The discussion entitled “Mapping Research Needs for Development Policies with a Disability Perspective” was held virtually on Tuesday (18/1/2022) through the Zoom Cloud Meeting application. This discussion invited two disability experts; the first is Prof. Dr. Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, MA, from MOST-UNESCO and the National Research and Innovation Agency. And Dra. Y. Anni Aryani, M.Prof.Acc., Ph.D., Ak., CA., CSRS., CSRA., a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNS, who is also a wheelchair user.

Regarding research with a disability perspective, Prof. Nuke admits that there has not been much research using this perspective. This condition is affected by many factors, such as communities’ paradigm on persons with disabilities. “Research with a disability perspective remains a big challenge for research institutions and universities to provide support for the protection and fulfillment of rights for persons with disabilities,” she said.

Prof. Nuke added that currently, there are several pieces of research using disability perspective but only in terms of technology. Meanwhile, on the social side, persons with disabilities have not been much involved because they have only been considered a variable so far.

Additionally, Prof. Nuke also said that academics and researchers in Indonesia still dichotomize the research paradigm into basic research and applied research. This dichotomization results in a lack of applied research that departs from social issues of policy implementation for persons with disabilities. For this reason, there is still not much research that has become a basis for policymaking concerning persons with disabilities’ perspectives.

On the other hand, Dr. Anni views that the data available on persons with disabilities in Indonesia is not valid, thus, there has not been much research examining this field. According to Dr. Anni, the available data differs in each agency. Hence, researchers do not know which data are indeed valid. “Data on disability must be completely valid. So far, I cannot obtain the correct data because the data obtained from various sources are different. The data must be validated, thus, it can open up many research opportunities,” she added.

Dr. Anni as a person with a disability, also said that a lot of infrastructure for people with disabilities in Indonesia is often abused. This condition could happen due to the fact that not many Indonesians are aware of the function of these facilities.

At the end of the session, the two invited presenters hoped that there would be more research with a disability perspective. Significant attention given to people with disabilities can encourage the government to create sustainable, inclusive services for all vulnerable groups, especially people with disabilities. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Does Research With a Disability Perspective Still Low? appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

PSD LPPM UNS held a regular monthly discussion on the topics around disabilities. Opening the first monthly discussion in 2022, PSD LPPM UNS discussed the “Mapping for Research Needs for Development with Disability Perspective” on Tuesday (18/1/2022) through the Zoom Cloud Meetings. The discussion was attended by disability activists from various instances in Indonesia.

The Chairman of PSD LPPM UNS, Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, stated that his unit regularly holds monthly discussions to encourage and support policymakers to issue disability-friendly policies. Disability-friendly policies are vital, considering people with disabilities also have equal rights with non-disabled people.

“Hopefully, it could encourage the creation and development of research in disabilities that have potential to be involved in sustainable decision making,” Prof. Munawir stated.

Prof. Munawir further explained that Indonesia is a paradise for people with disabilities because Indonesia has complete laws for disabilities after the Master Plan for Laws for People with Disabilities (RIPD) as a reference for the government in issuing disability-friendly regulations. RIPD has seven strategic targets, management, and inclusive planning, provision of seamless environment, protection of rights and access to politics and equality, empowerment and independence, creation of inclusive economy, education and skill, and access and distribution of services.

Indonesia’s laws that regulate people with disabilities are complete, but research is needed to map its implementation in the field. Therefore, this theme is discussed to encourage PSD researchers to conduct various studies with disabilities. LPPM UNS appreciated the discussion held by PSD UNS. The Secretary of LPPM UNS, Prof. Dr. Eng. Syamsul Hadi shared his appreciation for PSD UNS performance in discussing related issues.

“Disability Study Center is a study center that is very active in LPPM UNS. I consider this monthly discussion is very positive for the development of Disability Study Center,” Prof. Syamsul stated.

The current discussion invited Prof. Dr. Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, M.A., from MOST-UNESCO and National Research and Innovation Agency, and Dra. Y. Anni Aryani, M.Prof.Acc., Ph.D., Ak., CA., CSRS., CSRA., Faculty Member of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNS as keynote speakers. The four hours discussion was attended by tens of participants. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Disability Study Center UNS Held Discussion on Research Theme with Disability Perspective appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

His interest in graphic arts from an early age brought him many achievements even since his Junior High School (SMP) level that proves his ability to create artworks exceeding his limitation. To uns.ac.id team, the 19 years old student shared his experience from participating in a competition for the sake of trying to his election as an excellent national student with disability 2021.

