Disability and Civil Society Through a Rights-Based Lens: Barriers to Access, Stigmatization and Social Participation

Karataş K. F., Köroğlu C. Z.

Journal of Social Service Research , cilt.1, sa.1, ss.1-22, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)

Özet

Disability is a multifaceted phenomenon that concerns numerous disciplines with its economic,
social, psychological, and physiological dimensions. Certain barriers embedded within the
social structure restrict individuals with disabilities from accessing fundamental rights and
freedoms. By drawing attention to the human rights violations faced by individuals with
disabilities, this study aims to evaluate the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in
addressing these violations through a rights-based social work lens. To this end, adopting a
case study design, which is one of the qualitative research methods, the study included a
total of 20 participants, consisting of administrators, registered members with disabilities, and
volunteers from the Aegean region branch of a long-established civil society organization
operating in the field of disability in Türkiye. The diverse participant group provided
multifaceted perspectives on disability experiences, volunteer engagement, and civil society
structures. Findings revealed that challenges centered around accessibility, exclusion, and
stigmatization. Furthermore, certain internal interactions hindered advocacy, keeping
organizational efforts mostly within the socio-cultural sphere. Grounded in a rights-based
social work approach, this study underscores that civil society organizations must strengthen
macro-level advocacy to raise awareness and enhance access to fundamental rights like
employment, healthcare, and education.