What is the project about?

The Korean Government funded project, Developing an Inclusive Model for Providing Social and Assistive Services Capacity to Persons with Disabilities, is an early recovery initiative led by UNDP in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye on 6 February 2023. It aims to support persons with disabilities living in the earthquake-affected regions by creating and delivering accessible, inclusive, and responsive to gender-responsive social services. The project is being implemented in the earthquake-hit provinces of Malatya, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş and Hatay.

The model addresses the urgent and long-term needs of persons with disabilities through needs assessment, infrastructure development, assistive technology support, capacity building, and inclusion in community life.

 What has been the situation? 

• The earthquake-affected provinces exhibit severe socio-economic vulnerabilities.

• The affected provinces are economically disadvantaged, with many hosting large Syrian refugee populations and already suffering from poverty, unemployment, and poor access to services.

• Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those with mental health conditions were disproportionately impacted.

• Over 967,000 persons with disabilities are estimated to live in the affected areas, and 60,000 people became amputees after the earthquake.

• Care infrastructure was severely damaged: staff shortages, service disruptions, inaccessible environments, and limited rehabilitation options worsened the living conditions of PwDs.

• The public social protection system—including the relevant ministries—was overstretched, and municipalities lacked operational capacity due to staff and infrastructure losses.

What is our mission? 

Developing an Inclusive Model for Providing Social and Assistive Services Capacity to Persons with Disabilities Project, which is funded by the Korean Government will ensure the creation and delivery of social services that are both accessible and responsive to gender-specific needs for individuals with disabilities residing in the earthquake-affected area. The core mission is to:

• Break the cycle of dependency for persons with disabilities.

• Provide inclusive, community-based recovery solutions.

• Ensure access to vocational training, assistive services, and social support.

• Restore and enhance local capacities for care delivery.

• Empower persons with disabilities to become self-sufficient and actively involved in society.

UNDP seeks to implement a holistic, participatory model that is scalable, replicable, and focused on social equity and inclusion.

How are we doing this? 

The project includes seven key activities:

1. Needs Analysis & Data Collection: A quick, participatory survey focusing on PwDs and the elderly in tent/container cities in Malatya, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş and Hatay was conducted and the Needs Analyses Report for Individuals with Disabilities Living in Earthquake-Hit Regions was prepared. 

2. Feasibility Study: A feasibility study for local production of assistive devices and prosthetics was prepared, in collaboration with national and local partners.

3. Upgrading Repair Centers: An existing repair/maintenance station in Malatya for wheelchairs, crutches, and hygiene items was upgraded.

4. Establishing Wheelchair Ateliers: Wheelchair repair and maintenance ateliers were established in Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman and Hatay providing all necessary equipment and services in coordination with the relevant municipalities.

5. Vocational Training and Social Activities: Vocational training and social activities were provided to persons with disabilities and caregivers to reduce isolation in temporary shelters. 875 individuals benefited from the vocational training. 

6. Monitoring Tools: A monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system will be developed in coordination with Malatya Metropolitan Municipality.

7. Prosthetic Support: Arm and leg prostheses were provided to 9 persons with disabilities through UNDP Accelerator Lab initiatives. 

How will Türkiye benefit? 

The project delivers tangible, sustainable, and scalable benefits for Türkiye, particularly:

• Restoration of local services: Municipalities and institutions regain operational capacity.

• Social inclusion: Persons with disabilities receive tools and training to reintegrate and contribute to society.

• Economic empowerment: Vocational programs increase employability and income for persons with disabilities and caregivers.

• Infrastructure resilience: Repair centers and social service hubs improve community resilience against future crises.

• Policy and system strengthening: The model can influence national policy and be replicated across regions.

By focusing on vulnerable populations, the project supports Türkiye’s broader goals of inclusive recovery, human development, and economic revitalization in disaster-affected areas.