TİKA Provides Transportation Support for People with Disabilities in Kazakhstan

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided a specially equipped vehicle to facilitate the transportation of individuals with disabilities to the Rehabilitation Center for People with Disabilities in the city of Aktau, located in western Kazakhstan.

Rehabilitation Center for People with Disabilities, which was established in 2019 and implemented a “Social Adaptation Training Center” last year with the support of TİKA, continues to contribute to the social adaptation and rehabilitation of individuals with spinal and spinal cord injuries and wheelchair users. The center focuses on developing personal and self-care skills, encouraging active participation in daily life and supporting the social integration of individuals with disabilities.

With the support of TİKA, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle equipped with a ramp system and special features has been provided to enhance the mobility of individuals with disabilities. These individuals often face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, education and social activities due to inadequate transportation and social infrastructure in the region.

The vehicle handover ceremony was attended by Sabri Alptekin, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Aktau; Nurdaulet Kılıbay, Governor of the Mangystau Region; Abilkair Baypakov, Mayor of Aktau; and Fuat Erdoğmuş, TİKA’s Coordinator in Astana. In his remarks, Consul General Alptekin emphasized the strong ties between Türkiye and Kazakhstan, stating “Projects that touch people’s lives and make daily living easier hold special meaning for us. Thanks to this vehicle, people with disabilities in Aktau will now have better access to social life, education and healthcare services.”

TİKA’s Coordinator in Astana Erdoğmuş noted that the cooperation, which began last year with support for the Social Adaptation Training Center, has been further strengthened through this vehicle initiative. He stated that the goal is to support individuals with disabilities not only in rehabilitation but also in independent living, social participation and combating discrimination.

The specially equipped vehicle provided through the project will ensure safe and accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities from the center to various healthcare facilities, educational institutions and social events. TİKA plans to continue its efforts to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Kazakhstan in the coming period.