Special Graduation Ceremony for December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University's Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Social Work, collaborated with the Social Work Community and Bandırma First Hope Special Education and Rehabilitation Center to organize a "Symbolic Graduation Ceremony" at our university for December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The program began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by opening remarks.
The ceremony was attended by Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan SEREL; Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Hüseyin ESECELİ; Social Work Department Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih ALTUN; Institution Director Pınar EKE GEZER; Erdek Disabled and Disabled Families Solidarity Association President Meliha SÖĞÜT; faculty members, university students, and families of individuals with special needs.
The opening speech at the ceremony was delivered by Social Work Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adem BÖLÜKBAŞI emphasized that the inspiration for this event was a social responsibility project carried out by social work students as part of the Community-Oriented Social Work Practices course, congratulating the students for their dedication and sensitivity.

Following this, Pınar Eke Gezer, Director of the İlk Umut Special Education and Rehabilitation Center, delivered a welcoming speech. She expressed her great pleasure in celebrating the students' symbolic graduation in the meaningful atmosphere of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. She emphasized that this graduation is a symbol of perseverance, faith, and love, transforming into success. Gezer stated that the students have made significant strides in their developmental journey and that they have progressed tirelessly despite the challenges. She thanked the support of their families and the dedication of their teachers. Addressing the students, Gezer noted that with faith and determination, no obstacle can stand in the way of achieving their goals, and expressed her heartfelt congratulations to the representative graduates and all stakeholders on this meaningful day.

Social Work Department Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Recep Yıldız, who was then invited to the podium, stated in his speech that individuals with disabilities are becoming more visible in our country each year and are becoming more strongly integrated with society. He emphasized the integration of the social services and stated that this was an extremely encouraging development. However, YILDIZ emphasized that this visibility should also translate into greater productivity, emphasizing the importance of individuals with disabilities taking a more active role in all areas of society using their own abilities. He stated that this approach will contribute significantly to both the empowerment of individuals and the development of society.

Following his speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Altun, Head of the Department of Social Work, stated that the Department of Social Work is one of the university's departments with a strong social focus. He emphasized the continuous support of the Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Eseceli and our Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Boz in all their endeavors that contribute to society. Altun stated that, in line with the university's social contribution policies, the department will continue to develop projects for all segments of society. He congratulated and thanked the parents, institution administrators, and teachers who educate individuals with special needs who attended the symbolic graduation on this meaningful day. He concluded his speech with the words, "We will continue to work together for a more accessible and inclusive world."

Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Hüseyin ESECELİ began his speech by emphasizing that the symbolic graduation ceremony is not merely a celebration; it is a powerful reflection of inclusivity, solidarity, and the awareness of creating equal opportunities. ESECELİ stated that the challenges faced by individuals with special needs stem not from the individual but from environmental conditions, emphasizing that today's event is a significant step toward entrenching this understanding in society. In one section of his speech, he specifically suggested that this practice should be made traditional and even formalized and spread throughout Turkey. He stated that such an approach would raise social awareness and strengthen a culture of inclusivity. ESECELİ celebrated the determination and perseverance of the individuals with special needs who will be symbolic graduates, and the beauty they bring to life. He also thanked the efforts of the families, teachers, volunteers, and students of the Social Work Department who stood by them.

Following the opening remarks, the session began where families shared their feelings and experiences. In this session, parents shared heartfelt expressions about the efforts made by individuals with special needs during their education, the small but significant advancements, and the moments that made them proud. Some families described how each new skill their children learned was a source of hope for them: Some emphasized that despite the challenges they faced on this journey, they never gave up. These exchanges not only enhanced the emotional atmosphere of the program but also highlighted the vital role of family support in the education of individuals with special needs. A waltz performance was then performed by individuals with special needs.