KESK Joins the Call for Barrier-Free Life and Justice: Grand Disability Gathering Held in Ankara

ANKARA – The "Grand Disability Gathering," organized with demands for disabled individuals to live a life worthy of human dignity, improve living conditions, increase employment opportunities, ensure full accessibility, and end all forms of discrimination, took place in Ankara with wide participation. At this meaningful event, numerous federations and associations for disabled persons united, conveying their common demands through a march from Kolej Square to Sakarya Street, followed by a press statement.

The Confederation of Public Employees Trade Unions (KESK) also provided strong support to the gathering, which aimed to draw attention to the problems faced by disabled individuals and call for solutions. KESK Co-Chair Ayfer Koçak, Central Executive Board (MYK) Member Erdal Karakuş, MYK members from KESK-affiliated branches, and representatives from the Ankara Branches Platform participated in the march and press statement, lending their support to the rights struggle of disabled individuals.

Emphasis on Collective Struggle for a Barrier-Free Society

During the press statement at the Grand Disability Gathering, it was highlighted that disabled individuals are forced to contend not only with physical barriers but also with societal prejudices, accessibility limitations, and employment obstacles. Speakers addressed chronic issues such as insufficient disability quotas, delays in appointments, and the failure to provide adequate employment in both the public and private sectors.

Furthermore, it was stated that full accessibility is still not ensured in public spaces, public transportation, and buildings, which severely restricts the participation of disabled individuals in social life. The press statement emphasized that legal regulations are insufficient in the fight against discrimination, and existing laws and regulations are not fully implemented.

KESK and other participating organizations stated that the demands of disabled individuals must be urgently considered by the political will, and that barriers will be overcome not only through legal regulations but also through social awareness and sensitivity. Participants, moving with the vision of "a barrier-free life, a barrier-free society," conveyed the message that this struggle is the shared responsibility of all segments of society. The march and press statement once again demonstrated the determination and organized strength of disabled individuals in their pursuit of rights.