Difapedia x UMS Collaboration: The First Step Towards Inclusive Library Services

The UMS Library has been entrusted to host inclusive training programs aimed at promoting equal services for individuals with disabilities. As part of this commitment, the UMS Library and Digital Service Center organized the Intensive Inclusive Digital Difapedia Training 2024 on Saturday, (23/11/2024). This program offered specialized training for people with disabilities.

Head of the Digital Management and Service Division at the UMS Library, Hardika Dwi Hermawan, S.Pd., M.Sc (ITE), explained that the training focused on three main areas: digital marketing, content creation, and graphic design. These topics were selected to align with current developments and trends. 

“These three aspects are expected to support the creativity of disabled participants and enhance their digital skills, whether for business development or other activities relevant to the digital era,” Hardika stated on Sunday (24/11/2024).

Hardika Dwi Hermawan, S.Pd., M.Sc (ITE). 

Most of the participants in the training were individuals with physical disabilities, while others included those who were visually impaired, hearing impaired, or had intellectual disabilities.

Hardika stated that the event was a collaboration between the UMS Library, the Difapedia Indonesia Inclusion Foundation, Desamind Indonesia, and Telkom Indonesia. Similar activities had previously been conducted in two other areas: Purbalingga, Central Java, and YogyakartA.

“Difapedia requires adequate facilities and support. After assessing the UMS Library’s facilities, they considered us capable of supporting this program,” Hardika explained.

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Hardika stated that the training would not end with the classroom sessions. Following the training, the committee would appoint the most active participants from each class to serve as class leaders or motivators. The selection aims to enable active participants to create interaction within the class and inspire their peers.

“These class leaders will help engage their classmates and encourage participation. This is one way we ensure that the benefits of the training continue to be felt,” he added.

Participants will also join a two-month internship program designed to help them apply the skills they have learned.

“During the internship, we will provide guidance to monitor their progress and identify areas where further support is needed. The goal is for this training to not only enhance their skills but also address the challenges they face,” he explained

Through this program, the UMS Library strives to reflect on its existing services to create a more disability-friendly environment in the future.The library also conducted a service satisfaction survey among the participants. While the results are still under evaluation, Hardika acknowledged that some basic facilities for people with disabilities need improvement.

“Some basic services are quite helpful, but we realize there is room for improvement, such as access to disability-friendly restrooms or elevator facilities for reaching the second floor. This reflects our commitment to collaborate with the UMS Disability Services Research Center to ensure our services are truly inclusive for all users, including friends with disabilities,” he said.

Hardika hopes this training serves as the first step toward larger activities and collaborations. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of strengthening the commitment to providing inclusive services at UMS.

“We hope this training not only benefits the participants but also inspires us to continuously improve the quality of library services, especially in supporting inclusivity for friends with disabilities,” he concluded.

Writer: Fika

Translator: Rizal

Editor: Gede

Source: News UMS