Every 3rd of December, the world commemorates International Disability Day to respect the rights and welfare of disabled people. In 2024, the global theme of “Strengthening Leaderships of Disabled People for A More Inclusive and Sustainable Future” emphasizes the importance of active participation of disabled people in shaping their own future.
The commemoration of International Disability Day 2024 becomes a momentum to strengthen the people’s commitment towards equality of rights and opportunities for disabled people, making this an integral part of national development and strengthening collaborations between stakeholders in order to support SDGs where no one gets left behind.
International Disability Day has a strong background, which is reflected in Law No. 8 of 2006 which covers disability in Indonesia. In said Law, disability is categorized into physical, intelectual, sensory, and mental. This law also emphasizes that disabled people have the rights to equal opportunities to participate and be integrated into society in every aspect, including education.
Universitas Terbuka (UT) is one university that implies real inclusivity. Through open and distance learning (ODL), UT offers flexibility that supports disabled students to keep on chasing their dreams.
As a real example, Asnat Dinu Rehe, also known as Nana, is one of UT’s disabled students. She shared her experience regarding UT’s flexibility in her words.
“I chose UT due to the flexible learning system and its disabled-friendly nature. Technology assistant such as the screen reader eases my studying process.” she said.
With this facility, Nana can focus on her studies despite having physical limitations.
A similar thing is felt by Adrian, Nana’s fellow friend from UT Bandung. To him, UT does not only give access to education, but also the spirit to keep on giving despite limitations.
“I feel wholeheartedly supported at UT.” he said.
Their presence is a concrete proof that UT supports equal involvement for special needs students. With flexible online learning access, UT gives room for them to achieve and dream without being bound by time and distance. Their stories show UT’s commitment to promote inclusivity in education, supporting everyone.
UT’s commitment towards inclusivity is also shown by full scholarships for blind students since 2021. This effort gains an appreciation from the Blind Union of Indonesia (PERTUNI) on Munas X in August 2024. Vice Rector of Research, Innovation, Partnership, and Business, Rahmat Budiman, M.Hum, Ph.D. stated that UT is the university that gives unlimited access to education for all Indonesians, including disabled people.
Rector of UT, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D. emphasized that UT stays committed to provide inclusive education
“Disabled people have limitless opportunities to study at UT” he said. “We believe that every individual has potential to grow, including those with special needs. UT is home for everyone. We are committed to always create supporting services, to make disabled students feel accepted and appreciated.”
At the age of 40, UT strengthens its roles in creating inclusive education, supporting the 4th SDG in providing equal education for all. UT ensures that no one is left behind in access and inclusion, as hoped by Nana and other disabled students. With supporting services, advance assistant technology, and a will to improve, UT commits into being the main choice for disabled students pursuing higher education.
Let’s all create an inclusive, equal, and sustainable future for everyone. No one gets left behind.
