The 15th National Special Education Student Congress was held under the theme “Special Education and Family”, hosted by the Department of Special Education Teaching at Hasan Kalyoncu University’s Faculty of Education. The congress addressed the role of the family in special education, family-school cooperation, preparing individuals with special needs for independent living, and current approaches in the field.
Organised in cooperation with the HKÜ Faculty of Education Department of Special Education, the Special Education Application and Research Centre, the Special Education Student Society and the Disabled Student Coordination Office, the programme took place at the HKÜ Congress and Culture Centre. It began with a moment of silence, followed by students from the Special Education Society performing the Turkish National Anthem in sign language.
The Papers Presented by 329 Participants from 25 Universities Are of Great Importance
Speaking at the opening of the programme, HKÜ Acting Rector Prof. Dr Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan said: “As Hasan Kalyoncu University, we do not view education merely as the transfer of knowledge. We regard education as an area of responsibility that contributes to society, adds value to human life and builds a more inclusive future. Special education is one of the most sensitive and meaningful fields of this responsibility. It is particularly valuable for us that this congress will address important topics such as family and school cooperation, independent living, privacy education, artificial intelligence, teacher experiences and new approaches in special education. The participation of 329 attendees from 25 universities across Türkiye, contributing to this scientific gathering with their papers, is of great importance for the academic development of our young researchers,” she said.
Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Zehra Ünal said: “Within the scientific committee we established with the support of our academics, we have prioritised early diagnosis. We are visiting villages and neighbourhoods in an effort to reach individuals with special needs and their families.”
HKÜ Faculty of Education Dean Prof. Dr Latife Özaydın noted that the Faculty of Education admitted its first students in the 2012–2013 academic year. She stated that the faculty has since produced 2,088 graduates from five different programmes, contributing qualified teachers to the field of education.
Gazi Acar, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Special Educators, said: “Student congresses are of great importance as they enable students in special education departments to share their scientific research and take their first steps into academic life.”
Sabahattin Yıldız, President of the Special Education Confederation, stated that special educators are the backbone of special education and rehabilitation centres, emphasising the great value of a profession that guides children with special needs and their families.
Dr Emine Erden, Coordinator of the HKÜ Disabled Student Unit and Head of the Department of Special Education Teaching, said: “The development of special education is made possible through the joint efforts of academics, experts in the field and families.”
A Meaningful Performance by Students from the Barrier-Free Life Centre
The programme also featured a performance prepared by students from Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality’s Barrier-Free Life Centre. The students, who sang songs and performed dance routines, gave participants emotional moments. Their stage performance received a strong round of applause from the audience.
During the two-day congress, panels, seminars and paper presentation sessions were held under various titles, including “Family in Special Education: Its Role and Importance”, “Family Conversations”, “Family-School Cooperation in Special Education”, “Artificial Intelligence in Special Education”, “Teacher Panel” and “Preparing for Independent Living”.
