ISTANBUL

Although he was born with hearing loss, Mustafa Emre Biçici did not lose his love of reading, continued to learn lessons by taking notes from his friends at school and fulfilled his dream of becoming an engineer. in mechanics.

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After graduating from the mechanical engineering department, he first called his mother. “We cried together,” the 28-year-old said.

May 10 to 16 is Disability Week, accepted in 1982 by the UN in 192 member countries. More than 2.5 million people with disabilities are registered in Turkey’s national disability data system alone. Approximately 836,000 people are hard of hearing. However, this number is higher with many unregistered.

Biçici was only 8 months old when his hearing loss was first noticed and was soon introduced to his first hearing aid. He also had special training for speech and hearing for years. His mother also sent him to a camp during the summer holidays.

Inspired by his uncle, who is a university student, he decides to become a mechanical engineer.

After completing his professional secondary education, Biçici graduated from the two-year mechanical engineering department of Marmara University, ranking fifth, and transferred to Sakarya University.

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Biçici, who also worked while studying at university, now works in a textile company. “I went abroad during this process. I developed my self-confidence. I learned English and traveled to many places in Europe. I think Erasmus staff should be open to people with disabilities. It’s very important,” he said.

Device regulation required

Muammer Ay, the president of the Federation of the Deaf, expressed that they want regulation for hearing aids.

“Currently, the biggest problem for the hearing impaired are hearing aids. Their price starts at around 6,000 Turkish liras. However, state support is 1,100 liras. Cochlear implants cost around 30,000 euros. If domestic production starts, the cost will come down,” he said.