Painting. Teacher. Friend. 1-hour bus. I love it. Bye.

“Painting. Teacher. Friend. 1-hour bus. I love it. Bye.” This is how Edip, a 20-year-old from Hatay, describes the rehabilitation center he attends every day. As a person with a 70% intellectual disability, his vocabulary is limited, yet Edip couldn’t be clearer about how much ESYAD’s rehabilitation center means to him—just like his smile when he talks about it. It might take him an hour to get there, yet he is still excited every single day. That center offers him more than crayons and coloring pages. It is filled with caregivers who support him, applaud his efforts to express himself, and encourage him to socialize with his peers. Each session strengthens his independence, builds his confidence, and reminds him that he is seen, valued, and capable. Edip’s mom first learned about ESYAD through a social media announcement—and she quickly discovered a safe haven for her son. The center is part of a larger project that provides psychosocial support, promotes inclusion, and empowers people with disabilities and their families, helping them rebuild confidence, skills, and opportunities for a better future. In Edip’s simple, joyful words, the impact comes through loud and clear: a place where he belongs, grows, and thrives.