The “Growing Up Properly Project”, implemented with the support of Ankara Development Agency, has taken an important step for individuals with cerebral palsy to participate more actively in social life and for the healthy development of their bodies. 600 sets of “positioning and carrying” devices produced within the scope of the project were delivered to children in need in a meaningful ceremony.
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, who attended the ceremony, emphasized that with this project, these special devices, which were previously procured from abroad at high costs, were being produced in Türkiye with domestic means at a cost lower than one-tenth. Minister Kacır also stated that a total of 10 million liras of resources have been transferred to 298 projects to date in order to support the active participation of individuals with special needs in social life through Development Agencies.
Minister Kacır: “Individuals with Special Needs are an Integral Part of Our Society”
Speaking at the Presentation and Distribution Program of Carrying and Positioning Devices for Children with Cerebral Palsy, Minister Kacır began his speech by congratulating every member of society on the Disabled Week. Kacır said, “I hope that our project, which will make our brothers’ lives easier and touch each of their hearts, will be a blessing. When we look at our ancient civilization from the past to the present, we see how strong the understanding of justice and mercy that surrounds every member of society is. During the Seljuk period, hospitals and central chests were a manifestation of the social conscience that prioritized the needs of the disabled and the sick.”
Minister Kacır stated that during the Ottoman period, this inclusive understanding became more systematic, disabled citizens took on responsibilities at different levels of the state and were evaluated in line with their abilities, and reminded that with an approach beyond the mindset of the era, schools were opened for the education of individuals with special needs and their learning processes were meticulously supported.
“We Follow Inclusive Policies”
Minister Kacır stated that this human-centered approach in history not only makes Türkiye proud today, but also imposes an important responsibility, and said, “As members of an understanding that has built strong bridges with its past and strived to carry the legacy of our ancestors even further, we are pursuing comprehensive policies that aim to strengthen social justice and eliminate inequality.”
Minister Kacır said that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, many initiatives were implemented in almost every field from industry to technology, education to health, with the aim of a bigger and stronger Turkey, emphasizing that they see development as an element that expands the level of welfare and comfort zone of every individual in society without exception.
“We are building a structure where no individual is left behind”
Minister Kacır stated that while carrying the country above the level of contemporary civilizations in the Turkish Century, they have built a structure where no individual is left behind and every talent and ability is transformed into value, and noted that as the Ministry of Industry and Technology, they attach special importance to projects that make the lives of individuals with special needs easier and include them in social life.
Minister Kacır stated that they see technology not only as a tool for progress, but also as a strong foundation that will enable the construction of a fair mechanism that benefits all segments of society, and as a valuable opportunity that ensures the participation of individuals with special needs in social life. In this context, he announced that they have provided 22 million liras of support to 153 projects in the field of medical devices and equipment needed by individuals with special needs through TÜBİTAK in the last 754 years.
Costs Dropped Significantly with Domestic Production
Minister Kacır stated that R&D projects for new generation orthosis and prosthesis technologies are among the projects to be supported with priority by TÜBİTAK programs, and said that entrepreneurs and engineers have carried out innovative studies for the needs of individuals with special needs in 85 technology companies and 31 R&D centers operating within technoparks.
Minister Kacır, who stated that they supported the determination of young people to produce technologies that overcome obstacles, make life easier and elevate human dignity with the barrier-free life technologies competition organized within TEKNOFEST, reminded that they mobilized an investment of 643 million liras for the production of orthopedic devices and equipment within the scope of the Technology-Focused Industrial Move Program. He emphasized that development agencies that mobilize local potential all over the country pioneer social projects that will increase the quality of life of individuals with special needs.
600 Sets of Devices Bring Hope to Children with Cerebral Palsy
Minister Kacır, who reiterated that 298 million liras were allocated to 855 projects to ensure the active participation of individuals with special needs in social life through Development Agencies, stated that today they took an important step to make them more visible in society. He emphasized that “positioning and carrying” devices are of great importance for the participation of individuals with cerebral palsy in social life and the correct development of their bodies.
Minister Kacır, who said that the Growing Up Right Project, carried out with the support of Ankara Development Agency, brought together the public, private sector, universities and civil society organizations under the same roof, explained that these devices, which were supplied from abroad until now, were produced in our country at a cost lower than one-tenth. He stated that these devices, which have many features such as adjustable back angle, supports to prevent scoliosis and pressure sores, and hill brake lock, were developed with an approach that prioritizes both the comfort and safety of children.
Minister Kacır, who expressed the happiness of donating 600 sets of “positioning and carrying” devices, which are designed to fit into the daily lives of families with their portable and compact structure and are the fruits of the country’s strong production and technology development capacity, emphasized that as the Ministry of Industry and Technology, they see technology as a tool that also serves people, social life, education and health. He added that they will continue to develop solutions that will ensure equal participation of individuals with special needs in education, social life and production within the framework of the principle of a social state.
