As part of Disability Awareness Week, Manisa Celal Bayar University (MCBÜ) launched a meaningful initiative to raise awareness and support visually impaired students. In a heartfelt gesture, the university gifted WeWALK Smart Cane 2 Plus devices—developed by the local tech company WeWALK—to visually impaired students, aiming to ease their daily lives and enhance their independence.

The handover ceremony, held at the MCBÜ Rectorate, was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kadir Ay, Coordinator of the Disability Support Unit Dr. Lecturer Özhan Kalaç, faculty members, and visually impaired students.

Dr. Kalaç emphasized the university's ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of students with disabilities, stating:

“Our goal is to make our university a disability-friendly campus and help our students overcome every challenge they may face. These smart canes are an important step toward that goal.”

The WeWALK Smart Cane 2 Plus devices are equipped with ultrasonic sensors and smart technology that detect obstacles and provide feedback through vibration or audio alerts. Their features include voice-guided navigation and smartphone integration, allowing users to safely navigate their environments and access urban mobility services more effectively.

The ceremony was marked by emotional moments as students expressed their gratitude to the university administration for this thoughtful and empowering support.

Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar highlighted the university’s commitment to inclusive education in her speech:

“We care deeply about providing equal learning opportunities and ensuring that all our students can participate actively in social life. Our aim was to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of our visually impaired students and support them in taking independent steps. We believe these smart canes will enhance their safety and expand their freedom of movement.”

Through this initiative, MCBÜ once again demonstrated its dedication to creating an accessible and inclusive campus environment for all.