SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities

10.6.7 – Does your university as a body provide accessible facilities for people with disabilities?

Hacettepe University ensures accessible, safe and inclusive physical and digital facilities for all students, staff and visitors with disabilities. Key institutional practices include:

1. National Accessibility Recognition (2024 Orange Flag Awards)

  • Hacettepe University received four “Barrier-Free University – Orange Flag” awards from the Turkish Council of Higher Education in 2024.

  • Awarded units: Beytepe Campus, Student Housing – Block N, Yıldız Amphitheatre, and Beytepe Dining Hall, all recognised for high accessibility standards.

2. Accessible Physical Campus Infrastructure

  • Accessible pathways, ramps and tactile ground surfaces across Beytepe Campus.

  • Accessible restrooms with appropriate dimensions and fixtures.

  • Braille signage and Braille elevator panels in multiple buildings.

  • Platform lifts, cross-rail stair systems, and accessible transportation platforms enabling mobility across different elevation points.

  • Accessible parking areas near faculties and key service buildings (e.g., Geomatics Engineering, Technopark areas).

  • Several faculties and facilities hold “Barrier-Free Campus” accessibility certifications within the national Orange Flag system.

3. Accessible Library Services

  • Accessible entrances, study spaces, elevators, and accessible restrooms in library buildings.

  • A dedicated Accessible Group Study Room and Vision–Hearing Room equipped with assistive technologies.

  • Assistive technology resources include:

    • JAWS screen reader

    • PEARL document reader

    • ABBYY FineReader

    • Scanners

    • Headphones

    • Desktop and laptop computers adapted for visually impaired users

  • Library staff provide orientation tours, assistive technology training, and guidance on electronic resources through the Disability Services Coordination Office.

  • Selected print materials are digitised for visually impaired users, respecting copyright regulations.

  • The library website includes a plain-text display option to improve accessibility for screen readers.