IGU provides comprehensive support services designed to meet the academic, social, and psychological needs of individuals with disabilities.
Within the university, the Consulting and Coordination Office for Disabled operates in collaboration with Disability Commissions established in each faculty, school, and vocational school. These commissions identify the specific needs of students with disabilities and develop practical solutions to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and equal participation in university life.
A few examples of faculty-level Disability Commissions are listed below.
Click here for the Faculty of Health Sciences (SBF) Disability Commission.
Click here for the Faculty of Applied Sciences (UBF) Disability Commission.
Click here for the Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Disability Commission.
In addition, the Accessible IGU Student Club, actively promotes the participation of students with disabilities in university life by organizing various social and cultural activities. The club also aims to raise awareness about disability and inclusion. Through its initiatives, the club contributes significantly to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus culture among students.
The needs, requests, complaints, and suggestions of students with disabilities are received through the IGUMER platform, after which they are reviewed by the Dean of Students and forwarded to the relevant units for action. This process ensures that students’ issues are promptly recorded and that appropriate measures are taken to address them. The system also contributes to the direct inclusion of students’ perspectives and needs in the university’s decision-making processes, thereby strengthening participatory and responsive governance.
Psychological and Social Support
To address the psychosocial needs of students with disabilities, the Psychological Counseling And Guidance Office provides active and ongoing support services. Students can receive individual counseling and guidance, which not only assists them in managing their academic lives but also promotes social adaptation and emotional well-being throughout their university experience.
Peer Mentoring
The Peer Mentoring Program, implemented at the university plays a key role in facilitating the academic and social integration of students with disabilities. Senior students voluntarily serve as mentors, providing guidance and support to newly enrolled or students in need of assistance, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Exams and Access to Course Content
To ensure the equal participation of students with disabilities in academic processes, special accommodations are made during examinations. Students who require additional support take their exams in separate rooms, with extra proctors assigned when necessary. For students with visual impairments, exam papers are prepared in 24-point font size by default—adjustable based on individual requests—and reader/writer assistance is provided when needed. All arrangements are planned according to the specific requirements of each disability group.
Before every examination period, faculties, schools, and vocational schools are informed to ensure the preparation of materials adapted to the needs of students with disabilities. In addition, online courses are made available in both audio and PDF formats, while face-to-face course materials are also uploaded to the system, ensuring equal access to learning resources for all students.
Library and Technological Support
Screen reader software has been installed on library and laboratory computers to assist students with visual impairments. In addition, the audio library service is available not only for visually impaired students but also for those who, due to conditions such as dyslexia or paralysis, cannot fully utilize printed materials. The available works can be accessed in electronic text, human voice, and computer-generated audio formats, providing diverse options for accessing information. Furthermore, all students have 24/7 remote access to the library’s electronic resources, ensuring continuous and equitable access to academic content.
Support in International Mobility
Within the Erasmus+ learning mobility program, students with disabilities are granted an additional 10-point advantage during the selection process. Throughout the mobility period, each participating student is also assigned an advisor who provides continuous guidance and support. As explicitly stated in the Erasmus Policy Statement, IGU is committed to ensuring the maximum participation of students with disabilities in academic life and to fostering equal opportunities in international education.
Click here: 2024 Project Year Erasmus+ Internship Mobility Application Guide.
Click here: Erasmus Policy Statement.
IGU carries out a variety of activities throughout the year to support the academic, social, and personal development of students with disabilities. These activities aim not only to raise awareness but also to develop support mechanisms that directly respond to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Below are several examples of events and initiatives organized within the scope of IGU’s disability support services.
