Disability Rights Law and Neurodevelopmental Differences in Turkey
An overview of the legal rights of individuals with autism, ADHD, and specific learning differences under Law No. 5378 on Disabled People in Turkey, including COZGER and accessibility regulations.
Law No. 5378 and the Prohibition of Discrimination
In the Republic of Turkey, Law No. 5378 on Disabled People does not restrict the definition of disability to physical or visible limitations. It provides a comprehensive legal framework encompassing cognitive, intellectual, and neurodevelopmental differences (autism, ADHD, dyslexia). The primary goal of the legislation is to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability and ensure equal integration into society.
Under this law, if an educational institution or workplace denies entry to a neurodivergent individual solely due to their clinical diagnosis or information processing style, it constitutes a direct violation of their civil rights. Organizations are legally obligated to provide "reasonable accommodations" tailored to the individual's needs.
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Navigating the COZGER Report and Accessing Legal Rights
For neurodivergent children under 18, actualizing legal rights and accessing state benefits requires obtaining a COZGER (Special Needs Report for Children) from a Ministry of Health authorized hospital. COZGER replaced the older, rigid medical disability report system, focusing on a child's "functionality and support needs" rather than purely on clinical pathology.
Through this report, families access state-funded special education hours (via RAM direction), transportation subsidies, tax exemptions, and home-care allowances. If a COZGER evaluation is conducted without neuro-affirming standards, families reserve the right to file an official appeal through provincial directorates of health.