Prof. Dr. Yeşim GÜLEÇ ASLAN, along with Dr. Hatice ŞENGÜL ERDEM, conducted 'Seeing Voices' as part of Istanbul Medeniyet University Department of Special Education and Autism Application and Research Centre's community service activities. An exhibition titled "Experiences of Special Education Teachers Regarding the 6 February 2023 Earthquake" was held with the participation of Rector Prof. Dr. Gülfettin ÇELİK, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Yaşar BÜLBÜL, and Dean Prof. Dr. Ahmet AKIN. The exhibition aims to showcase the professional and personal experiences of special education teachers working in the region after the 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes that occurred on 6 February in Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaraş. In this framework, the photographs taken by the participants were exhibited by our teachers in accordance with the final stage of the research conducted using the photovoice method, which is a qualitative research method. The teachers also shared their experiences.
The event began with the opening of a photo exhibition in the ground floor foyer of Ziraat Bank Library at our university. Following the opening, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Gülfettin ÇELİK, Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Yaşar BÜLBÜL, and Dean, Prof. Dr. Ahmet AKIN, visited the exhibition. The exhibition showcased photographs taken by special education teachers and university academics, which depicted the psychological effects of the earthquakes that occurred on 6 February. Later, Prof. Dr. Yeşim GÜLEÇ ASLAN and Dr. Hatice ŞENGÜL ERDEM attended an exhibition at the Hasan Polatkan Conference Hall of Ziraat Bank Library at our University. A seminar was conducted by Prof. Dr. Yeşim GÜLEÇ ASLAN and Dr. Hatice ŞENGÜL ERDEM. The study employed the photoses method for the first time in the field of special education. The research outputs are significant as they ensure uninterrupted educational services for individuals with special needs during disaster situations, such as earthquakes. Furthermore, the special education teachers indicated through the photographs they took that traveling to the region after the earthquake and providing educational support enhanced their professional and personal growth. Lastly, the researchers provided a detailed explanation of the photoses method to promote its use in special education.