Imagination Through Artworks

Muhammad Fauzan interest in graphic artworks starts in his preschool days because it gives him peace of soul, and he feels comfortable and relaxed while doing it. Drawing also expands his imagination that through his works, millions of dreams in the power of thought are created. Young Fauzan decided that drawing was his passion and started to fully commit his time to the activity in the elementary school years (SD).

“I started to get serious in 5th grade,” he said.

Starting with crayon, the young preschool Fauzan now developed into artists with diverse skills at his disposal, water painting to digital painting were tried as a part of his self-development process. The skill developed from his enjoyment encourages young Fauzan to learn more about the style and techniques of drawing without pressure. Now Fauzan realizes that his activities have supported him in achieving his dream to work as an illustrator and animator. Now, the excellent national student has mastered diverse styles, from Japanese anime style to realist style.

Drawing Needs Research

Through his wins in many competitions, Fauzan developed his drawing styles because he often needed to adjust his drawing with the theme of the competition, including the fall theme in the recent Fanart competition he participated in. The demands for diverse styles never drain his source of inspiration. As an artist, Fauzan conducted research before starting working on his creation. The research deepens his results that deliver his messages and help Fauzan in embedding small details that make his work unique. Research also plays a role in identifying the jury’s tastes in the competition he participated in.

“Before participating, I search about the competition to see what is the expected drawing. I also look into jury’s works to understand what the jury wants,” Fauzan added.

Research also increases his confidence in sending his works. He also conducted research as a basis for his work that won a silver medal in the Siapfest competition for university student class through his ‘Pusaka Elok’ work. He explained that Siapfest is different from fanart because it focuses on Indonesian cultures. “The theme is ‘identity. So, more in showing the characteristics of the local area. I drew denok kenong dance from Semarang, gamelan, and unique sites that combined together,” he explained.

As an addition to his work, Fauzan also selected appropriate and connected titles for his work. Pusaka Elok Tak Sirna means that Indonesian culture will not disappear amid the increasingly modern civilization.

National Excellent Student with Disability 2021

Through his multiple achievements since elementary school, Muhammad Fauzan succeeded in getting elected as the National Excellent Student with Disability 2021 in his 19 years of age. Fauzan has received awards for more than ten works he worked on. His achievement as an excellent student at the national level proves that disabilities do not limit someone in creating.

His limitation in hearing that he got since his birth does not stop him from exploring his potential in the art world. His ability in drawing encouraged him to submit his work to the first competition at SMP and win the third position. This stepping stone made him more spirited to work on his skills and participate in many other competitions to come. Until one day, he learned about an award from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenpora RI) for young people with disabilities who have great achievements from his friend. To participate in the competition held to commemorate Sumpah Pemuda Day, Fauzan sent his CV with a list of his achievement to the Ministry.

After waiting for the assessment process, Fauzan received an invitation to Jakarta to receive his well-deserving award. In a ceremony witnessed by millions of people, Muhammad Fauzan was elected as National Excellent Student with Disability 2021.

Greatest Motivation

Although developing interest and pursuing his graphic career independently, but Fauzan realized that his parents, who never prevented him from drawing plays a significant role in his development. Their full support also motivates young Fauzan to continue creating and participate in numerous competitions to gain new experiences. “My motivation is my parents never prohibit me, (they) support me; there is no prohibition against working. Thus, winning an award is also my motivation to work more,” Fauzan said.

His parents’ support also shapes Fauzan into believing that his disability is not a weakness but a uniqueness, which builds his self-confidence better. He also learned from his idol, Surya Sahetapy, who share similar limits to him. He realized that his limit should not break his spirits to continue working and inspire his friends. A limitation should not stop one’s full potential since a person has rich potential. As perfect beings, human should maximize their potential to benefit themselves and others.

“Do not think that disability is your challenge; make it your uniqueness. If your find something interesting that makes you love it, do it and reach your passion. Don’t listen to the negative things around you,” Muhammad Fauzan concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Alinda Hardiantoro
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post FSRD UNS Student Selected as National Excellent Student with Disability by Kemenpora appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.