Existence of Disability Support Office
The commitment of UGM to inclusivity is reflected in the provision of accessible education and services for the entire academic community, administrative staff, and the broader public. This commitment is demonstrated through the development of inclusive facilities, the integration of inclusivity values into the curriculum, and the provision of specialized services through the Disability Services Unit (ULD) under the Integrated Service Unit (ULT). The ULD was officially established in 2024 and is regulated under the Rector’s Regulation of UGM Number 19 of 2024, focusing on the delivery of services, assistance, and facilities for persons with disabilities. In its efforts to create a disability-friendly campus environment, UGM has also established a Working Group (Pokja) for the Development of a Healthy, Safe, and Disability-Friendly Environment under the coordination of the ULT.
At the student level, support for inclusivity is further strengthened through the presence of the Student Activity Unit of Diffable Care UGM (SAUDC), which serves as a platform for students to channel aspirations, provide motivation, and advocate for issues and rights related to persons with disabilities within the university environment. Furthermore, as a tangible manifestation of its commitment to fostering an inclusive campus, UGM has published the Inclusive Campus Handbook as a guideline for the academic community in creating a disability-friendly environment. This initiative is complemented by the publication of a Buddy System training module by the ULD, aimed at fostering appropriate peer support and companionship systems for persons with disabilities within the campus environment.
In 2024, UGM received an award from the Directorate General of Learning and Student Affairs, Ministry of Education Research and Technology as the Best University in Establishing Disability Service Unit. The second best award was given to Victory University of Sorong and the third best award to Widya Mandala Catholic University of Surabaya.
Sources:
- UGM Disability Services Unit (ULD)
- Student Activity Unit of Diffable Care UGM (SAUDC)
- Disable Friendly – Health Promoting University
The campus is easily accessible to people with disabilities
In an attempt to achieve greater inclusivity on campus, UGM has provided a range of accessible facilities for people with disabilities. This commitment is formally supported by the Rector’s Decree No. 157 of 2020 on Technical Guidelines for Builiding Design of UGM which aims to promote independence and create a built environment that is friendly for everyone, including persons with disabilities and the elderly. This is further reinforced by a technical guideline manual in the form of Technical Guidelines for the UGM Building Code.
As a result of this policy, UGM buildings are equipped with various accessibility features such as ramps, wheelchairs, accessible toilets, designated parking areas, and other supportive facilities. More specifically, UGM Residence enhances accessibility by providing disability-friendly rooms, ground-floor accommodations for easier access, adapted bathrooms, lifts in selected dormitories, and ramps leading into the buildings.
Beyond residential spaces, each faculty also prioritizes accessibility by continuously improving learning environments and ensuring full participation for individuals with disabilities. This is reflected not only in infrastructure improvements but also in the provision of assistive features such as braille-enabled elevators, navigation aids, and specially designed desks and chairs to support students with physical disabilities.
Similarly, the UGM Library and Archives extend these inclusive efforts by offering facilities that support visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible pathways, elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces enable users to move comfortably and independently throughout the building. Furthermore, a dedicated disability room is available, equipped with wheelchairs, Braille books, magnifying devices, and computers for accessing the Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) database, thereby ensuring equal access to academic resources for individuals with visual or mobility impairments.
Sources:
- Campus Facilities for Disable Special Needs
- Campus Facilities for Disable Special Needs
- Disability-Friendly Dormitory Support Facilities
Access Schemes for People with Disabilities
UGM offers comprehensive support for people with disabilities, encompassing education, access schemes, assistance, and various other forms of support. Access is facilitated through accommodation providers and the involvement of Student Activity Units.
UGM actively promotes sustainable inclusivity by enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities through various initiatives. These efforts include hosting webinars aimed at advocating for accommodations and inclusive public services to ensure equitable opportunities for all. Additionally, UGM organized ‘The Gate: Gateway to a World of Inclusion,’ a special event at the Library and Archives, a space managed by persons with disabilities, showcasing and celebrating their inspiring achievements.
Furthermore, UGM demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity by empowering students with disabilities through the Student Activity Unit (UKM) for Disabled People. This unit fosters self-development by enabling students to organize events and initiatives that enhance their capabilities while raising awareness about disability inclusion within the UGM community.
UGM also provides a specialized internship program for students with disabilities through its collaboration with Bank Sinarmas. This initiative represents a tangible commitment by UGM to facilitate persons with disabilities in gaining real-world work experience within an inclusive working environment.
Sources:
- Webinar: Providing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities in Indonesia
- UKM Peduli Difabel Holds Exhibition at UGM Library and Archives – UGM Library and Archives
- UKM Peduli DIfabel
- Internship Program for Students with Disabilities
Support Services for People with Disabilities
UGM provides comprehensive disability support services throughout the educational journey, from prospective students to graduates. It also offers inclusive facilities and accommodations for academicians and employees with disabilities to foster an accessible and supportive environment for all.
UGM regularly provides comprehensive support for prospective student applicants with disabilities participating in entrance examinations, including the provision of assistive technologies such as headsets and screen reader programs for individuals with visual impairments. These accommodations ensure equitable access to the admissions examinations and promote an inclusive testing environment. Throughout 2025, the Disability Services Unit (ULD) has provided assistance to both prospective students and active students in all stages of their academic processes. This is evidenced by the ULD assistance report for the year 2025.
UGM is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that empowers students with disabilities to achieve their full potential. The university actively engages students with disabilities to identify and address their academic support needs. To support the bachelor’s and master’s student, lecturers are guided in ensuring the accessibility of learning materials for all students, and assistants are provided to facilitate academic success for students with disabilities.
Sources:
- Persons with Disabilities Participate in UM UGM CBT Selection
- 12 Persons with Disabilities Participate in UM UGM CBT SelectionVisually impaired student achieves bachelor’s degree at UGM
- Students with Disabilities Receive Master’s Degrees at UGM
We have a reasonable accommodation policy or strategy for people with disabilities, including adequate funding
UGM demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility by maintaining a reasonable accommodation policy and strategy for individuals with disabilities, underpinned by adequate funding. The funding has been offered in the form of a general policy offered in the form of a guidebook as well as a real form offered in the form of scholarships. Since 2021, UGM has advanced this effort through comprehensive disability accommodation policies. These initiatives include the provision of on-campus housing designed to be inclusive and disability-friendly, ensuring that all students have access to suitable living arrangements.
Key highlights of this policy are reflected in the Inclusive Campus Handbook, which serves as a central resource detailing available facilities, services, and educational programs related to disabilities. By offering educational materials on disability-related topics and extending both guidance and scholarship opportunities for individuals with specific needs, UGM fosters a sustainable and inclusive campus environment.
Additionally, UGM has established service guidelines accessible to all members of the academic community. These guidelines include an interaction framework tailored to the unique needs of different disabled groups, facilitating effective and respectful accommodations. From 2022 onwards, UGM has introduced affirmative scholarship opportunities, providing targeted support and higher education access for individuals with disabilities, further solidifying its commitment to equitable and inclusive education.
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