EDUFAIR Disability Expo Becomes UNESA's Commitment to Empower Inclusivity in the Industry World

Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA—The Disability Directorate of Universitas Negeri Surabaya organized Edufair 2023 with the theme "Inclusive Horizons: Bridging Abilities, Expanding Possibilities!" on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the UNESA Rectorate Field in Surabaya.

The event showcased the best talents of students with disabilities and served as a platform for interaction among various parties in the world of inclusion through various agendas such as the Launching of the Sheltered Workshop and Training Center for Disability, Disability Got Talent, Nusantara Disability MSME Bazaar, Fantasy Umbrella, Healthy Walk, and the Blind Chess Competition.

This aligns with the statement from the Head of the Committee, Diah Anggraeny, S.Pd., M.Pd., who noted that this year's event differs from previous years. The main difference is the collaboration with partner institutions. "This activity re-emphasizes that individuals with disabilities, with their various abilities, are not only mobilized but also facilitated. There are 1,500 children with disabilities from 80 schools, both special schools (SLB) and inclusive schools. Through this event, their talents are facilitated by participating in Disability Got Talent, the Fantasy Umbrella Competition, and the first National Blind Chess Competition," she explained.

This year, UNESA also opened the Sheltered Workshop and Training Center for Disability, which was launched during the event. Dr. Wagino, M.Pd., Director of Disability at UNESA, stated that the Sheltered Workshop is a sustainable innovation from UNESA intended for persons with disabilities and is located at UNESA's Campus 4 in Gedangan, Sidoarjo.

"The Sheltered Workshop we've initiated is a training institution where not only UNESA students with disabilities but also students with disabilities from other institutions can participate. It also serves as a platform for our Special Education (PLB) students to apply their knowledge," he said.

Prof. Dr. Budiyanto, M.Pd., a professor in the field of disability at UNESA's Faculty of Education (FIP), added that the establishment of the Sheltered Workshop institution will provide training from practitioners in the business and industry sectors, allowing students with disabilities to learn about real-world scenarios. "They can also obtain measurable competency certifications, especially from the Surabaya Industrial Training Center, ensuring their abilities are truly assessed and recognized," he stated. In the future, UNESA students can undertake internships and the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program at the Sheltered Workshop, which will also support UNESA's Key Performance Indicators (IKU).

Meanwhile, Junaidi Budi Prihanto, S.KM., M.KM., Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Research, Community Service, Innovation, Publication, and Ranking at UNESA, hopes that this event becomes a showcase for disability research, supporting UNESA in developing the Sheltered Workshop at Campus 4 Sidoarjo. This initiative aims to equip persons with disabilities with skills to prepare them for the workforce. "It is also expected to produce products with market value, creating an educational ecosystem that collaborates with businesses, the community, the government, and universities, thereby becoming a model for disability education in higher education," he hoped.

During the 2023 Disability Edufair, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed with several partners, including PT. Rafatex Indo Garment, PT. Kekean Primanda Indonesia, the East Java Provincial Social Services, the Surabaya Industrial Training Center, the Indonesian Footwear Association (Aprisindo) East Java, Junior Chamber International (JCI) East Java, Wismilak Foundation, and the Chairperson of the East Java DPD Indonesia Maju.

Expressions of appreciation and hope were conveyed by the partners. The Chairperson of Aprisindo East Java, Winyoto Gunawan, affirmed his commitment to involving persons with disabilities to create a more inclusive industrial work environment. Similarly, the President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) East Java, Herman Limbono, revealed that JCI continues to integrate disability equality, one of which is by providing scholarships and promoting awareness among persons with disabilities.

Anestesya Ftaraya from Wismilak Foundation expressed that the established collaboration is a commendable initiative, especially in implementing the pentahelix approach (community, academics, government, industry, and media). "We hope this event continues not just this once but becomes sustainable, because here we learn that the spirit of inclusivity is a journey across all aspects of life," she remarked.

The Chairperson of DPD Indonesia Maju East Java, Iis Hendro Gunawan, stated that UNESA is an institution highly consistent in facilitating disabilities. This has been evident since he first participated in the Walk for Autism event at UNESA in 2018, and that consistency has been maintained to this day.

From their side, they also provide the Disability Career Contact, which has become a hub for hundreds of entrepreneurs ready to employ workers with disabilities. "It turns out that many of them want to build inclusive companies. We from DPP Indonesia Maju advise persons with disabilities that disability is ability—never feel inferior about anything because we are all together and capable. Let's join hands to support our friends with disabilities," he concluded.

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Authors: Muhammad Azhar Adi Mas’ud / Nelly Najw

Editor: Rachmaddani Rizki Saputra

Photos: PR Documentation Team

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