A Special Symbolic Graduation Ceremony Was Held to Mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3

The Department of Social Work at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, in collaboration with the Social Work Society and the Bandırma İlk Umut Special Education and Rehabilitation Center, organized a “Symbolic Graduation Ceremony” at our university to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. The program began with a moment of silence and the playing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by opening remarks.

Attending the ceremony were Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan SEREL, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Hüseyin ESECELİ, Head of the Social Work Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih ALTUN, institution director Pınar EKE GEZER, and President of the Erdek Association for the Support of People with Disabilities and Their Families Meliha SÖĞÜT, along with faculty members, university students, and families of individuals with special needs.

In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Associate Professor Adem BÖLÜKBAŞI of the Department of Social Work emphasized that the event originated from a social responsibility project carried out by social work students as part of the “Community-Oriented Social Work Practices” course, and congratulated the students for their hard work and sensitivity.

Pınar EKE GEZER, Director of the İlk Umut Special Education and Rehabilitation Center, then delivered an opening address. In her remarks, she expressed great joy at celebrating the students’ symbolic graduation in the meaningful atmosphere of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing that this graduation is a symbol of determination, faith, and love transformed into success. Noting that the students had achieved significant milestones in their journey of development and had persevered despite challenges, Gezer thanked the families for their support and the teachers for their dedication. Addressing the students, Gezer noted that with faith and determination, no obstacle could stand in the way of their goals, and expressed her heartfelt congratulations to the symbolic graduates and all stakeholders on this meaningful day.

Prof. Dr. Recep YILDIZ, a faculty member of the Social Services Department, who was later invited to the podium, emphasized in his speech that individuals with disabilities are becoming more visible in our country each year and are integrating more strongly into society, describing this as an extremely encouraging development. However, YILDIZ underscored that this visibility must now translate into greater productivity, highlighting the importance of people with disabilities taking on more active roles in all areas of society using their own abilities. He noted that this approach would make significant contributions to both the empowerment of individuals and the development of society.

Speaking next, Associate Professor Dr. Fatih ALTUN, Head of the Social Work Department, noted that the Social Work Department is one of the university’s departments with a strong social focus, and emphasized that Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Hüseyin ESECELİ and our Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail BOZ have consistently supported them in every initiative that contributes to society. ALTUN stated that, in line with the university’s social contribution policies, the department will continue to develop projects targeting all segments of society. He congratulated and thanked the parents, institutional administrators, and teachers who have raised individuals with special needs participating in this symbolic graduation ceremony on this meaningful day. He concluded his speech with the words, “We will continue to work together for a more accessible and inclusive world.”

 

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin ESECELİ, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, began by emphasizing that the symbolic graduation ceremony was not merely a celebration, but a powerful reflection of inclusivity, solidarity, and the awareness of creating equal opportunities. Noting that the challenges faced by individuals with special needs stem not from the individuals themselves but from environmental conditions, ESECELİ underscored that today’s event represents an important step toward embedding this understanding in society. In a section of his speech, he specifically proposed that this practice be made a tradition and even formalized to be expanded across all of Turkey. He stated that such an approach would increase social awareness and strengthen a culture of inclusivity. ESECELİ celebrated the determination, resolve, and the beauty these individuals with special needs bring to life as they prepare to graduate; he also thanked the families, teachers, volunteers, and Social Work Department students who stand by their side for their efforts.

Following the opening remarks, the event moved on to a segment where families shared their feelings and experiences. During this segment, parents spoke candidly about the efforts their children with special needs had made throughout their educational journey, the small yet significant strides they had taken, and the moments that filled them with pride. While some families described how every new skill their children learned served as a source of hope for them, others emphasized that they never gave up despite the challenges they faced on this journey. These shared stories not only strengthened the program’s emotional atmosphere but also underscored once again just how vital family support is in the education of individuals with special needs.

The waltz performance and light show presented by the individuals with special needs who took the stage afterward served as a compelling example of what they can achieve when given appropriate opportunities. The performance moved the audience and powerfully demonstrated how the potential of individuals with special needs shines when supported properly.

The most meaningful part of the day, however, was the symbolic diploma presentation and cap-tossing ceremony organized for individuals with special needs. As the students invited to the stage received their diplomas amid applause, the ceremony concluded with an emphasis on “an accessible, fair, and inclusive society.”