Eker Draws Attention to the Employment of Individuals with Autism on World Disability Day 

Eker Dairy Products is drawing attention to the importance of disabled individuals’ participation in business life by bringing the “Autistic Individuals in the Workforce” employment model to the agenda on December 3rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Eker is leading the way in providing employment opportunities to autistic individuals in our country with the business model it has been successfully implementing since 2018 under the consultancy of Tohum Autism Foundation.

While it is estimated that there are over 2 million people with autism in Turkey, only 100 of them can join the workforce. Eker meets a significant need in this area by employing 13 autistic personnel with the “Autistic Individuals in the Workforce” model.

The first supported employment model in Turkey, “Autistic Individuals in the Workforce” shows that adults with autism can work in a factory environment with the support of job coaches when appropriate conditions are provided and their training is completed using the right methods. Eker, with the “Autistic Individuals in the Workforce” model, helps young people with autism enter the workforce while also eliminating their families’ concerns about the future.

The “Autistic Individuals in the Workforce” employment model continues to develop with a vision that includes different organizations. Eker provides roadmap training and consultancy services to other companies and civil society organizations in order to expand the employment of autistic individuals.

Support for Civil Society Organizations Contributing to Barrier-Free Life

Within the scope of its social responsibility vision that aims to create social benefit, Eker organizes Eker I Run, which is among the leading organizations in the field of running in Turkey. Bringing together participants from Turkey and the world in Bursa, Eker I Run is organized with the aim of spreading the love of sports, encouraging healthy living and creating a charity platform for those in need.

Eker I Run, where the 42K Marathon and Marathon Relay Race, which runs from the summit of Uludağ to Bursa Eker Meydan, as well as Minik Adımlar Runs, 6K, 12K Runs and Skating Races for children aged 5-15 are held, makes a difference with its special track categories. Athletes with autism and down syndrome participated in the Special Athletes Run at the 6th Eker I Run held in Bursa Eker Meydan on October 2024, 11. As part of the organization, donations were collected for the projects of many civil society organizations, including civil society organizations that contribute to life without disabilities, with the Charity Runs held through Adım Adım.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated by the United Nations on December 1992rd since 3 as an international awareness day. On this special day, organizations are organized in Turkey as well as around the world with the aim of raising awareness.

Source: HORECA TREND and Eker Dairy Products