Eastern Mediterranean Univeristy Health Sciences Faculty Vice Dean and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Chair Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç gave a news release to mark 3 December, International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Stating that in line with the United Nations’ resolution in October 1992, 3 December was specified as the “International Day of Disabled Persons”, Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç put forth that the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, in Resolution 1993/29 of 5 March 1993, appeals to Member States to highlight the observance of the International Day with a view to the achievement of the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities.
According to the World Health Organisation, disability is the social relationship between a person’s characteristic qualities and their perception by the society. As stated by the World Health Organisation and the International Classification of Functioning, disability is not only unique to humans as it also relates to environmental, societal and individual factors. Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç added that disability is a condition that anyone may encounter during a specific period of life.
Currently, approximately 15% of the world’s population suffers various types of disabilities. Between 110 and 190 million individuals have serious problems in their functions. This situation has contributed to the formation of universal norms throughout the world regarding disabilities and, at the same time, have given important responsibilities to governments. In the prevention of disabilities, the provision of treatment and rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities, raising awareness regarding disabilities and helping the disabled to understand their own rights, multiple sectoral collaboration is essential.
With this point of view, as Eastern Mediterranean University Health Sciences Faculty, we pay special importance on the projects aiming to improve community health. Our in-house Motor Development Laboratory has been designed to cater for the rehabilitative needs of disabled children and adults. Our Faculty’s Prosthesis and Orthesis Center is the first and only center throughout the TRNC with its PEDCAD system.
