Supporting Transition and Access in Turkey for Specialized Health Services

MUDEM-RSC started its Umutcan Sustainable Living Center in order to support refugees, asylum-seekers, and international protection applicants with disabilities and vulnerabilities-who live in İzmir and surrounding region- in overcoming the challenges they encounter.

The disability support workers in the center identify the special needs of disabled and vulnerable individuals through communication-based fieldwork and in-office services. The disabled support team identifies the physically and mentally disabled people and provides the beneficiaries with the relevant counseling services. 4 field workers, 2 disability support workers, 1 psychologist, and a healthcare instructor provide psycho-social support, healthcare, and rehabilitation services. Needs-based individual- and group-counselling sessions regarding disabilities, basic trainings, technical assistance evaluations, and assistance vehicle supply are provided.

Support is also provided in the processes of pain management, disability acceptance, and disability adaptation by disability workers and psychologists. In case of need for further support, such as the provision of prosthesis and orthesis, beneficiaries are referred to relevant institutions such as ASAM, rehabilitation centers, or public hospitals. The center is operated by Relief International and RSC and financed by European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).