In order to build a network between universities that have inclusive services as an important step to share knowledge, strategies, and best practices, the Directorate of Educational Innovation and Development (DIPP) of Universitas Brawijaya (UB) held the formation of a “Consortium of Inclusive Higher Education” disability services involving several campuses in Indonesia, (Saturday 11/30). This is done so that inclusive education that has been implemented in various institutions can create a fair learning environment and can be accessed by all students, therefore joint communication is needed not only within the internal scope of the institution but also to build dedication to higher education in a wider scope, whether the policy makers, educators or researchers.
The formation of the consortium was carried out in a hybrid manner with the theme “Collaborative Discussions to Initiate the Establishment of an Inclusive Education Network” with 15 campus partners including the Sepuluh November Institute of Technology, Hasanuddin University, Merdeka University, Tadulako University, and Malang Islamic University. In the sharing session, each university representative was given the opportunity to convey the steps and strategies that have been taken so far to face the challenges in implementing the commitment to inclusive education so that it is hoped that a partnership agreement will be established, especially in realizing joint learning programs in the coming year. UB as one of the universities that advocates inclusive education with the Disability Service Center (PLD) has received various appreciations from stakeholders who have helped encourage disability-friendly learning programs such as the Zero Project Award for Inclusive Practices in 2020 and the CNN Award as an innovation and inclusion campus in 2024. Moreover, UB also has the Indonesian Journal of Disability Studies platform which has received international recognition.
UB is committed to actively contributing to the consortium through several approaches, namely building inclusive insights both in learning practices, especially implementing policies sustainably and providing positive impacts at the national level to Southeast Asia, initiating collaboration and research to create new experiences for inclusive lecturers, strengthening the reputation and impact of the consortium, disseminating knowledge that reaches international audiences and the process of developing human resources in the campus environment. In determining the description of the consortium, vision, mission and strategic projects, UB has invited collaborators from Malaysia, the Philippines and inclusive teaching experts, Prof. Erika Marie Pace from Salerno University, Italy and Prof. Umesh Sharma from Monash University Australia. [UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
