Caring for the Inclusiveness of Education for Persons with Disabilities, Unpad Launches EmpowerID Program
Jatinangor, West Java, May 5 2023 – Education should be a privilege that every individual is entitled to in life. People with disabilities are no exception.
In line with the realization of educational inclusiveness, Universitas Padjadjaran collaborates with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) in establishing a program entitled “Enhancing Disability-Inclusive Education in Indonesian Universities (EmpowerID)”. The program was attended by two GCU academic staff, Dr. Katie Thomson and Ms. Lisa Forrest at Unpad Jatinangor Campus on April 21-26.
Prior to the visit from two GCU staff, Universitas Padjadjaran has visited Glasgow Caledonian University last March. This aims to increase capacity and learning in efforts to serve students and staff with disabilities through staff and facilities at the University.
The visit to Universitas Padjadjaran was organized in the form of a workshop with relevant stakeholders at Universitas Padjadjaran, such as the disability services task force, students with disabilities, the learning support office, and the chairpersons of study programs.
Director of Education and Internationalization of Universitas Padjadjaran, Mohamad Fahmi, S.E., M.T., Ph.D., explains that the EmpowerID program is intended as a foundation for the establishment of a permanent and adequate disability service unit within Unpad. The goal of this program is to create a friendly and flexible academic environment for students with disabilities.
“EmpowerID is not only about making our campus more flexible, but also about strengthening the values of equality, justice, and respect in our community. This initiative is proof of our commitment to ensuring that every student has the same opportunity to succeed,” Fahmi said.
The main area that EmpowerID focuses on is the integration of assistive technology to help students with disabilities in teaching and learning activities, such as software that helps with visual and auditory activities. On the other hand, programs are also needed for improving the academic success performance and social integration of students with disabilities, coaching staff and students regarding disability sensitivity, and vigorous promoting of understanding and interacting in the campus environment.
In addition to the Director of Education and Internationalization of Universitas Padjadjaran, the visit of two GCU Disability Service staff was also warmly welcomed by the Head of the Unpad Disability Service Task Force, Dr. Eng. H. Boy Yoseph Cahya Sunan Sakti Syah Alam, ST, MT.
Boy says that campus success is not necessarily measured by academic achievement, but also supported by the inclusiveness of education and social interaction in the campus environment for all its members.
“We, Universitas Padjadjaran as a progressive university, see the importance of the EmpowerID program in serving students with disabilities. The growing awareness of inclusion within Universitas Padjadjaran is an important milestone to create an inclusive learning environment. We are committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to education, career opportunities, access to healthcare, and full participation in community life,” says Boy.
A bright and useful future for society is always the dream of every human being. Therefore, social interaction and the acquisition of a good education should be a concern and target for all elements of society.
Writer: Maria Imanuella Dewi Sekartaji
Translator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah
