The Metropolitan Municipality, which has implemented different projects to enable disabled citizens to easily take part in all areas of social life in Bursa, did not compromise on its positive discrimination policy towards individuals with special needs throughout 2023. Throughout the year, 2836 students attended the courses organized to help individuals with special needs develop their professional skills in various branches and to facilitate the daily lives of disabled families. Within the framework of educational services, a contribution was made to the social integration of disabled individuals who attended courses such as computer, handicrafts, painting, music and folk dances.
Different social support programs were organized for people and groups residing in Bursa who need protection, care and assistance 'due to socioeconomic inadequacy'. Hearing and monitoring devices, prosthesis-orthosis, manual and battery-powered wheelchairs, patient beds, patient diapers, breathing apparatus, gluten-free food, Kart16 and food, as well as household goods support in case of disasters, were delivered to those in need. Throughout the year, 144 manual and battery-powered wheelchairs, 94 patient beds and cots, 2254 medical supplies, 641 patient diapers and 100 boxes of gluten-free food packages were provided.
The Metropolitan Municipality's Roadside Assistance Service (SEYYAH), which meets the repair and maintenance of wheelchairs, battery replacement and spare parts free of charge in order to prevent the freedom of transportation of disabled individuals from being restricted, also attracted great attention. Throughout the year, 2 people benefited from the service provided mobilely with 1027 light commercial vehicles. In addition, the number of filling stations at different points of the city was increased to 21 so that citizens can travel smoothly and easily charge their battery-powered vehicles. Transportation of 291 citizens using battery-powered and manual vehicles to public institutions and organizations was provided by disabled vehicles with special lifts.
Approximately 48 thousand people participated in 6 events organized throughout the year within the scope of meetings, seminars, conferences, social cultural events and awareness activities to develop the social, cultural and sports skills of students with special needs. Consultancy and guidance services were provided to 5032 people throughout the year regarding all rights granted to disabled individuals and their relatives, municipal services and how they can benefit from them. Disabled individuals were made to feel special with projects such as 'One Home, One World', 'No Barriers to Sports', 'Disabled Dart Team' and 'Let My Cake Be Gluten-Free'. Within the scope of the "Let My Cake Be Gluten-Free" project, 755 gluten-free cakes were distributed and birthdays of citizens with special needs were celebrated.
BURSA, THE BARRIER-FREE CITY
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Alinur Aktaş said that they are making intense efforts to "remove all obstacles to disabled citizens' access to services" in line with the vision of 'Barrier-free city Bursa'. Reminding that approximately 15 percent of the world's population has different disabilities, Mayor Aktaş said, “As the Metropolitan Municipality, we are developing projects to draw attention to the problems faced by our disabled citizens and to produce solutions. "In line with our barrier-free city Bursa vision, we say 'There are no obstacles in this city' and make the sidewalks, roads, overpasses and underpasses, historical and touristic places within our area of responsibility available to disabled individuals without needing anyone else," he said.
