The forum will actively implement a range of initiatives, including academic assistance, accessibility support, and awareness campaigns to foster a campus environment that is inclusive and equitable for all students. Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, M.Psi., Head of PSD LPPM UNS, expressed his appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm and initiative to join Fordis.

“We received 177 applications from students interested in forming this forum. We hope Fordis will lead the way in creating a more accessible campus for students with disabilities. We believe that equal access and opportunity are rights for all students, and we will continue to support initiatives that uphold inclusivity and diversity at UNS,” he stated.

Fordis was officially launched at the LPPM UNS Meeting Room 1 in late September 2024. Volunteers from UNS received training to equip them with the skills needed to effectively support their peers with disabilities, covering both academic and social aspects. The training included foundational knowledge about various types of disabilities, inclusive communication techniques, and responsive support tailored to individual needs.

With the establishment of Fordis, UNS hopes to better accommodate students with disabilities who require support and services. The university is also committed to continually enhancing services that respond to the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to realize their potential. This program aligns with sustainable development goals aimed at fostering a healthy and inclusive environment, starting with a supportive campus life for all, including those with disabilities. Humas UNS

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The training consists of five study groups, each with 12 sessions. The first session, held from June to July 2024, involved two study groups: one for educational staff and another for students. Each group comprised 20 participants.

Prof. Dr. E. Muhtar, S.Pd., M.Si., CFrA., the Acting Vice Rector for General Affairs and Human Resources (HR) UNS, officially opened the training program, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Fitria Rahmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Head of LPPM UNS, and Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, M.Psi., Head of PSD LPPM UNS.

Three speakers presented on the first day of training. Prof. Munawir Yusuf, the first speaker, discussed the theme “Policies of Universitas Sebelas Maret in the Admission and Management of Students with Disabilities.” Arsy Anggrellanggi, M.Pd., a lecturer in Special Education Study Program (PLB) at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS, followed with “Interpreter Competency Levels and Market Needs for Interpreters in Indonesia.” The final speaker, Aprilian Bima Purnanta, S.Sn., Coordinator of Pusbisindo Central Java, discussed “Orientation to Pusbisindo.”

Prof. Munawir, also the Program Chief for the Basic Level Sign Language Training at UNS, emphasized the critical role of educational staff and students in promoting campus inclusivity. For UNS staff and security personnel, this training would facilitate communication in providing services and information. For UNS students, it offered the competency to serve as academic companions.

“The hope is that when a deaf student approaches and asks security personnel, they can explain things clearly. Administrative staff also frequently interact with students with disabilities,” Prof. Munawir said.

In her remarks, Prof. Fitria noted that PSD UNS is among the most active study centers. This training demonstrates PSD’s tangible contribution to UNS’s commitment to inclusivity. Other contributions include receiving the Inclusive Award from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) in 2012, releasing the Inclusion Metric, and being named the Best Implementing University in the 2023 Innovative Learning Competition for Students with Disabilities.

“We fully support PSD UNS activities, including this training, which has attracted significant interest,” Prof. Fitria said.

Prof. Muhtar, representing UNS leadership, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing the best service to all community members at UNS. Serving excellently is a cornerstone of UNS’s work culture. The more members of the academic community who can use sign language, the better UNS can offer equitable services to all parties.

“We must have a strong foundation for serving to the best of our abilities. This is why the training involves staff members. We also hope students can assist their peers,” he said.

Collaboration with BEM UNS

The Basic Level Sign Language Training also involves UNS students. BEM UNS, through the Ministry of Advocacy and Student Welfare (Adkesma), has collaborated with PSD LPPM UNS for the first time on this project. Fathiya Noor Jannah, Minister of Adkesma BEM UNS 2024, explained that the ongoing training reflects the students’ commitment to enhancing UNS’s inclusivity as an inclusive campus.

Atikah Salsabila, the responsible person for Adkesma BEM UNS 2024, stated that the training is part of an effort to create an inclusive space at UNS. This space is a BEM UNS initiative for students with disabilities and affirmative action students. The collaboration aims to eliminate disparities and increase social inclusion for various community groups within the campus.

“The goal is for students and staff who participate in this training to support students with disabilities in expanding their knowledge. Participants can also improve communication and foster social awareness in their surroundings,” Atikah Salsabila said.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji

Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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To this day, UNS has attempted to establish a campus that embraces inclusive education, proved with the establishment of special entrance selection for students with disability and a disability-friendly building model. “Furthermore, we wish that public and private universities in Solo can participate in the UNS Inclusive Matric that will be inaugurated on the 77^th Indonesia’s Independence day. I hope that the UNS Inclusive Matric ranking can be a proper appreciation and honor for the disability community who has devoted their life to this country,” said Prof. Jamal.

During the signatory ceremony, UNS and KND RI agreed on establishing disability service development through integrated resources, competencies, and potentials from both institutions to develop a synergistic sustainable collaboration. The Deputy Head and Member of KND RI, Deka Kurniawan, expresses his gratitude for this collaboration. “Hopefully, this synergy can be implemented intensively and contributes to establishing useful output for the disability community,” explains Deka.

The collaboration agreement will cover numerous activities such as education, research, and Higher Education Tridharma activity development, which includes the implementation of Program Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM), scientific disseminations and meetings (seminar, workshop, conference), human resource development and institution development, as well as additional activities as agreed by UNS and KND RI, according to the MoU. Humas UNS

Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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The event opened with a welcoming speech from Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., who shared information about cases experienced by adolescents with disabilities and the applicable Laws (regulations), programs related to health issues as well as the lives of adolescents with disabilities, and the expectation of cooperation between the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) and LPPM UNS.

