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Facilities for Students Requiring Special Support
Equal, Accessible, and Inclusive Education:

Support Provided by Yeditepe University for Students with Disabilities

Yeditepe University maintains that higher education should not be limited only to providing academic knowledge, but should also ensure that individuals can participate fully and equally in social life. In line with this understanding, a comprehensive system has been implemented to eliminate the physical, social, and academic barriers encountered by students with disabilities throughout their educational lives.

Advisory and Coordination Unit for Students with Disabilities: EÖDK

The Advisory and Coordination Unit for Students with Disabilities (EÖDK) operates to institutionalize and further develop support for students with disabilities. The primary mission of this unit is to create an equitable learning environment that considers all the academic, physical, social, and psychological needs of students within the university.

Working together with faculty members from different academic units, representatives of legal affairs, academic advisors, and a full-time advisor assistant, EÖDK stands by students at every stage of university life.

Academic Support and Examination Arrangements

To secure the academic rights of students with disabilities, the Directive on the Advisory and Coordination Unit for Students with Disabilities and the Directive on Examination Arrangements are in effect. Within the framework of these directives, students are ensured full participation in examinations and inclusion in fair assessment and evaluation processes. The support provided within this scope includes:

• Special examination arrangements based on individual needs: granting additional time, administering examinations in different formats (e.g., large-print text, Braille alphabet, audio recording, etc.), and providing an appropriate physical environment
• Companion/reader support: assigning academic staff to assist students with visual or physical disabilities during examinations
• Sign language interpreter: assignment for students with hearing disabilities in order to facilitate communication during examinations.
• Alternative examination venues: when necessary, allowing the student to take the examination in a separate room according to their needs
• Use of a recording device or computer: providing technological support for students who have difficulty writing
• Rest breaks: allowing the student to take breaks during the examination due to chronic health problems or physical limitations

Temporary examination arrangements may also be made by the relevant academic units for students with temporary disabilities, such as in the post-operative period.

Physical Accessibility and Campus Infrastructure

Yeditepe University has made accessibility of all physical spaces one of its main goals through its “Barrier-Free Campus” approach. In this regard:

• Buildings, pedestrian paths, and social spaces on campus are arranged in accordance with accessibility principles.
• Special platforms at the Olympic Indoor Swimming Pool enable students with disabilities to benefit from the facility comfortably.
• Students with disabilities may use the gym free of charge.
• The Buddy System, a voluntary support mechanism for visually impaired individuals, is actively implemented.
• The infrastructure of the library and information center has been made accessible through technological tools.

Digital and Technological Support

To ensure equal access to information, the Yeditepe University Information Center provides screen reader software called JAWS (Job Access With Speech). Through this software, students with visual disabilities can:

• listen to web pages audibly,
• read content in Braille,
• send and receive e-mails,
• conduct research.

Students can use this software on the center's computers and on their own devices. The Information Center continuously updates its technology to meet these needs.

Integration into Social Life and Psychosocial Support

Yeditepe University also supports students with disabilities in taking an active role in social life. Within this scope:

• Participation in social clubs is encouraged.
• Participation in social and cultural activities is ensured through cooperation with municipalities.
• Conferences, symposiums, seminars, talks, and awareness campaigns are organized.
• Awareness training is provided for faculty members working in academic units.
• Career counseling, CV preparation, and job/internship opportunities are provided for students with disabilities.

Individual Development and Career Support

EÖDK not only provides academic support but also closely monitors students' professional and personal development. In this regard:

• Individual development plans are prepared for students.
• Connections are established with companies through cooperation with the Office of Career Development and Alumni Relations.
• Special support is provided for internships and post-graduation employment.

Legal Basis and Institutional Assurance

All of Yeditepe University’s work in this field is carried out within the framework of directives and regulations established in accordance with Law No. 5378 on Persons with Disabilities and the regulations of the Council of Higher Education. Annual activity reports are submitted to the relevant boards and are subject to systematic review.

Full Participation for Every Student

Yeditepe University works to build an educational environment where all students can realize their potential, have equal access to opportunities, and feel safe. This multifaceted support system for students with disabilities reflects our University’s inclusive, responsive, and contemporary educational vision.