Image by Anna Sussman, Istanbul, Turkey, 2011.
In Turkey, 13% of the population is disabled, but walking around the streets of Istanbul, one would never know. Instead, the disabled are often hidden away because of their families’ shame and a lack of adequate care facilities.
“Families with disabled children are praying for their kids to die before them, because they have no support systems. They are very scared about who will take care of their kids, and how their kids will have a dignified life after they die.”
-Şafak Pavey, a disabled Turkish Parliament member
Despite a number of human rights groups leading advocacy campaign, maltreatment and stigma remain common. Anna Sussman explores the myriad challenges disabled persons must navigate in Turkey, including prejudice and political maneuverings.
