I have worked in academia for nearly 20 years while at the same time devoting my time and focus on disability groups and activism. As a person with spina bifida, I am involved in Turkish Spina Bifida Association (Turkey), Shine Surrey Charity for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (the UK), and I sit on the board of directors of IF (International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus). My time within academia has taught me how to conduct research and evaluate data. My work with various disability groups has made me appreciative of the value of working with a hands-on approach, in touch with “real” people. I believe my academic background combined with my experience in disability advocacy will be helpful in my involvement with the Gravitate Health Project.

I have decided to become part of the Gravitate Health Project because I strongly believe in the importance of agency, of people being an active voice in their own narratives rather than being passive recipients.