TİKA Establishes “Social and Life Adaptation Center for Disabled Individuals” in Kazakhstan

The “Social and Life Adaptation Center for Disabled Individuals,” established by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Aktau, Kazakhstan, has officially begun operations with an opening ceremony.

The ceremony, held in the port city of Aktau on the Caspian Sea coast, was attended by TİKA’s Vice President, Dr. Ümit Naci Yorulmaz; Mangystau Regional Deputy Governor, Abbat Urisbayev; Aktau Governor, Abilkair Baipakov; Aktau Consul General, Sabri Alptekin; TİKA’s Coordinator in Astana, Hikmet Özdenoğlu; and Director of the “Kazakhstan Active Rehabilitation” Disabled Center, Ruslan Gaybatov.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mangystau Regional Deputy Governor Abbat Urisbayev highlighted the center’s significant role in facilitating the integration of disabled individuals into social life. Aktau Governor Abilkair Baipakov expressed confidence that the center would deliver high-quality social and life adaptation services to disabled individuals and extended his gratitude to TİKA and Türkiye for their support.

TİKA’s Vice President Dr. Ümit Naci Yorulmaz underscored that the center represents the beginning of a series of projects planned for the region. He noted that since 1995, TİKA has implemented numerous impactful projects in Kazakhstan in the fields of education, health, agriculture, and cultural cooperation. Yorulmaz also affirmed that initiatives fostering the strong friendship between the two countries would continue to expand.

Accessible living spaces for individuals with disabilities

The center, equipped with essential tools and facilities to support daily living, features spaces such as a kitchen, work area, and bedroom. Designed to overcome the daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, the center enables them to live independently in a supportive environment tailored to their needs. It was specifically created to aid the social adaptation process and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

With the capacity to accommodate 800 individuals, the center aims to promote their active participation in social life and improve their overall well-being.