Lokman Ayva

A light blue gradient background with navy blue text has “The D-30 Disability Impact List” at the top centered above “2025 Honoree” which is in between two laurels. Below, text “Lokman Ayva (he/him), Turkey” are to the left of a picture of them, which fills the right. At the bottom left corner is text “Diversability, #D30DisList”.

Lokman Ayva

He/him/his

President, Beyazay Association of Türkiye; Former Member of Parliament; International Disability Rights Advocate

Türkiye

Lokman Ayva is a pioneering disability rights advocate, nonprofit leader, and policymaker with more than 30 years of experience. Currently serving as president of a national disability association, he advances digital inclusion, education, and economic empowerment for disabled people. In the past year, he launched a national accessible technology campaign, training over 3,000 visually impaired people. He also led a vocational training initiative to support disabled entrepreneurship. Lokman made history as his country’s first blind Member of Parliament and has served as rapporteur on inclusive education for the Council of Europe. His policy work has changed discriminatory laws and expanded job access for thousands. He regularly speaks at global forums and leads pan-European disability initiatives, earning national and international acclaim.