moving freely, voting, participating in sports and cultural activities, enjoying social security, accessing justice or choosing medical treatment. Protection that is secured in other human rights treaties and which are included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be applied to all. It is our wish to survive these days with the least loss in this pandemic that affects the world. While maintaining our health physically, protecting our mental health is just as important. We agree with this call of the UN.

Ramazan Kaymaz: People with disabilities should benefit from health, education, transportation and basic human rights equally as an integral part of the society. There is life for everyone. This process reminded us all of the fact that there is no salvation alone. It is imperative that all our economic and social activities to be shaped accordingly and policies to be accordingly developed.