In a world where determination and love often meet the greatest of challenges, some stories stand out as truly extraordinary. Such is the tale of a mother and daughter from Turkey whose bond and perseverance shattered barriers many thought insurmountable.
When Berru Merve Kul, a young woman with a visual impairment, embarked on her journey to become a lawyer, her mother, Havva Kul, became more than just a supportive parent — she became a pillar and tireless advocate. Their journey was far from easy, facing obstacles that would test the strength of any family. Yet, against all odds, they achieved something remarkable, capturing the hearts of millions around the world and prompting a powerful conversation about the lengths to which love and determination can go.
But what happened next at the graduation ceremony would take everyone by surprise, leaving a lasting impact both within their community and far beyond.
A Mother’s Dedication and a Daughter’s Determination
Berru Merve Kul’s journey to earning a law degree from Sakarya University was far from straightforward. As a visually impaired student, Berru faced immense challenges due to the lack of specialized resources such as Braille materials or audiobooks at her university. However, her determination was matched by the extraordinary support of her mother, Havva Kul, who played a pivotal role in her daughter’s academic success.
Every day, Havva accompanied Berru to the university and meticulously read aloud all her lecture notes, textbooks, and legal case studies. This dedication was not limited to just reading; Havva also helped Berru understand complex legal concepts, ensuring that her daughter could keep pace with her studies despite the hurdles they faced. As many observers noted, it wasn’t simply about reading; Havva had to absorb and comprehend dense legal material herself to effectively convey it to Berru.
The story of Havva Kul and her daughter, Berru Merve Kul, captured widespread attention when Sakarya University awarded Havva an honorary law degree during Berru’s graduation ceremony. This recognition was not just a gesture of appreciation but a celebration of a mother’s extraordinary dedication to her daughter’s education.
As Berru graduated with honors despite the challenges posed by her visual impairment, the university’s decision to honor Havva alongside her daughter resonated deeply with many. The moment was marked by applause from students and faculty members, and a video of the ceremony quickly went viral on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The impact of their story was immense. On social media, the tale of a mother’s love and sacrifice gained widespread admiration and sparked a broader conversation about the support needed for visually impaired students in education.
Many people praised Havva’s unwavering commitment, calling her the “mother of the year” and even the “mother of the century.”
A significant number of commenters emphasized that Havva’s honorary degree was well-deserved, highlighting the effort required to not only read and comprehend dense legal materials but also to explain them to her daughter. One commenter noted, “Remarkable women…both deserving of recognition.”
Call for More Accessible Education
The inspiring story of Havva Kul and her daughter Berru Merve Kul underscores a critical need for more accessible education for visually impaired students. Despite Berru’s determination, her journey through law school would have been significantly less challenging if more resources had been available for visually impaired students at Sakarya University. This lack of accessibility is not unique to this institution; it is a widespread issue that many students face globally.
According to the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), visually impaired students often struggle due to a lack of adequate materials, such as Braille textbooks, digital resources, and audio-based learning tools. To address these gaps, AFB’s National Agenda for the Education of Children and Youths with Visual Impairments has outlined several goals to ensure that students receive the support they need. These goals include timely referrals to appropriate educational programs, comprehensive training for educators, and partnerships between educational institutions and specialized organizations to enhance service delivery. The agenda emphasizes the importance of making learning materials available in accessible formats, such as Braille, audio, or large print, and integrating assistive technologies like screen readers or refreshable Braille displays to facilitate independent learning for visually impaired students.
Technological advancements like the DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) format have revolutionized access to reading materials by providing flexible navigation options and compatibility with multiple devices, from Braille readers to smartphones. This technology allows visually impaired students to engage with digital text in a more meaningful way, enhancing their ability to learn independently. Moreover, online libraries like Bookshare and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled offer extensive collections of accessible books, which can be critical resources for visually impaired students pursuing higher education.
However, despite these advancements, there is still much work to be done. Many institutions lack the policies and resources to fully support visually impaired students. Efforts must be made to implement inclusive practices across all educational levels, from elementary to university, ensuring that no student is left behind due to a lack of accessible resources.
The story of Havva and Berru Merve Kul serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for inclusive education. By expanding access to educational materials and supporting the use of assistive technologies, we can help ensure that visually impaired students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, just like any other student.
Supporting Visually Impaired Students
Supporting visually impaired students effectively involves several practical strategies to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment:
- Use Clear Verbal Instructions: Address students by name and describe actions and locations explicitly. Avoid relying on visual cues like pointing or saying, “over there.” Use descriptive language that clearly communicates directions or classroom activities (We Are Teachers).
- Leverage Assistive Technology: Incorporate tools such as screen readers, Braille displays, and text-to-speech software to provide access to digital content. Apps and devices like OCR tools can also help convert printed text to accessible formats, ensuring students can interact with materials independently (Perkins School for the Blind).
- Optimize the Learning Environment: Enhance classroom accessibility by adjusting lighting, using high-contrast colors, and minimizing clutter. Provide tactile markers and clearly labeled signs to help students navigate their surroundings safely (Macular Society, University of Birmingham).
- Provide Accessible Learning Materials: Ensure that textbooks, handouts, and digital content are available in formats suited to each student’s needs, such as Braille, large print, or accessible digital formats. Collaborate with specialists to prepare these materials in advance (Paths to Literacy, Perkins School for the Blind).
- Encourage Independence and Social Interaction: Foster independence by teaching students how to use assistive devices and navigate their environment. Encourage socialization with peers to build a supportive, inclusive community (University of Birmingham).
- Customize Learning Plans: Develop individualized learning plans based on a Learning Media Assessment (LMA) to determine the most effective learning methods for each student, whether through Braille, print, or audio formats. Regularly update these plans as the student’s needs evolve (Paths to Literacy).
- Utilize Multi-Sensory Teaching Techniques: Use a combination of tactile materials, audio descriptions, and real-life experiences to help students understand complex concepts. This approach is particularly effective in subjects like science and math, where hands-on learning can be crucial (Macular Society).
- Collaborate with Specialists: Work with Certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI), orientation and mobility specialists, and other professionals to implement effective strategies and accommodations tailored to the student’s unique needs (University of Birmingham).
Advocating for Accessible Education: What’s Next?
The story of Havva Kul and her daughter Berru Merve Kul is a testament to the power of love, determination, and the human spirit in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Havva’s unwavering support, which went beyond what any parent might be expected to provide, highlights the profound impact of a mother’s dedication to her child’s success. Their journey not only celebrates individual achievement but also serves as a rallying cry for greater inclusivity in education for all students, particularly those with disabilities.
The overwhelming response from communities worldwide illustrates how such stories can inspire and prompt reflection on the gaps in educational support for visually impaired students. As we celebrate their accomplishments, Havva and Berru’s story encourages us all to advocate for a more accessible and inclusive world—one where every student, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
By recognizing the barriers faced and the extraordinary effort it took to overcome them, we are reminded of the need for continued advocacy and improvement in educational policies and practices. Their story, a beacon of inspiration, calls us to action—to create environments where all students, regardless of ability, are empowered to succeed.
Featured image via Sakarya University Faculty of Law on X.com