Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) launched its Disability Services Unit (ULD) on November 11, 2024, at the Rev. Dr. Harun Hadiwijono Seminar Room, marking a significant milestone in its mission to create an inclusive and accessible campus for students with disabilities. The ULD is designed to provide equitable educational access, ensuring that students with disabilities can fully participate in campus life.
Dr. Fransisca Endang Lestariningsih, M.Hum., head of the Ad Hoc Committee for ULD Establishment, presented a progress report on UKDW’s phased approach to building the ULD. She noted that UKDW has completed Phase 1, which includes initial monitoring and evaluation as well as a benchmark study at Brawijaya University, to observe best practices in disability services at higher education institutions. Endang shared the ULD’s vision of inclusivity and a commitment to collaboration with various university units to ensure that students with disabilities are supported across all aspects of campus life.
UKDW Rector Dr.-Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T., formally launched the ULD with a symbolic gong strike, noting that the unit will begin full operations in January 2025. Preparations are already underway, including securing an accessible location adjacent to admissions to facilitate ease of access for both students and prospective students with disabilities. The rector shared that UKDW is actively recruiting staff and team members from across the university to build a strong foundation for the ULD. Demonstrating UKDW’s commitment to inclusivity, Wiyatiningsih also presented an official decree establishing the ULD team and pinned badges on team representatives.
The event featured a poem recitation by Rizki Nurjanah, a student in the Humanities Studies program, highlighting the need for inclusive, accessible education in Indonesia. This was followed by an address from Dr. Asep Jahidin, M.Si., Director of the Center for Disability Services at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, who spoke about the importance of fostering an inclusive campus culture. Jahidin emphasized that establishing comprehensive disability services requires a sustained commitment, noting that funding and resources for such initiatives often present challenges for institutions. He highlighted the value of UKDW’s approach, which aligns with the university’s mission of “serving the world” by responding to the specific needs of students with disabilities.
As part of its roadmap through 2029, UKDW’s ULD has outlined key initiatives, including recruitment of specialized support staff, peer mentors, and counselors, as well as modifications to campus infrastructure to enhance accessibility. The ULD is also developing standard operating procedures to guarantee quality service for students with disabilities, with a focus on new students beginning in 2025.
Inspired by the successful model at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, UKDW’s ULD prioritizes equity by addressing the unique needs of individual students, aiming to provide them with a level playing field in their academic pursuits. The inauguration of the ULD marks a crucial step forward for UKDW in building a more inclusive and disability-friendly campus environment.
Through the ULD, UKDW reaffirms its commitment to accessible, inclusive education in Indonesia, supporting students with disabilities in reaching their full potential and strengthening the university’s dedication to equitable education for all. [Vio/trans.drr]