A survey of adult education services of the associations of the handicapped in Ankara, Istanbul and İzmir

Abstract

Several associations for the betterment of the handicapped arefunctioning in various parts of Turkey. The study was to find out the educationalservices provided by these associations to their adult clientele. Onlythe associations for the blind, deaf and dumb, and the bodily handicappedwere included in the population. Since majority of these were situated inthe three big cities, i.e. istanbul, Ankara and izmir, therefore, the samplewas confined to the twenty-six such associations included in the list providedby the governmental sources. Out of these only twelve could be reacheddue to abolition of these associations after the Association Act 1983 orincorrect recording of addresses in the list provided. Personal and indepthinterviews were conducted of the presidents of chief executives of theseassociations.The study was descriptive. Following observations and conclusionswere drawn:1. Educational serVIces are considered secondary to other serVlcesparticularly economic adjustment.2. No planned educational activities are provided.3. Wherever educational services are provided there exists lack ofcoordination between sister concerns.4. The associations face many problems In providing educationalservices, such as lack of funds, buildings, equipment, teaching staff, supportfrom able bodied persons and institutions and lack of clear cut educationalobjectives.5. The associations are looking for help from the state, voluntaryorganizations and universities for effective running.Follo/ving recommendations are made:1. Number and nature of handicapped population should be assessedand nationally registered.2. Closer links are to be established between associations of the samehandicapped category and cooperation with others.3. Systematic need assessment approaches are to be used in order todiscover the nature and extent of educational services to be provided.4. Capacity of the associations for developing and implementingeffective services should be improved.5. Educational services should be planned and enhanced to removeilliteracy and dependancy.6. Related materials, equipment and funds necessary for educationshould be provided by the state and other agencies of the society.7. Experiences of other countries regarding education of thehandicapped should be incorporated in the programmes.