The concept of inclusivity does not stop at providing support facilities; it also encompasses a culture of interaction that respects individual choices, personal space, and independence.
An inclusive campus is built not only through physical facilities but also through healthy social relationships that are respectful and equal. This is the principle the Hasanuddin University Disability Center (Pusdis Unhas) continues to strengthen through a meeting of students with disabilities and volunteers, combined with outreach on assistance etiquette and the filling of the Competency Strengthening Course (MKPK).
The event is part of an effort to build an accessible learning ecosystem, in which students with disabilities receive support without losing their independence, while volunteers come with a proper understanding of the role of assistance.
Head of Pusdis Unhas Dr. Ishak Salim, S.IP., M.A explained that inclusive education places all students on an equal footing in obtaining their right to learn.
“Unhas is committed to ensuring that every student, including students with disabilities, gets equal, dignified, and inclusive access to education. Volunteers are present not only as technical assistants but also as part of an inclusion ecosystem of mutual understanding and respect,” said Ishak.
The concept of inclusivity does not stop at providing support facilities; it also encompasses a culture of interaction that respects individual choices, personal space, and independence.
This approach is in line with the principles of modern education, which places students as the main subjects of learning. For students with disabilities, ideal assistance does not mean taking over but opening access so that they can carry out academic activities independently.
Through its Service and Mediation Division, Pusdis Unhas designed this forum as a meeting space for students with disabilities and volunteers so that communication is healthier and misunderstandings are minimized. Division Coordinator Andi Nur Lela said equal relationships are an important foundation of an inclusive campus.
“The main goal of this event is to strengthen ties and build better communication. We want there to be no more barriers between volunteers and students with disabilities, and instead to build equal relationships with mutual understanding,” explained Nur Lela.
Nur Lela added that many problems in assistance arise not from a lack of willingness to help but from a limited understanding of boundaries and the etiquette of interaction.
“We want everyone to understand the boundaries, the etiquette, and what may and may not be done in the process of assistance. This is important so that the interaction built continues to respect the independence of students with disabilities,” Nur Lela added.
Besides assistance etiquette, the forum also discussed the filling of the Competency Strengthening Course (MKPK) so that students with disabilities and volunteers share the same understanding of the academic process they are going through.
“We see that both students with disabilities and volunteers need an understanding of the MKPK. Therefore, volunteers must also be equipped to provide the right assistance,” said Lela.
Simple things such as asking permission before helping, offering support politely, and saying thank you are considered important parts of building a healthy and respectful relationship.
Participants’ enthusiasm was evident throughout the event. The discussion was lively, with students with disabilities and volunteers sharing experiences, challenges, and hopes for a better assistance system.
One of Pusdis Unhas’s new volunteers, Wulan, said that a new perspective was gained after taking part in the event.
“I hope that in the future volunteers and students with disabilities can become even closer. With an understanding of boundaries, we know better how to behave and can build better relationships,” said Wulan.
Meanwhile, Wafiq Sarah Azizah, a student with a physical disability from the Agribusiness Study Program, said forums like this are important for strengthening closeness while reducing misunderstandings.
“This event is a place to bring each other closer. I hope that in the future volunteers and students with disabilities will be even closer and there will be no more misunderstandings,” said Wafiq.
Wafiq hopes the assistance provided will continue to develop so that all students with disabilities gain equal rights in the course of their studies.
The event took place at the Pusdis Unhas Office on Saturday, 11 April 2026, from 08:00 to 15:00 WITA (Central Indonesia Time). It began with a presentation on volunteer duties by Agum Truanto Gunawan, followed by a discussion on assistance etiquette and technical outreach on filling the MKPK by Sheila. Through this forum, Pusdis Unhas continues to strengthen a campus culture that is inclusive, accessible, and equal for all. (*/dhs)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.