As an educational institution, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is firmly committed to maintaining inclusive and equitable education for all, including people with disabilities.
Additionally, UGM aims to encourage strengthening an inclusive society in line with its commitment to delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the initiatives taken by the community service team from the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) is to provide disaster preparedness training for people with disabilities and their families.
Through the Adimas integrated grant obtained by Dr. Syahirul Alim, a lecturer at the General and Emergency Nursing at FK-KMK, the team aims to enhance the capacity of people with disabilities in disaster preparedness.
Dr. Syahirul Alim explained that the community service team initially assessed the types of disabilities present in disaster-prone areas.
This assessment was done to map the needs of people with disabilities since each disability requires different treatment and intervention.
After the assessment, the team conducted training sessions for groups of people with disabilities and their families/caregivers.
This training is intended for “Difagana” or Disaster-Prepared Volunteers With Disabilities, a group of volunteers helping fellow individuals with disabilities during a disaster.
Difagana volunteers are better equipped to understand the needs of victims with disabilities during disasters, making them more efficient and effective in providing assistance and support.
“Difagana plays a crucial role, especially in disaster-prone areas like Yogyakarta Special Region,” he said.
One of the training sessions took place in Donokerto Village, Turi, Sleman, Yogyakarta, on July 15, 2023. The training invited Sigit Alifianto, a representative from the DIY Social Affairs Office, as a speaker.
The training involved academics and educational institutions in enhancing community resilience. The activity was also integrated into the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, allowing participating students to improve their soft and hard skills.
“Until now, society has often faced challenges distinguishing between the terms ‘disable’ and ‘difable.’ People have limited knowledge of how to treat people with disabilities, especially during disasters. Therefore, capacity building in this area is essential,” Dr. Alim explained.
The disaster preparedness training for people with disabilities and their caregivers in Donokerto Village began with opening remarks by the Head of the Nursing Science Study Program, Dr. Haryani, and the Head of Community Service, Dr. Syahirul Alim.
The event continued with a presentation on Difagana by the speaker, Sigit Alifianto. During this session, Alifianto explained the concept, purpose, implementation, and effectiveness of Difagana, the role of Difagana during the pandemic, the sustainability of Difagana, and strategies for its continuity.
The UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing community service team attended the event and monitored and evaluated the community service grant activities.
Author: Ika
Photo: Community Service Team of UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing