Ministry of National Education (MoNE) General Directorate of Special Education and Guidance Services and TÜBİTAK National Academic Network and Information Center (ULAKBIM) have prepared curricula for students in need of special education. Celil Güngör, Director General of Special Education and Guidance Services, stated at the introductory meeting of the special education programs that as a result of a 2-year study, programs were prepared for students in need of this education and thanked those who contributed. Pointing to the importance of the implementation of the programs, Güngör said, "From now on, we need to follow the implementation of the programs and improve the training and sensitivity of our teachers on this issue." Güngör said that special education teachers are open to innovation and that he does not think they will have difficulties in the implementation of the programs. Stating that the programs will change the dimension and quality of education and training in special education schools, Güngör noted that these schools have also renewed their special education materials.

Mirat Satoğlu, Director of TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM, emphasized the importance of providing qualified, appropriate and accessible education services in the field of special education. Satoğlu said that they are working on the development of educational materials for the curriculum and that they receive support from academics for individual differences and needs within the scope of program development.

Curricula Prepared under the Coordination of TÜBİTAK ULAKBIM Introduced

During the meeting, 34 curricula, including 2 curricula for early childhood (0-36 months) and preschool (37-78 months), 29 curricula for students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, and 3 curricula for visually impaired children, were introduced within the scope of curriculum development studies carried out under the coordination of TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM with the participation of 45 academics and 43 teachers who are experts in their fields. The programs prepared for early childhood and preschool period include the areas of cognitive development, receptive language development, expressive language development, gross motor development, fine motor development, social emotional development and adaptive skills development. Programs for students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities and autistic students include mathematics, life skills, daily living skills, independent living skills, visual arts and hand skills, music and play, communication and social skills, nutrition, health and safety, and literacy. Programs for visually impaired students include physical education and sports lessons.