Event on “The Impact of Media on Stigmatization in Mental and Intellectual Disabilities” Held at BANÜ

As part of the activities marking 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an event titled “The Impact of Media on Stigmatization in Mental and Intellectual Disabilities” was organized by our Office for Accessible University Student Services. The event, held at the Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar Conference Hall, attracted significant interest from the Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Prof. Dr. Hatice Aydın; Sibel Boz, the spouse of our Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Boz; our students and academic staff; representatives of healthcare institutions; and professionals working with individuals with special needs.

The event began with an opening address by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Büşra Süngü, Coordinator of the Office for Accessible University Student Services and a faculty member of the Faculty of Sports Sciences. In her remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süngü emphasized the influential role of media in shaping perceptions of disability and underlined the importance of such initiatives in raising awareness and strengthening a culture of inclusivity.

The program was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Büşra Süngü and featured Dr. İpek Tok, a faculty member of the Faculty of Communication, and Psychologist Murat Yatmaz from the Community Mental Health Center of Bandırma Training and Research Hospital as speakers. The speakers addressed how media representations shape societal perceptions of mental and intellectual disabilities, the mechanisms of stigmatization, and the reflections of these perceptions on individuals’ daily lives, drawing on scientific evidence.

At the conclusion of the program, certificates of appreciation were presented to the speakers by Sibel Boz, the spouse of our Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Boz. The event concluded with a commemorative group photograph.