Izmir Metropolitan Municipality continues to spread the May 10-16 Disability Week events to all corners of the city. In this context, the “Wednesday Fun” organized at the Inciraltı Disabled Center brought disabled individuals and their families together in the open air and provided unforgettable moments. Stage shows and specially prepared playgrounds offered participants a day full of pleasure, while reinforcing the feelings of unity and togetherness.
The event organized by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Disabled Studies Department took place in the warm atmosphere of the Inciraltı Disabled Center. The Tekno Dance Group, consisting of disabled children, took the stage under the leadership of physical education and dance instructor Ayşen Yersel and received great applause from the audience with their step dance performance. Then, the Izmir Autism Orchestra and Choir (İZOT) took over the stage. Following İZOT's impressive performance, the Turkish Folk Music Choir, consisting of disabled individuals and their families receiving services from the Disabled Studies Department, presented an unforgettable musical feast to the audience. Other dance shows performed throughout the event created colorful images and increased the enthusiasm of the participants.
“We are here to rebuild a life”
The Disability Studies Branch Manager Tufan Fırat Göksel, who delivered the opening speech of the event, expressed his pleasure in being together with disabled individuals and their families. Göksel said, “I enjoy being here with you, breaking the routine, and overcoming obstacles. We are a stakeholder in an inclusive, fair, rights-based struggle. We are here to rebuild a life together. We are here to create policies that will make everyone equal. All stakeholders who came together here share the same feelings. I am happy to struggle together with these people who are trying to build an inclusive and fair world.” Göksel’s meaningful words reflected the purpose of the event and the common feelings of the participants.
Thanks from Families to Izmir Metropolitan Municipality
Fatma Bayram, who attended the event with her 18-year-old disabled son Muhammed Yaşar Bayram, expressed her satisfaction with the organization and said, “The event is very nice. Both mothers and children are very happy. As mothers, we dedicate ourselves to our children. We take them everywhere, send them to education, and bring them to such events. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality also provides very good service. We benefit from its buses, schools, everything,” he said. Bayram expressed his gratitude for the comprehensive services provided by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality for disabled individuals.
Nuriye Durna, who attended the event with her 7-year-old daughter Hira Nur Durna, who has Down syndrome, stated that the day was very good for them and said, “We have a show today. We will go on stage as mothers and children. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality has very nice events. We try to attend all of them.” Durna emphasized that such events organized by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality are of great importance in terms of disabled children socializing and displaying their talents.
These types of events organized by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality during the Disabled Week aim to encourage the active participation of disabled individuals in social life and to raise awareness in society. The “Wednesday Fun” in Inciraltı was one of these meaningful efforts, providing disabled individuals and their families with an enjoyable and unforgettable day.
