Türkiye expands education access for students with disabilities

A Turkish government program now helps 140,306 students with disabilities reach school, a sharp increase from the 6,901 students who benefited when the initiative began.

The Transportation Education Project was launched in the 2004-2005 academic year by the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of National Education. It provides free transportation to and from school for students requiring special education.

The program covers students at official special education schools and in special education classes affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. It also includes participants in non-formal education courses and is available to students across all disability groups.

The ministries say the support is intended to make school travel easier, improve attendance and encourage greater participation in education. It also seeks to build a more positive attitude toward school and address the transportation difficulties faced by students with disabilities.

By removing one practical barrier to education, the project aims to help people with disabilities participate more fully in social life. The ministries’ General Directorate of Social Assistance and the Ministry of National Education are continuing initiatives focused on access to education.