UPI and UNAIR Inclusion Diffusion Centers Discuss Inclusive Education in Inspirational Benchmarking
AIL NEWS - Bandung, November 8, 2024 – Indonesia University of Education (UPI) welcomed a visit from the Directorate of Education and the Airlangga Inclusive Learning (AIL) Team, Airlangga University (UNAIR) Surabaya in an Inclusive Education Benchmarking event. The event, which took place at the Inclusion Diffusion Center, Indonesia University of Education (UPI) Bandung, aimed to strengthen collaboration in the development of inclusive education in Indonesia.
The event was attended by representatives from UNAIR, including Dr. Fitri Mutia, A.KS., M.Si., as Chair of AIL, and Indah Rachma Cahyani, S.IIP., M.A., from AIL Public Relations. Meanwhile, UPI presented a number of experts, such as Dr. Yuyus Suherman, M.Si., Chair of the Center for Inclusion Diffusion, and Dr. dr. Riksma Nurahmi Rinalti Akhlan, M.Pd., Head of the Special Education Undergraduate Program. The discussion was productive, discussing strategies for implementing sustainable inclusive education.
Photo: Presentation of plaque by Syahrur Marta Dwi Susilo, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., representative of the Directorate of Education, Airlangga University.
UPI shared its experiences related to its special education program, which has been running for 48 years. Currently, UPI supports 43 students with special needs (MBK) with various facilities, such as assistive technology for visual impairments, special typewriters, and other learning devices. In addition, UPI also provides comprehensive mentoring programs and parent forums to support the academic success of students.
Photo: On-site visit to several rooms at the Inclusion Diffusion Center, which is innovative, accessible, and responsive to students and the community.
Dr. Yuyus Suherman explained, “We instill values of inclusion such as respect, community, and responsibility, which form the basis of interaction on campus.”
UNAIR appreciates UPI's approach and recommends strengthening the mentoring program and improving facilities to support inclusive education on campus. In addition, the results of this comparative study highlight the need to improve the physical accessibility of the campus and volunteer training to raise awareness among the academic community. Technologies such as speech-to-text are also proposed to better support students with learning difficulties.
This activity provides valuable insights for both institutions in developing inclusive education. “This kind of collaboration opens up great opportunities for the development of a more inclusive curriculum in Indonesia,” said Dr. Fitri Mutia.
Group photo from the UPI and UNAIR Inclusion Diffusion Center
This benchmarking is a concrete step toward strengthening the inclusive education system at the university level. With the various recommendations produced, UNAIR and UPI hope to create a more inclusive campus environment that empowers all students without exception.
Author: Rozi
Editor : Rozi
