Sukru Boyraz, head of "Turkish Association of the Handicapped," launches public relations logo and slogan competition under the title: "Turkey without Handicaps."

Boyraz said the "Turkey without Handicaps" project would help remove the distance between the country's disabled people and those who are not. He added that the practical solutions created by the young people participating in the project would benefit the handicapped.

Construction Law should be amended

Ismet Gokcek, head of the “Federation of the Handicapped”, underlined the fact that the disabled are constantly faced with architectural problems and transportation difficulties wherever they go. Gokcek said the Construction Law should be amended to accommodate the handicapped.

The disabled people in Turkey can't meet their basic needs, said Boyraz adding that they couldn't pursue a social life. He said human rights laws for the disabled are inadequate.

"Social exclusion will be prevented"

The young people of 15-18 years old, who will participate in the competition, will in the future hopefully work on projects for the disabled, said Boyraz. "For example, an architect, who becomes aware about the rights or the disabled at an early age, will feel the responsibility to meet the needs of the disabled when constructing a building in the future," he said.

Boyraz added that the project is aimed at overcoming the problems of the disadvantaged. This project will raise awareness of the young people and help overcome the social exclusion, which the disabled people experience every day, said Boyraz. "This project, through overcoming social differences, will make important contributions to our country in its bid to join the European Union," he added. (BB/EA/YE)