Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Education Special Education Department signed a meaningful project. The documentary, directed by Special Education Department student Mustafa Yılmaz, focusing on the life struggle of families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), premiered with intense participation.
The gala program held at Avşarhan Cinema Hall was attended by Vice Deans of the Faculty of Education, academic staff, representatives from special education institutions in Burdur, numerous students, and the families featured in the documentary.
Theoretical knowledge met with art
In her opening speech, Dr. Lecturer Mehtap Coşgun Başar, one of the faculty members of the Special Education Department and advisors of the project, talked about the necessity of ASD becoming more than just a condition remembered on certain days and making societal awareness sustainable. It was stated that the documentary holds great importance for teacher candidates to understand field experiences and the realities faced by families.
Head of the Special Education Department Prof. Dr. Ümit Şahbaz emphasized in his speech that such projects contribute to the professional development of students while also increasing social sensitivity, congratulating those who contributed.
ASD from the perspective of families
In the documentary screening, families' diagnosis processes of their children, educational processes, challenges faced in social life, and their hopeful struggles were conveyed to the audience. The sincere narratives of the families starring in the documentary led to emotional moments in the hall.
Efforts crowned with plaques
After the documentary screening, the award ceremony took place. Plaques were presented to student-director Mustafa Yılmaz for his successful work and to the advisors providing academic guidance to the project.
Thank you plaques were presented to the families, the real heroes of the documentary, by the faculty members of the Special Education Department. The ceremony, where families and children also took the stage, ended with a group souvenir photo.
"We will continue to raise awareness"
In the evaluations made after the gala, it was stated that such projects strengthen university-community cooperation and greatly contribute to raising awareness in the field of special education. Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Special Education Department conveyed the message that it will continue to equip future teachers with both academic and human values.
