Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Disabled Students Unit Sub-Working Team organized the "Inclusion in Higher Education: Training of Trainers" program for faculty members responsible for academic units. The two-day training aimed to raise knowledge and awareness regarding the implementation of inclusive education in higher education settings. Our faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mutlu KAYA and Research Assistant Dr. Taner AKKOÇ participated in the training.
Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten: “Inclusive education provides a strong learning foundation for all students”
In his opening speech, Vice Rector and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Disabled Student Unit, Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, emphasized the importance of inclusive education and said:
An inclusive learning environment aims to understand the diversity of students in the classroom and ensure that students can learn without requiring any 'adaptation' requests. When teaching processes are structured in accordance with inclusivity and universal design, this benefits not only students with disabilities but all students. It also benefits all disadvantaged student groups who are underrepresented in educational settings or who require more support.
Comprehensive sessions from expert academics in their fields
After Academic Coordinator of the Disabled Students Unit Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meryem Vural Batık provided information about the unit's activities, the first session of the program was led by Coordinator Lecturer Dr. Uygar Bayrakdar. Bayrakdar addressed the topic of "The Changing Paradigm on Disability and Inclusive Education." Additionally, Res. Dr. Ayşenur Çelik Şahin, Res. Dr. Osman Çolaklıoğlu, presented practical and theoretical information on "Accessibility in Higher Education," Res. Dr. Osman Çolaklıoğlu, "Instructional Adaptations in Higher Education," and Lecturer Emrah Altun, "Technological Adaptations in Higher Education." The two-day program concluded with a panel discussion attended by student representatives from the OMU Disabled Student Unit. Students shared their perspectives on university life, accessibility, needs, and proposed solutions. The training aimed to increase academics' knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of inclusive education approaches and to develop their competencies in structuring teaching processes in line with universal design principles.
