Access Programs and Support Services for Persons with Disabilities

Boğaziçi University offers various access programs and support services to ensure the full participation of individuals with disabilities in educational, social and cultural activities. These services aim to enable individuals with disabilities to fully integrate into university life and support their academic success.

Mentoring and Targeted Support Programs

Boğaziçi University provides personal assistants, interpreters and various support services for individuals with disabilities. In particular, the Technology and Education Laboratory for the Visually Impaired (GETEM) is one of the units that aims to assist visually impaired students and staff. In addition to providing materials such as audio and electronic books, GETEM assigns personal assistants to students who need them to support their academic studies.

Access to Education and Social Activities

Boğaziçi University Faculty of Engineering was awarded the “Access in Space,” in the **"Barrier-Free University Awards ”** given by the Council of Higher Education. It won awards in the fields of “Access in Socio-Cultural Activities,” and “Access in Education”. These awards reflect the university's commitment to creating a barrier-free ecosystem for individuals with disabilities.

Services for Visually Impaired Students

• Reading and Note Taking Assistance: Audio and braille materials are provided through GETEM and the library, as well as reading and note-taking assistance.
• Campus Orientation: Independent movement training is provided for visually impaired students.
• Audible Traffic Lights: There are audible traffic lights at two important intersections on North Campus.

Services for Students with Physical Disabilities

• Accessible Campus: Campus buildings have ramps, elevators and accessible toilets. Transportation of classes to accessible buildings is also provided.
• Accessible Parking Areas: Accessible parking areas are available throughout the campus.

Services for Hearing Impaired Students

• Note-takers and Tele-conferencing Systems: Note-taking and tele-conferencing systems are provided during lectures.
• Visual Fire Alarms: There are visual fire alarms in accommodation units and other areas on campus.

Psychiatric and Psychological Support Services

• Infirmary and Psychological Counseling: Psychological support and psychiatrist services are provided through the Medico Social Organization and BÜREM.

These comprehensive support services reflect Boğaziçi University's commitment to ensuring the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in university life. You can find more information about the University's services for people with disabilities at the links below:

• Boğaziçi University Disabled Students Unit
• Technology and Education Laboratory for the Visually Impaired (GETEM)
• General Services for Students with Disabilities

2024 Sustainability Report SDG-10 (Related Section)

Access Plans for Persons with Disabilities

Boğaziçi University provides comprehensive support services to ensure full and equal academic, physical, social and cultural access to campus life for people with disabilities. These services are tailored to the needs of individuals and aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can fulfil their potential to the fullest.

General services provided for individuals with disabilities are as follows:

Health Services: Provision of health services through Medico-Social Housing Prioritising university dormitories

Classroom Access: When there is a physical accessibility problem in classroom placements, course location changes are made through the Registrar's Office. Scholarships Prioritising the provision of scholarships through the Scholarship Office, ensuring that students who receive need scholarships support students with disabilities

Part-Time Support: Providing student support in part-time student status

Special Diet Meals: Provision of special dietary meals through the Catering Service Personal and Professional Counselling: Providing professional development and personal support services through BÜREM and BÜPAM

Infrastructure Arrangements: Making physical access arrangements through Building Works

Emergency Planning: Making special arrangements for emergencies Examination

Arrangements: Organisation of examination environments according to special needs

Special services provided according to disability status are as follows:

For Visually Impaired Students

Reading, Note Taking and Auxiliary Services: Reading aloud support, note-taking support in classes, materials in alternative forms through GETEM (e.g. e-texts, braille, tape), internet-based materials through GETEM and the library are available.

Campus Orientation and Mobility Training: Training and orientation services are provided for independent movement within the campus, and campus transport maps are provided.

Library Study Areas: Audio study and reading rooms have been created in the library.

Audio Traffic Lights: There are audible traffic lights at two important intersections on the North Campus.

For Physically Disabled Students

Accessible Campus: Sidewalks and buildings throughout the campus have ramps, lifts and accessible toilets.

Accessible Classrooms: The locations of classes and events in inaccessible buildings are rearranged.

Accessible Parking Areas: Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the campus.

On-Campus Transport: Maps with accessible buildings and on-campus vehicle accessibility are provided.

Laboratory and Note Taking Assistance: Physically disabled students are provided with the assistance they need in laboratories and classes.

For Hearing Impaired Students

Note-taker and tele-conferencing support: Supports such as note-taking or video recording, translator and tele-conferencing systems are available.

Visual Fire Alarms: There are visual fire alarms in accommodation units and other buildings on campus.

For Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disabilities

Note-taker and Examination Support: Note-takers and tape recorders are provided in the lectures and exam environments are specially organised.

For Students with Psychiatric and Psychological Problems

Psychological and Medical Support: Physician services are provided within Medico-Social, and psychological support services are provided through BÜREM and BÜPAM.

Boğaziçi University is committed to creating an inclusive academic and social environment with accessibility and support services for individuals with disabilities. These regulations strengthen the university's vision of diversity and inclusion by enabling all individuals to participate in education and campus life on equal terms.

Click here for more information:

https://engelliler.bogazici.edu.tr/hizmetlerimiz/

Accommodation Policy for Persons with Disabilities

Boğaziçi University provides various accommodation and support services to ensure full and equal participation of disabled students and staff in campus life.

Evaluation of Dormitory Applications:

At Boğaziçi University, dormitory capacity is allocated for all students who apply for dormitory within the dormitory application period and whose family residence is outside the borders determined for Istanbul. However, in the evaluation of general dormitory applications;

1. Students who have been awarded dormitory scholarships due to their degrees in Turkey,

2. Students under the protection of the state,

3. Students with 40% or more physical disabilities,

4. Students who are the children of martyrs or veterans are entitled to priority housing.

Special Dormitory Rooms for Disabled Students:

Boğaziçi University dormitories serve in two categories: room and apartment type. Apartment type dormitories include 3rd Kilyos Dormitory, 3rd North Dormitory, 4th North Dormitory and Kandilli Dormitory. In these dormitories, there are specially designed rooms for orthopaedically disabled students.

For detailed information about the dormitories, please click here:

https://yurtlar.bogazici.edu.tr/