My name is Ayşenur Otlu. I’m 24 years old and currently a third-year student in the Translation and Interpreting Department at 17 Eylül University. My journey toward independent mobility has been a long process—one where I stumbled and fell but grew stronger with every step.
First Steps Toward Independence: "I Knew I Had to Leave My Comfort Zone"
I live in Balıkesir, and our home is a bit far from the city center. Until high school, I hadn’t taken many steps toward independent mobility. My family was protective, and honestly, the situation was comfortable for me too. I didn’t have a space to set small goals and build routes; starting from a distant place always intimidated me.
The turning point came during my senior year of high school. While preparing for university exams, I began meeting visually impaired individuals who lived independently. Through online courses and friends at school, I saw people doing truly remarkable things. That’s when I realized: if I wanted to attend university and eventually work, I couldn’t continue this way.
Six Months in Istanbul: "The Turning Point of My Life"
I wanted to study Translation and Interpreting, which meant I had to move out of my city. I researched the Visually Impaired Education and Rehabilitation Center in Istanbul. When I learned about their excellent work on independent mobility, I decided to go.
Those six months were the turning point of my life. I had held a cane before, but I didn’t have an environment to truly practice in—I used it around the house, but those weren’t real-life experiences for me. In Istanbul, I found the opportunity to learn cane use alongside knowledgeable professionals. I received both practical and theoretical training and could direct it the way I wanted. I gained tremendous self-confidence during that time.
From Erzurum to Bandırma: "Every Step Was a Lesson"
I eventually got into my program, but surprisingly ended up in Erzurum. I was actually looking for a warmer climate, knowing that snow and ice would significantly challenge my independent mobility. But because I wanted this program so badly, there were no other options. I told myself, “You’ve taken a step forward—this will be another experience for you.”
I had a truly difficult year in Erzurum. When winter came, everything changed: the yellow tactile lines on sidewalks—everything that served as our guide—was buried under ice. There were dangers from above too, like masses of snow. I had to ask for help. But this experience taught me a lot; independence isn’t just about using a cane—it’s also about coping with other challenges. Long trips, asking people for help, adapting to a new environment… I believe I grew in all of these areas thanks to Erzurum.
I then transferred to Bandırma. It was a smaller environment, and my resources were more accessible. In daily tasks like getting to school and using public transportation, I saw that my training hadn’t gone to waste. I started using my cane more actively and truly felt my independence progressing.
Meeting WeWALK: "I Saw My Friends Using It and Was Deeply Impressed"
I first heard about WeWALK during my training period in Istanbul, but I hadn’t researched it in detail. My real introduction came when I visited visually impaired friends on vacation. I saw them actively using the WeWALK app and especially the WeASSIST service.
I was deeply impressed. They didn’t have to stop strangers for help; the navigation guided them beautifully. Until then, I had been using Google Maps, but those apps were designed more for sighted people—giving directions like “northeast” and “southwest,” sending alerts too early. WeWALK’s navigation, on the other hand, was designed in a way that visually impaired individuals could intuitively understand—adapted for blind-friendly guidance. This difference really impressed me.
My friends had accessed WeWALK through a sponsorship program. I applied as well because I believed it would have a tremendous impact on my university journey. I’m very happy that my application was accepted and I received the WeWALK Smart Cane 2.
The WeASSIST Service: "I Felt Valued"
What I want to emphasize most is the WeASSIST service. Asking a stranger on the street for help isn’t always easy. I’ve had wonderful encounters, of course—I believe small moments of kindness can save a day. But the opposite can also happen. You rely on people’s goodwill; if they don’t want to help at that moment, there’s nothing you can do. Negative reactions can really hurt.
The WeASSIST service, on the other hand, is both professional and a right that is rightfully mine. Knowing that I can use it whenever I need makes me feel happy and at peace. Hearing my name during the greeting when I call, knowing who the person on the other end is—these things alone make me feel safe.
Unlike other customer services, I’ve always felt that the people at WeASSIST don’t see this merely as a job—they genuinely enjoy what they do. You can tell from their tone of voice. Being connected to people who know what they’re doing and understand the needs of visually impaired individuals is a tremendous comfort. It’s completely normal that a stranger you stop on the street knows nothing about visual impairment; usually, we end up explaining things to them. But when I call WeASSIST, even on a busy day or a day when I’m not feeling my best, speaking with someone who is warm yet knowledgeable is a truly wonderful comfort.
WeWALK Smart Cane 2: "Looks Like a Regular Cane, But Offers So Much More"
The first WeWALK I saw during my high school years looked like a quite large device and felt like it would attract extra attention. I remember thinking it would be difficult to carry. But the current WeWALK is truly indistinguishable from a regular white cane. The design has improved immensely, and it provides access to technology.
The flashlight feature is meaningful even for someone like me who has no vision at all. I can use it while walking at night so cars can notice me—being able to turn it on whenever I want is a detail that a regular white cane simply cannot provide. Being able to use the app through the cane itself adds another dimension entirely. The cane is no longer just a tool that helps us find our way; with technology integration, it transforms into something far beyond obstacle detection.
Looking to the Future: "Thinking About Where It Could Evolve Is Exciting"
During our conversation, I learned a detail that really impressed me: I didn’t know that WeWALK was developed by Turkish engineers and has won numerous international awards. Because I study English, I do extensive research on disability rights and technologies abroad. Having a product from our own country that can be exported and serve as an example internationally is something to be truly proud of.
With AI-powered developments, new collaborations, and innovative ideas, thinking about where WeWALK could go is truly exciting. Knowledge is something that accumulates collectively, grows, and becomes even more beautiful. I’m proud to be part of this journey and will continue following it with great curiosity.
Final Message: "I Feel Valued Because We Can Make Our Voices Heard"
As visually impaired individuals, being a minority in society unfortunately always makes visibility a challenge. Sometimes not enough attention is drawn to our needs. But I see WeWALK breaking through that barrier. I feel valued. Knowing that someone is taking steps in this direction, that as a community each of us has the opportunity to make our voices heard—I find that fascinating and inspiring.
I hope that in this ever-evolving, transforming world, WeWALK’s impact will only grow more beautiful. I thank each and every person who has contributed to this work. I’m happy to be part of this journey and to share my experiences.
