Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) organized a student panel titled “Unique and United: Rehabilitation and Social Participation in Cerebral Palsy” on the occasion of 6 October, World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Held in organization with the Pediatrics Unit of Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation operation under EMU Faculty of Health Sciences, EMU Disabled Students Unit and, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Club (Fizyoclub), the event took place on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Champion Angels Amphitheatre located at the EMU Faculty of Health Sciences.
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Emine Handan Tüzün, a faculty member of EMU Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu, Senior Development Program / University of The Third Age Project Coordinator, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Ünal Değer, Vice Chair of the Department, the panel event was specifically organized for the students of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
EMU Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yasin Yurt, academic staff members and students attended the panel event which featured Specialist Physiotherapists Elif Kenber and Hakan Akın participated in the panel as speakers, while Ünsal Emre Gülener and Barış Satılmış, both living with cerebral palsy, attended as special guests.
Delivering the opening address of the event, Prof. Dr. Malkoç emphasized that hosting events aimed at raising public awareness and contributing to students’ professional development forms an integral part of the Faculty’s core vision. Prof. Dr. Malkoç concluded her remarks by expressing her hope that the event would prove productive and beneficial for all participants.
Following the opening remarks, panel moderator Prof. Dr. Tüzün explained that the panel sought to explore cerebral palsy in relation to individuals’ independence, educational experiences, social relations, and active participation in society. Emphasizing that approaches to cerebral palsy should extend beyond clinical assessment to embrace all aspects of an individual’s life, Prof. Dr. Tüzün expressed her hope that the panel would provide aspiring physiotherapists with valuable insights and contribute to broadening their professional perspectives. Prof. Dr. Tüzün also extended her appreciation to the speakers and students for their contributions to the event.
As part of the panel, Specialist Physiotherapist Elif Kenber delivered a presentation titled “From Diagnosis to Everyday Life with Cerebral Palsy: Every Individual Has a Unique Story”, highlighting the diverse ways in which cerebral palsy can affect individuals and emphasizing the importance of considering individual differences in mobility, communication, cognitive functions, and daily life skills throughout the rehabilitation process. Underscoring the significance of establishing individualized goals, the presentation stressed that rehabilitation outcomes should not be assessed solely in terms of walking ability and motor skills, but should also encompass participation in play, education, friendships, and community life.
In his presentation titled “Inclusion, Accessibility, and Social Participation”, Specialist Physiotherapist Hakan Akın focused on the environmental and societal barriers that limit individuals’ participation in community life. Addressing access to education, transportation, social activities, and healthcare services, the presentation also highlighted the importance of augmentative and alternative communication methods, the role of families, and children’s right to express their own preferences. The presentation further explored how students of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation could contribute to fostering a more inclusive society in their future professional careers.
During the discussion session of the event, special guests Ünsal Emre Gülener and Barış Satılmış shared their personal experiences with students, offering insights into independence, educational experiences, social relationships, and participation in society. Aiming to foster a holistic understanding of the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy, the panel emphasized the importance of encouraging future physiotherapists to shape their professional approaches around individuals’ needs, preferences, and goals for meaningful participation in everyday life.