Development planning approach for children with orthopedic disabilities; example of METU Eymir Lake (Ankara)

In recent years, urban open spaces and green spaces in particular are being planning due to creating healthy places for children with orthopedic disabilities. However, there are few places specialized for children with disabilities in the cities. The purpose of this research is to assess the influences of Eymir Lake (located in Ankara that has natural and environment values) on orthopedic disabeld children. Nevertheless with the method of observation of users and participants, it is possible to replan the area. In this research, cultural, natural source, current and use, social and economic structure of the area have been analyzed and then mothod of "Post Occupancy Evaluation", has been used. As to this method, some techniques such as questioners, observation and interview with related groups have been performed. After observation, by means of GIS, behavioral maps which are showing the activities carried out by selected persons have been achieved. By this work, it is proved that green open areas in Ankara are unaskable and unavailable for the disabled children and thier families. Therefore, they are spending most of thier time in the houses while watching TV and taking rest. The irritating manner of others as main reason, then restrictions related to transportation, and finallly financial problems have prevent that children with disabilities go and use green places in cities. Through this research, it is demonstrated that spending time in natural area has had great positive influence on children with orthopedic disabilities and doing activities in the green area have improved social, vocal, and motion skills of them. Eymir Lake and its surrounding district were not appopriate to those children to perform thier favoriate activities. In this way, some suggestions and modificationd like increasing availability of pathways and rebuilding appopriate ways have been offered in the site.