Turkey

Government responses

Mainstreaming of disability inclusion, participation, and partnerships 

• [2 December 2020] Persons with disabilities have been exempted from the prohibition on vehicle usage during weekend curfews.

Continued access to goods and services

• [n.d.] Nursing homes for older persons and persons with disabilities would provide services without seeking any criteria of eligibility for three months.
• [14 May 2020] Measures have been put in place to ensure that people aged 65 and over and those with chronic diseases could communicate their needs to the authorities by calling the numbers 112, 155 and 156.
• [25 June 2020] Financially supported by the World Bank, the Ministry of National Education would implement the Safe Schooling and Distance Education Project. The needs of vulnerable students, including children with disabilities, would be accommodated to ensure their access to e-learning.
• [1 March 2021] Persons with disabilities have been allowed to collect medicines from a pharmacy without first seeing their doctors.

Accessible public information 

• [1 March 2021] The Ministry of Health has arranged sign language translations of 36 information guides regarding COVID-19.

Medical and quarantine policies and processes

• [9 April 2020] A circular on COVID-19 measures has been sent to 81 Provincial Governorships. It has been advised that children and young people with special needs should be allowed to leave their residence for walks and travel by vehicle in the same province, as being contained in a closed environment could have adverse effects on their well-being.
• [30 June 2020] The Ministry of Health has collaborated with the WHO to create a helpline to aid those struggling with their mental health as a result of the pandemic. Helpline staff deliver specially designed technical guidance for persons with disabilities and those supporting them 
• [1 March 2021] Should a person with psychosocial disabilities suspected of COVID-19 be sent to hospital, they have been allowed to be accompanied.

Social protection and employment support

• [n.d.] The monthly money transfer to the Social Benevolent and Solidarity Associations has been increased to 180 million TRY from 135 million TRY, with the aim of protecting the most disadvantaged groups.
• [11 April 2020] The Vefa Social Support Groups have been active in providing basic needs such as bread for the most vulnerable in self-isolation. Compromised of local governorate officials, police and gendarmerie units, the groups have regularly paid home visits to people aged over 65 and those with underlying health conditions.
• [19 May 2020] Social assistance for older persons and persons with disabilities would be distributed without seeking income criteria and severe disability status.
• [1 March 2021] The Ministry of Health has ruled that employees with disabilities should be given administrative holiday when the epidemic is at its peak.

Institutions and facilities 

• [n.d.] Vaccination priority has been given to social care workers and residents at rehabilitation centres for persons with disabilities.
• [14 March 2020] A COVID-19 guide for care institutions of persons with disabilities and older persons has been released, including awareness-raising and training amongst staff and patients, temporary changes to visiting regulations, and ensuring sufficient hygienic items and practice.
• [6 April 2020] The government has taken measures to prevent overcrowding in prisons. Prisoners aged over 65 and in need of assistance due to chronic diseases or disabilities might leave penitentiary institutions until May 31 and be monitored through electronic devices.
• [16 April 2020] The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services would bear expenses for older persons and persons with disabilities living in private nursing homes and care centres.
• [1 March 2021] Persons with disabilities living in institutions have had specific isolation institutions created for them, where they can undergo 14 days’ quarantine with support and nursing should they contract COVID-19.

Last modified: 6 May 2021