t24.com.tr
Turkish Association Uses Tandem Cycling to Promote Inclusion for Visually Impaired
The Eşpedal Association in Turkey uses tandem bicycles to build bridges between sighted and visually impaired individuals, addressing societal prejudices and promoting inclusion; the EU-supported initiative boasts nearly 1,000 volunteers across 12 provinces and aims to increase women cyclists.
- How does the Eşpedal Association's approach address societal biases against visually impaired individuals?
- The association's tandem cycling model actively challenges societal biases against visually impaired people by creating a shared experience. By working together to navigate routes and repair bicycles, participants build mutual understanding and break down barriers, impacting inclusivity in Turkey and beyond. This initiative involves almost 1,000 volunteers across 12 provinces.
- What is the primary impact of Eşpedal's tandem cycling program on social inclusion for the visually impaired in Turkey?
- Eşpedal Association, based in Izmir, Turkey, uses tandem bicycles to foster companionship between sighted and visually impaired individuals. This unique approach involves shared cycling, conversation, and mutual support, directly addressing social prejudice against the visually impaired. The program is supported by the European Union.
- What potential applications beyond the visually impaired community exist for Eşpedal's model of community building through shared activity?
- The Eşpedal Association's success in fostering inclusivity through tandem cycling points towards broader applications. Replicating this model in other communities could effectively promote inclusivity and address other societal barriers. Further research might analyze the long-term impact on attitudes towards disability and social integration.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing consistently highlights the positive impacts of the Eşpedal Association's tandem biking program. The choice to lead with inspiring quotes from participants and the association's head, followed by statistics on visual impairment, emphasizes the program's success and the need for such initiatives. This positive framing, while understandable, might overshadow potential limitations or challenges.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and enthusiastic, focusing on words like 'deep companionship,' 'friendship,' and 'rainbow.' While this creates an inspiring tone, it could be perceived as overly optimistic and lacking a degree of journalistic neutrality. The article could benefit from more balanced and nuanced language, incorporating perspectives that aren't solely positive.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive aspects of the Eşpedal Association and its tandem biking program, potentially omitting challenges or criticisms. While it mentions societal prejudices against the visually impaired, it doesn't delve into the specifics of these prejudices or explore instances where the program might have faced difficulties. The lack of dissenting voices or critical perspectives could create a somewhat unbalanced narrative.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the relationship between the visually impaired and sighted individuals, framing it primarily as a positive and collaborative partnership. While this is the focus of the Eşpedal Association, it might not represent the full spectrum of experiences and interactions between these groups. The narrative overlooks potential conflicts or complexities that may arise in such collaborations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Eşpedal Association promotes inclusion of disabled individuals by pairing sighted and blind individuals in tandem biking, fostering understanding and breaking down societal barriers. This directly addresses SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. The project improves social inclusion of visually impaired people, challenges stereotypes, and builds bridges between disabled and non-disabled communities.