There were four speakers presented at the event. They are Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, M.Psi.; Prof. dr. Hadi Pratomo, MPH, Dr. PH.; Pdt. Dr. Yerusa Maria Agustini Hadiprijanto; and Puput Susanto, as well as Asep Sopari as the Moderator for the discussion. The first material was presented by Prof. Munawir, the Head of PSD LPPM UNS, with material entitled “Disability Studies and Policies in Indonesia: Diversity and Problems of Adolescents with Disabilities.” Starting his presentation, Dr. Munawir conveyed the rights of persons with disabilities that must be fulfilled. These rights include equality and non-discrimination rights, accessibility rights, the right to life, awareness-raising rights, and the right to be free from exploitation, violence, and harassment. According to him, to form an inclusive climate, these rights must be fulfilled.

The next material was presented by Prof. Hadi, a Professor at the University of Indonesia (UI), entitled “Disability and Issues of Reproductive and Sexual Health.” At the beginning of his material presentation, he explained the definition of disability. “People with disability are anyone who experiences physical, intellectual, mental, and/or sensory limitations for a long time in their interaction with the environment, thus can experience obstacles and difficulties to participate fully and effectively with other citizens on an equal rights basis,” he explained at the event that took place on Friday (21/4/2022).

Further, Prof. Hadi explained that program evaluations needed right now are related to accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. He also outlined guidelines to promote inclusion for persons with disabilities, including adolescents, planning, action, monitoring, and evaluation.

Dr. Yerusa, as the third speaker, discussed the topic “Disability Psychology.” In her explanation, she said that there were strategic steps in educating reproductive health by prioritizing interaction and dialogue, creating a safe and comfortable learning environment, and providing equal opportunities. Dr. Yerusa also describes the dissemination media available for this education purposes, such as videos, website applications, website-based screening, edugame, and the metaverse.

The last material was delivered by Puput Susanto a youth activist, who explained several points such as holistic interventions for adolescents with disabilities, various types of interventions, and social ecology. He also explained policies that should be implemented, such as anti-discrimination programs for adolescents with disabilities, providing equal opportunities, ensuring the availability of favorable inclusive infrastructure facilities, and fulfilling social welfare. After the presentation of the material, the event was followed by a discussion session. Humas UNS

Reporter: Zalfaa Azalia Pursita
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The talk show was opened by Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, M.Psi., the Chairman of PSD LPPM UNS and APPKhI. In his opening remark, Prof. Munawir stated that a talk show is a new model of the event that was previously held in the form of a webinar.

“The talk show was held in collaboration with APPKhI, the professional association that focuses on handling special education in Indonesia. The theme of the talk show APPKhI greets Indonesia is because it handles special education all over Indonesia. This event also invited central and provincial government officers at the Education and Culture Office, especially in special education,” Prof. Munawir stated.

The talk show theme was selected to develop inclusive education in Indonesia.

“Hopefully, this talk show could shape leading human resources for people with disabilities through non-discriminative special education as a means to achieve disability-friendly and inclusive Indonesia,” Prof. Munawir explained.

Acting as the moderator in the talk show was Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS faculty member, Dr. Subagya, M.Si., with Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) Professor, Prof. Dr. Mumpuniarti, M.Pd.; Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Unesa) Professor, Prof. Dr. Hj. Sri Joeda Andajani, M.Kes.; UNY Professor, Prof. Dr. Ibnu Samsi, M.Pd.; Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) Professor, Prof. Dr. Drs. Endang Rochyadi, M.Pd.; and Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) Professor, Prof. Dr. Marlina, M.Pd., as the speakers. Humas UNS

Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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The international webinar discussed the “Indonesian Higher Education Readiness for Facing Inclusive Education.” PSD UNS collaborated with the Intellectual and Professional Association (I&P) Indonesia in the Netherlands to assess Indonesia’s readiness in administering inclusive education for its people.

The Chairman of PSD UNS, Prof. Dr. Munawir Yusuf, stated that he was enthusiastic in administering the webinar. Prof. Munawir hoped that he could learn various views in administering inclusive education in other countries.

“This webinar is not only participated by Indonesian people. Therefore, I hope we could share knowledge and information on inclusive education implementation in each country,” Prof. Munawir stated. He added that five hundred and sixty-three people applied to participate in the webinar from Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Belanda, and Belgium.

The Director of I&P Indonesia in the Netherlands, Rosalyn Siburian, also shared her delight in the webinar. She stated that her part is ready to connect Indonesia and the Netherlands. “Let us try to facilitate people with special needs. This is a challenge for all of us. Hopefully, this webinar could enlighten our steps forward in developing special education in our country,” she stated.

The webinar was opened by the Chairwoman of LPPM UNS, Prof. Okid Parama Astirin, who appreciated the webinar. The Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho, also attended the webinar as the keynote speaker. “In achieving disability-friendly inclusive campus, UNS is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and interesting campus for everybody,” he emphasized in his presentation.

After Prof. Jamal, four invited speakers from four countries shared their materials. Prof. Dr. Ir. Nuhfil Hanani AR., M.S. (Rector of Universitas Brawijaya, Malang), Dr. Mulyoto Pangestu, Ph.D. (Monash University), Prof. Dr. Mohd Hanafi bin Mohd Yasin (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia), and Prof. Dr. Bayu Jayawardhana (University of Groningen, the Netherlands). Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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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

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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

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