An analysis of political parties' perspective on disability in the context of their understanding of democracy and participation

This study aims to analyze the promises made to individuals with disabilities in the election manifestos of political parties represented in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) prior to general and local elections after 2000. The research evaluates approaches to the concept of disability in the context of democratic values, examining the extent to which these promises address accessibility, social integration, education, rehabilitation, employment, psychological, auxiliary, and economic support, equality, and availability. The study assumes that promises for individuals with disabilities are qualitatively and quantitatively insufficient, primarily due to limitations in democratic participation mechanisms and societal and institutional deficiencies. Conducted using a qualitative content analysis method, the research examines the election manifestos of political parties participating in elections between 2000 and 2019 within categories such as "Accessibility/Availability," "Social Integration," "Education," "Rehabilitation," "Employment," "Social Support," "Employment of Women with Disabilities," "Auxiliary Services," "Psychological Support," "Economic Support," and "Preventable Disabilities." By addressing a relatively underexplored area in the literature, this study aims to contribute to strengthening the role of individuals with disabilities in social life and developing policy recommendations.