THE ISTANBUL EDUCATION & SOLIDARY FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED (IZEV)

Integrating “different” individuals into daily life

Founded in 1989, IZEV has been on the forefront of supporting individuals with mental disabilities and their families in Turkey for more than 30 years.

IZEV’S ultimate goal is to help individuals “with a difference” enter mainstream life, and to end the “othering” they often experience in society.

This non-governmental organization boasts several important “firsts,” including Turkey’s first special education program approved by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, and the country’s first private school for the mentally handicapped offering eight years of specialized education.

IZEV’s comprehensive activities include:

• Special education

• Independent life training

• Vocational training

• Employment

• Family counseling

• Social responsibility

• Integrating

• Socialization

• Volunteer work

• Rights advocacy and self-advocacy

• Research and reporting projects

• Social awareness

• Social brand studies

IZEV’s projects have reached an amazing 10 million people, garnering the most awards presented in Turkey for social responsibiity and social awareness programs. Internationally, IZEV has received American Mercury Awards for the best social responsibility project and best event, and a European Stevie Award for Europe’s best social responsibility project.

As a result of the organization’s programs, IZEV’s graduates include Turkey’s first “different” theater actor, art guide, and public relations officer.