ILO Continues to Advancing Inclusive Employment for Persons with Disabilities in Türkiye

Representatives from participating companies acknowledged the mutual benefits of employing persons with disabilities.

The ILO Office for Türkiye remains committed to promoting inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Recently, they organized several initiatives aimed at fostering equal, fair, and inclusive attitudes towards persons with disabilities in the workplace. These efforts are part of the Project on "Promoting Decent Work for Syrians under Temporary Protection and Turkish Citizens," conducted in collaboration with the Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR) Private Employment Agency Engelsizkariyer.com.

Training Initiatives

On May 14 and 16, the ILO Office for Türkiye conducted training sessions in Ankara. The first session, titled "Training for Personal Competency Development for Persons with Disabilities," focused on enhancing the skills and competencies of prospective employees with disabilities. The second session, "Training for Companies for Inclusive Communication and Selecting Successful People with Disabilities," targeted company representatives and aimed to foster inclusive communication practices and effective selection processes for hiring persons with disabilities.

Barrier-Free Career Meeting

A Barrier-Free Career Meeting held on May 21 in Ankara attracted over 400 job-seekers with disabilities. This event provided an opportunity for job seekers to interact with company representatives and prepare their resumes. Several employers expressed their satisfaction with the event, stating that they found suitable candidates among the job seekers with disabilities.

Focus Areas

The training sessions covered various topics, including feeling belonging, self-confidence, effective CV preparation, successful interview techniques, inclusive communication, and reasonable accommodation in the workplace. Emphasis was placed on recognizing the abilities of individuals with disabilities rather than focusing solely on their disabilities.

Insights from Participants

Participants emphasized the importance of being treated as human beings, not defined solely by their disabilities. They highlighted the need for inclusive education and employment practices from an early age. Additionally, participants stressed the significance of advocating for their rights and fostering collaboration among different segments of society.

Company Perspectives

Representatives from participating companies acknowledged the mutual benefits of employing persons with disabilities. They emphasized the importance of assessing individuals based on their skills and abilities, rather than fulfilling quotas. Companies expressed their commitment to diversity and inclusion, recognizing the positive impact on society as a whole.

Project Impact

The Project on "Promoting Decent Work for Syrians under Temporary Protection and Turkish Citizens" has facilitated the employment of over 200 people with disabilities through its Work-Based Learning Programme (ISMEP) in various cities. Additionally, collaborative workshops and initiatives have brought together stakeholders from public institutions, civil society, United Nations agencies, NGOs, universities, and trade unions to strengthen employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.