The role of non-governmental organizations in access to rights for disabled individuals: The case of Türkiye Disabled Association

This study aims to explain the rights violations experienced by persons with disabilities in the context of macro social work and to evaluate the role of non-governmental organizations in eliminating these violations. Within the framework of qualitative research methodology, in-depth individual interviews were conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 with the managers, members and volunteers of the Izmir Branch of the Türkiye Disabled Association using a semi-structured interview form. The data obtained as a result of the interviews were analyzed using MAXQDA 2020 qualitative research program and various findings were reached. According to the findings, the problems experienced by disabled people were frequently associated with the concept of accessibility, exclusion and stigmatization. When the motivations for becoming a member of the association are examined, it is seen that the managers have the motivation to carry out rights-based studies and to help people with disabilities, while the motivations of the disabled members are the need to socialize and the idea of getting help. The motivations of volunteer individuals were the desire to help people with disabilities and to raise awareness. As a result of the research, association activities were handled in the context of macro social service. Although the majority of the activities consisted of sociocultural activities, it was concluded that macro-level activities were insufficient. It has been seen that the rights gains of the disabled people through the association are quite limited and the need for lobbying and advocacy activities of non-governmental organizations as well as studies to increase disability awareness in society has emerged. Keywords: Disability, Macro Social Work, Non-Governmental Organizations