Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is deeply committed to transforming itself into an inclusive campus that fosters a welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities. This steadfast commitment is realized through the provision of inclusive education and services for all members of the academic community, employees, and the wider public.
UGM goes above and beyond in its offerings of diverse and evolving inclusive services tailored specifically for individuals with disabilities. This comprehensive range of services encompasses the provision of disability-friendly facilities, the development of inclusive curricula, and the implementation of disability-specific services.
Currently, UGM is pioneering the development of the Disability Service Unit (DSU). This unit is not only aimed to facilitate and support access for individuals with disabilities within the academic community but also to fulfill the mandate of Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities, particularly Article 42, paragraph 3, which states that every higher education institution is obliged to facilitate the establishment of DSU.
“The DSU is a realization of UGM’s fulfillment of legal mandates and to help facilitate the needs of individuals with disabilities at UGM so that the learning process can run smoothly,” said Wuri Handayani, S.E., Ak., M.Si., M.A., Ph.D., the Chair of the Disability Service Unit Formation Work Group, during the Disability Service Enhancement Workshop held on Friday (16/6) at the UGM University Club.
Wuri expressed that UGM’s commitment to becoming an inclusive campus is outlined in UGM’s strategic plan (renstra) for 2022-2027, which says that UGM strives for a healthy, safe, eco-conscious, culturally vibrant, and socially accountable campus.
The presence of the Disability Service Unit (DSU) at UGM carries profound significance, as it actively contributes to the delivery of SDG 4, which emphasizes the imperative of providing an inclusive, top-notch education for all. This service is a realization of UGM’s commitment to the Campus Master Plan (RIK) 2017-2037 to have an impact on national and global development.
“In UGM’s strategic plan for 2022-2027, UGM aims to realize education that is dignified, tolerant of diversity, inclusive, education for all, and education based on information technology; learning to become, learning to transform. This is where DSU plays an important role in the implementation of inclusive education,” she explained.
Wuri outlined the development roadmap for UGM’s DSU. In the short term, within less than a year, UGM will focus on strengthening DSU management and raising awareness. In the medium term (1-5 years), the focus will be on providing accessible and inclusive infrastructure, both physically and non-physically. Lastly, in the long term (5-10 years), the focus will be on becoming a reference center for inclusive, innovative, and applicable education and research.
Praditya Putri Pertiwi, S.Psi., Ph.D., the Advisor for the UGM Peduli Difabel Student Activity Unit, discussed the minimum facility standards and the basic needs of people with disabilities. Different needs and minimum facilities exist for each type of disability, including physical disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, mental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.
For example, for hearing impairments, there should be sign language interpreters or notetakers available if needed, textual and visual information, subtitles in videos, and other accommodations.
Previously, UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Learning, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., emphasized the importance of providing services and facilities for people with disabilities on campus. Therefore, UGM is committed to strengthening services for people with disabilities in various aspects.
“Establishing a disability service unit is important because there are still individuals who have yet to be accommodated. Despite the small number of people with disabilities, building a strong system to provide the best possible services to the UGM communities in need remains necessary,” she explained.
Author: Ika
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/ugm-komitmen-tingkatkan-layanan-disabilitas/
