UNY and University of Exeter Lead Joint Initiative to Enhance Inclusivity in Higher Education

UNY and University of Exeter Lead Joint Initiative to Enhance Inclusivity in Higher Education

(IN BRIEF) A pioneering collaboration between educational experts in Indonesia and the UK aims to address disparities in support for students with disabilities in higher education. Funded by the British Academy, the project seeks to understand the impact of societal attitudes on disabled students’ access to support services and aims to develop guidance for policymakers and university leaders to foster inclusivity. Led by researchers from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) and the University of Exeter, the initiative will analyze media representations of disability and explore perceptions of disability rights and inclusion in higher education.

(PRESS RELEASE) EXETER, 13-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A collaborative effort between education specialists from Indonesia and the UK aims to revolutionize perceptions of disability, potentially reshaping the educational landscape for students with disabilities.

In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers from both nations are teaming up to explore the impact of societal attitudes on disabled students’ access to higher education support. The ultimate goal is to enhance the availability of support services for these students.

Central to this study is the firsthand input from students with disabilities and the educators who support them, providing valuable insights into their experiences.

While both Indonesia and England have seen a rise in higher education enrollment over the years, the number of students with disabilities remains disproportionately low in Indonesia, with inadequate documentation of their participation. Despite legal mandates for inclusive education, disparities persist due to inconsistent support levels and a lack of government guidelines.

In contrast, England offers financial aid and regulatory safeguards to disabled students, but support levels vary across universities.

Funded by the British Academy, the project, titled “Disability Rights and In/Equalities in Higher Education,” is a collaborative effort between Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) and the University of Exeter.

Through this initiative, researchers aim to develop and disseminate guidance for policymakers and university leaders to foster inclusivity in higher education. The project will also analyze media representations of disability and explore perceptions of disability rights and inclusion among higher education stakeholders.

Led by experts in education and disability studies, including Dr. Pujaningsih and Dr. Nur Azizah from UNY, and Dr. Lauren Stentiford and Dr. George Koutsouris from the University of Exeter, the project seeks to bridge gaps in understanding and support for disabled students.

Jessica Rourke, head of the Disability Support Service at the University of Exeter, will provide valuable input as a member of the project’s Advisory Board, facilitating data collection and contributing to project outputs.

Through collaborative research and informed policymaking, this partnership endeavors to create a more inclusive educational environment for students with disabilities, both in Indonesia and the UK.

Media Contact:

pressoffice@exeter.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Exeter