The project 'Providing Career-Based Supports in Transition from School to Working Life' was completed with Kastamonu University and İhsan Ozanoğlu Special Education Vocational School. The project was supported by TUBITAK 4008 Inclusive Community Practices Support Programme for Individuals with Special Needs and carried out by Dr. Lecturer Seniha Kurtoğlu. Prof. Dr. Seniha Kurtoğlu aimed to facilitate the transition of individuals with special needs to business life and increase their social participation.
On 3 December 2024, Kastamonu Municipality Deputy Mayors Eda Büyükdemirci and Abdullah Burak Livan, Provincial Director of İŞKUR Dilek Şehnaz Aşıcı, İhsan Ozanoğlu Special Education Vocational School Director Kadir Kesgin, representatives of non-governmental organizations, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students attended the closing ceremony held at Kastilya Rural Tourism Facility.
During the project, various training and application activities were organized for individuals with special needs, teachers, and families: Dr Tahir Mete Artar, Lecturer from Bartın University. Prof. Tahir Mete Artar from Bartın University explained the harmony between the talents of individuals with special needs and the needs of the business world in the 'Let's Realise Their Interests' event. The 'Let's Learn by Travelling' activity gave information on workplace culture, job analysis, and trips to places such as Yakup Aga Complex and Maturation Institute.
At the 'Right Job, Right Step' event, teachers and families were informed about the preparation process of individuals with special needs for business life. With the 'Teach with Experience' event, individuals could apply what they had learned in real business environments. In the 'I Make My Art Speak' event, training on the art of lithography was given under the guidance of Goncagül Keloğlu, and the participants experienced this art.
In the applied activities held at Park Dedeman Kastamonu, individuals with special needs gained professional skills. Research Assist. Assist. Özge Çaylak Dönmez, tasks such as kitchen services, service, and salad preparation were carried out. Assist. Lecturer Selami Sayır, on the other hand, provided training on hotel housekeeping services and provided the participants with skills such as room control, laundry dispatch, and bed arrangement.
On 3 December, World Disability Day, Dr Tahir Mete Artar made a presentation titled 'Employment Models and Sustainable Employment Practices for Individuals with Special Needs' for employers. After the presentation, individuals with special needs and employers came together to discuss job opportunities.
In her closing speech, project coordinator Dr. Seniha Kurtoğlu emphasized that supporting individuals with special needs transition from education to business life is essential regarding social awareness. Kurtoğlu stated that the participants gained significant gains in career preparation and professional skills and expressed that the performance of individuals in real business environments is pleasing.
In his presentation, 'A Model Proposal for Kastamonu,' Prof. Dr. Tahir Mete Artar highlighted the importance of sustainable support models for individuals with special needs. Artar stated that building a bridge between employers and individuals with special needs is essential to creating a more inclusive society.
Ömür Onur, a parent of a child with special needs, shared her experiences, highlighted the impact of training processes on families, and emphasized the importance of raising social awareness.
After the speeches, certificates were presented to the trainers and the project team. The program ended with a meeting event between individuals with special needs and employers. This meeting is expected to facilitate the integration of individuals into business life and contribute to creating an inclusive awareness in society.
