UNS — Student Association of Special Education Program (Himpunan Mahasiswa Program Studi Pendidikan Luar Biasa – HMP PLB) Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta in collaboration with Kita Grahita held a webinar on ‘The Empowerment of People with Disability in Vocational Field’. The discussion was held on Sunday (4/10/2020) through Zoom Meeting attended by more than 90 participants. The event invited two speakers, Triyono, S.Pt. and Arina Pradhita.
The first material was delivered by Arina Pradhita as Project Coordinator DNetwork. On this occasion, Arina discussed personal qualities that need to be developed in working or starting a business for people with disabilities. The initial step for them is to determine their potential, such as ‘who are we’, ‘what is our character’, ‘what is our skills’, ‘what are our strengths and weaknesses’, ‘what jobs that we can do’, and ‘what jobs that suit us’. Further, according to Arina, six points require attention to determining self-quality in people with disabilities. These six points are the ability to observe and analyze the environment, adaptability, formulate a strategy, daring and willing to learn, communication, and creativity. Concluding her discussion, Arina emphasized that discussion needs to take precedence.
“To support and achieve humanity, the discussion is vital, education to the government and community. Prioritize discussion, not an assumption. There is always a way to work or open a business for people with self-quality,” she added.
The next speaker, Triyono, S.Pt, the owner of Difa City Tour Jogja, an online motorbike taxi service that employs people with disabilities. Triyono shared the steps to start a social enterprise. In social enterprise, besides entrepreneurial skills, an entrepreneur needs to prepare a responsible system. “For example, from Difabike that provides the opportunity to work, open business, master a language and learn ethics. Difabike provides training that invites experts such as financial engineers,” Triyono explained.
In his explanation, Triyono also conveyed that to start a social enterprise, some stages require attention. First, determine market needs and prepare a design for systems that are needed. After that, conduct innovation, research, and build networking. A focused plan is important in starting a social enterprise. Focus and continuity are also important in social enterprise. If all of these components are implemented well, there is a high possibility that the social enterprise will be successful.
Concluding this discussion, Triyono expects that students can become the leader of change. The fight to achieve humanity is a long way. Students should not stop at being the agent of change but become the leader of change. We need to do the best and solve problems to find a win-win solution for all parties. “Be a moderate person to pursue sustainability, be a super team, not a superman. My message for PLB, pursue your study abroad to deepen your knowledge on humanity which in turn will reconstruct the thoughts of humanity in Indonesia,” he reminded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Zalfaa Azalia Pursita
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
