Special Event at ISG for World Down Syndrome Awareness Day on March 21
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG) marked World Down Syndrome Awareness Day on March 21 with a series of activities under the theme of creating “+1 Difference.” Airport staff wore mismatched socks to raise awareness, highlighting the importance of inclusion and the message that “True love doesn’t count chromosomes.”
The event emphasized that individuals with Down syndrome can contribute meaningfully to society, develop their talents, and lead fulfilling lives.
A key highlight of the day was ISG’s ongoing collaboration with the Istanbul Foundation for the Training and Solidarity of the Mentally Handicapped (İZEV), which began in 2018. At the heart of the event was the İZEVSHOP, a gift shop sponsored by ISG and operated within the terminal. The space not only showcases handcrafted products but also serves as a symbol of empowerment and integration.
One of the familiar faces at İZEVSHOP, Doğukan Canpolat — who has been working as a sales assistant alongside his mother for nearly five years — once again charmed visitors with his cheerful energy and warm personality.
The event also conveyed a broader message on inclusive employment, stating that what is often labeled as “employment of individuals with disabilities” should not be treated as an obligation for companies, but rather as a vital step towards an inclusive workforce. It emphasized the importance of supporting young individuals with special needs to help increase the number of happy and empowered lives, under the motto: “Differences Matter with a +1 Touch.”
