UNU Jogja Disability Services Unit Becomes Benchmark for UIN Suska Riau Research Team

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Disability Services Unit (ULD) of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) welcomed a research team from the Center for Gender and Child Studies (PSGA) of Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sultan Syarif Kasim (Suska) Riau on Thursday, July 23. The visit was part of a field study on the implementation of disability services and inclusive education at several universities across Java.

The research team, led by Dr. Nurhasanah Bakhtiar, conducted a study on disability service practices at several higher education institutions, including the Disability Services Unit (ULD) of UNU Jogja, the Center for Disability Services (PLD) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, the Disability Services Unit (ULD) of Universitas Brawijaya, and the Center for Gender and Disability Studies (PSGDA) of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. The study aims to gain insights into the management of Disability Services Units as a reference for developing similar services at UIN Suska Riau. 

Dr. Nurhasanah Bakhtiar explained that UIN Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau has recently established its own Disability Services Unit. Therefore, the university is conducting a comparative study to learn from best practices in inclusive education implemented by other higher education institutions.

"UIN Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau has recently established a Disability Services Unit and is currently studying inclusive education and disability service practices at several universities, including UNU Jogja," she said.

During the visit, the research team conducted interviews and discussions with the management of UNU Jogja's Disability Services Unit, the Centre for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), the Coordinator of Student Disability Volunteers, the Sign Language Program Coordinator, and students with disabilities.

Head of the Disability Services Unit at UNU Jogja, Dr. Murdianto, said that the research team focused on the development of disability services at the university, including various forms of academic support provided to students with disabilities.

"The UIN Suska team studied the development of UNU Jogja's Disability Services Unit, including student support services and how visually impaired students utilize assistive technologies in learning and examinations," Murdianto explained.

He added that UNU Jogja continues to expand its services to ensure that students with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in academic activities. The services are tailored to individual needs, enabling students to engage fully in the learning process.

According to Murdianto, the Disability Services Unit regularly provides reasonable accommodation assessments, mentoring services, policy advocacy, sign language classes, counseling, and continuous efforts to strengthen an inclusive support ecosystem for students with disabilities.

"We regularly provide reasonable accommodation assessments, mentoring services, policy advocacy, sign language classes, counseling, and continuously strengthen the inclusive support ecosystem for students with disabilities," he said.

The visit reflects growing recognition of UNU Jogja's best practices in promoting inclusive higher education. Through its Disability Services Unit and the support of GEDSI, the university remains committed to providing disability-friendly services while strengthening collaboration with higher education institutions to ensure equal access to quality education for all. [Latifah]