The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) inaugurated the UGM Disability Services Unit (ULD) office in Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (Dec. 10).
The inauguration of the ULD office demonstrates UGM’s continued commitment to becoming an inclusive campus. As a disability-friendly campus, UGM provides easy access to education and inclusive services for academic communities.
Professor Sri Suning Kusumawardani, the Director of Learning and Student Affairs, the Directorate General of Higher Education of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Me. Summer Xia, the Country Director of the British Council, and Dr. Wuri Handayani, the Head of ULD, were present at the inauguration.
Rector Emilia said that with the inauguration of the ULD office, UGM aims to create a conducive learning environment. The establishment of the ULD is a form of responsibility from UGM to provide conducive learning services for everyone.
“What has been done until today is a form of UGM’s responsibility, and the issue of inclusiveness is one of many, especially related to services for people with disabilities,” she said.
UGM is committed to three main principles and cares about an inclusive environment with various policies.
First, education is a right of every citizen regardless of anything. Each learner has the same opportunities and chances to gain knowledge.
Second, UGM appreciates diversity. Everyone is unique, and each cannot be compared to one another.
“So what is said to be a weakness is not actually a weakness in the true sense. However, it is a form of uniqueness that may provide advantages in other aspects. Therefore, diversity is a strength,” said the rector.
The third principle is justice. With fairness in education, no group is marginalized or left behind.
“I think later, this ULD will be one form of implementation of inclusive education at UGM with various activities,” explained Rector Emilia.
Professor Kusumawardani hopes ULD will become a concrete manifestation of UGM’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable services for all academic communities, especially friends with disabilities.
Everyone realizes that education is a right for everyone, regardless of physical, mental, or sensory differences.
Professor Kusumawardani said that as one of Indonesia’s oldest and leading universities, the ULD is expected to be an example for other universities in the country.
“The existence of the ULD is not only a symbol of inclusivity but also a driving force to ensure that everyone has equal access to learning, creating, and contributing in the campus environment,” she said.
Summer Xia was pleased to be able to attend the inauguration of the ULD at the UGM Campus. She considered that establishing the ULD is a milestone for UGM, which continues to be committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with disabilities.
“I am proud of this cooperation. The support of the British Council through the UK Alumni Access Social Grant makes this initiative a reality. With the dedication of Dr. Wuri Handayani, ensuring the realization of an inclusive environment and access to services for students with disabilities can be realized and become a hope,” she said.
Summer Xia said the inauguration of the ULD office opens up opportunities for equal success for all UGM students. This service unit can remove barriers and empower students with disabilities on the UGM campus.
Dr. Handayani, the Head of ULD, reported that UGM currently has 48 students with disabilities. These students consist of 21 women and 17 men with various types of disabilities.
“Types include physical, deaf, blind, and mental. They also come from various faculties and various levels of education, ranging from vocational, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs,” she said.
She hopes that ULD at UGM can become a center of excellence in disability issues both nationally and internationally. ULD UGM’s tagline has four principles. The first is an aspiration, and ULD UGM wants to explore the aspirations of all parties so that ULD can advance.
Second, ULD UGM wants to encourage connection. ULD needs cooperation with various parties. Third, ULD UGM wants to develop innovation in serving. Fourth, ULD UGM aspires to respond to things that are related to disability issues with policies.
“We want to be at the forefront of moving the institution towards inclusion, where everyone will not be left behind,” Dr. Handayani explained.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Firsto