EduAsiaNews, Surakarta – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has once again organized its Basic Sign Language Training as part of its commitment to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming academic environment for all members of the university community.
The training program was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni of UNS, Prof. Ir. Dody Ariawan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPU, at Meeting Room 4, dr. Prakosa Building, UNS, on Monday, July 6, 2026. Prof. Dody explained that the program is an annual initiative that was previously organized by the Disability Studies Center (PSD) under the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) UNS from 2022 to 2025 in collaboration with the Central Java branch of the Indonesian Sign Language Center (PUSBISINDO).
Following the issuance of UNS Rector’s Decree No. 14 of 2025, responsibility for organizing the training has been transferred to the Disability Services Section under the Subdirectorate of Counseling and Student Services, Directorate of Student Affairs, UNS. Nevertheless, the strategic partnership with PUSBISINDO Central Java continues as part of a collaborative effort to strengthen disability support services across the university.
Prof. Dody emphasized that the collaboration between UNS and PUSBISINDO Central Java represents a tangible manifestation of the university’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities and services for all members of its academic community.
“The collaboration between UNS and PUSBISINDO Central Java is a concrete demonstration of UNS’s commitment to creating an inclusive campus that provides fair and equal opportunities and services for everyone. As the university leadership, we will continue to ensure the implementation of this commitment so that a culture of inclusion becomes deeply rooted within our campus community,” Prof. Dody stated.
The training has become increasingly relevant as UNS is currently home to 116 students with disabilities representing various accessibility needs. Of these, 57 are Deaf students enrolled across different faculties and study programs. This situation underscores that proficiency in sign language is no longer merely an additional skill, but a practical necessity for facilitating effective communication and creating an equitable, inclusive, and accessible academic environment.
This year’s Basic Sign Language Training is attended by 40 participants divided into two classes: one consisting of 20 lecturers, administrative staff, and security personnel, and another comprising 20 students. All participants were selected through a screening process, with priority given to study programs enrolling Deaf students and integrated service units that interact directly with them.
To ensure meaningful learning outcomes, all participants are required to attend 11 training sessions and complete one final examination. Those who successfully fulfill all program requirements will receive a certificate recognizing their competency and commitment to supporting UNS’s vision of becoming a more inclusive university.
Furthermore, the participation of lecturers, administrative personnel, security officers, and students demonstrates that building an inclusive campus is a shared responsibility. Through this program, participants are expected not only to acquire fundamental sign language skills but also to develop a broader understanding of the importance of embracing diversity, fostering inclusive communication, and strengthening a culture of mutual respect in everyday campus life.
“Through the continuous implementation of the Basic Sign Language Training, UNS is steadily advancing toward becoming a more inclusive and accessible university that provides equal opportunities for all students to learn, grow, and excel without barriers,” Prof. Dody concluded.
Meanwhile, Danang Tomi Harjanto, S.Sos., Secretary to the Director of the Directorate of Student Affairs at UNS, explained that sign language is an essential means of communication in supporting academic activities, administrative services, and social interactions for Deaf students on campus. Therefore, improving the sign language proficiency of members of the university community represents one of the university’s strategic efforts to establish a more inclusive learning environment.
“Through this Basic Sign Language Training, we hope participants will master fundamental sign language skills and be able to apply them in both academic activities and campus services. We also hope the program will foster more effective communication between students with disabilities and the broader university community, making it a concrete step toward strengthening the implementation of an inclusive campus at UNS,” Danang said.
