Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has partnered with the Difabelzone community to promote inclusivity by supporting people with disabilities in creating job opportunities and boosting economic growth.
This was highlighted during the visit of UGM’s Peduli Difabel Unit to the batik craft workshop at Difabelzone, Nglarang, Bantul, on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Dr. Wuri Handayani, a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) and mentor of Peduli Difabel, stated in a press release on Sunday, Oct. 6, that UGM is ready to collaborate with Difabelzone to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to create competitive small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Dr. Handayani explained that UGM offers assistance in marketing and financial reporting management for Difabelzone members.
“Marketing and bookkeeping are crucial for MSMEs, especially when seeking funding from external parties,” Dr. Handayani added.
Rahmat, one of the batik artisans at Difabelzone, expressed his hopes for continued collaboration and strong ties with UGM.
Dr. Hempri Suyatna, Secretary of the UGM Directorate of Student Affairs, said this visit marks the beginning of UGM’s collaboration with Difabelzone.
“Through this partnership, we are ready to assist our friends with disabilities in achieving social and financial well-being,” Dr. Suyatna stated.
Difabelzone is a community that supports the development of people with disabilities by promoting inclusivity and encouraging them to become self-sufficient and productive through batik crafts.
Since its establishment in 2017, Difabelzone has not only served as a platform for embracing people with disabilities but has also provided job opportunities and training in independence.
Through batik crafts, Difabelzone also supports environmental conservation, involving people with disabilities and volunteers in their initiatives.
Over the past seven years, Difabelzone has accomplished numerous things and has held several exhibitions and workshops.
However, the community still faces emotional, marketing, financial, and bookkeeping management issues.
Dr. Suyatna expressed hope that collaborations like this will inspire UGM’s academic community and the public to continue caring for people with disabilities and strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of their physical limitations, both within and outside of UGM.
Author: Hanif
Editor: Gusti Grehenson