# Disability rights and accessibility advocacy in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/disability-rights-and-accessibility-advocacy-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-10-09T18:44:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 4.

In Turkey, community organizations and government agencies are working to improve social inclusion and rights for individuals with disabilities. Local initiatives include fundraising by the Kozluçay School-Family Association to provide sports equipment and playground renovations, while the Adıyaman Autism Association has held legal seminars to promote the idea that “autism is a difference rather than a disease.”

Advocacy efforts have expanded to address systemic accessibility and mobility. The DEVA Party has called for urban spaces to be designed for independent use, and the Turkish Disabled Association is advocating for the Disability Identity Card to serve as a universal document for free transit. On a national level, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a ‘social state’ model, utilizing the Integrated Social Assistance Information System to ensure transparent aid delivery.

However, recent reports highlight significant barriers to employment and financial stability. University graduate Aynur Ürek, who has a 51 percent spastic disability, reported being blocked from positions at the Ministry of Health due to medical report clauses and alleged dismissal from a municipal role. Additionally, individuals like Öztürk Kaya in Elazığ have reported that monthly disability pensions of 5,800 lira are insufficient to cover basic rent or medical expenses, noting that the high cost of prosthetics can force citizens to use makeshift repairs.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Disabled citizens in Turkey report employment and welfare struggles

Disabled citizens in Turkey report severe challenges regarding unemployment, insufficient social welfare payments, and barriers to accessing healthcare and necessary medical equipment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disabled-citizens-in-turkey-report-employment-and-welfare-struggles

### 2026-10-06: Turkey Ministry of Family and Social Services announces new welfare and employment initiatives

Turkish Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced the placement of 394 youths under state protection into public jobs and detailed support for 490,000 citizens with disabilities and foreign families.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-provides-support-to-490000-citizens-with-disabilities

### 2026-09-20: Disability rights advocates in Turkey call for improved accessibility

Turkish advocates are pushing for better social inclusion and accessibility, specifically calling for the Disability Identity Card to be valid for free public transit nationwide.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disability-rights-advocates-in-turkey-call-for-improved-accessibility

### 2026-09-20: Community initiatives in Turkey support education and disability rights

Community initiatives in Turkey are focusing on educational support in Kozluçay and promoting autism rights and social inclusion through legal seminars in Adıyaman.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/community-initiatives-in-turkey-support-education-and-disability-rights

---
Cite as: Disability rights and accessibility advocacy in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/disability-rights-and-accessibility-advocacy-in-turkey