Universitas Andalas Marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities Through Film Discussion and Screening in Support of SDG 4 and SDG 10

Universitas Andalas commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by organizing a film discussion and screening of CODA at the Convention Hall of its Limau Manis Campus on Saturday, December 3, 2022. The event is closely linked to SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities, as it highlighted the importance of creating a more inclusive learning environment and expanding equal access for students with disabilities in higher education.

The program was organized by the university’s Disability Services Unit together with the Andalas Cinematography Student Activity Unit. Students with disabilities at Universitas Andalas were also actively involved as part of the organizing committee. Carrying the theme “Caring for Disability,” the event featured Dr. Rozi Sastra Purna, Head of the Disability Services Unit of Universitas Andalas, and Yoszya Silawati, Head of the Disability and Inclusive Education Service Unit at the Education Office, as speakers in the discussion session.

According to Dr. Rozi Sastra Purna, the screening of CODA was intended to portray the life of a deaf family and the dynamics they face in education and in wider society. He explained that the screening, along with a short film on disability, was meant to teach students how to socialize and build understanding across differences. He also emphasized the importance of shared awareness in creating a conducive learning environment for both non-disabled students and students with disabilities.

In the same event, Vice Rector I of Universitas Andalas, Prof. Manysurdin, expressed appreciation for the initiative and noted that the university has been admitting students with disabilities since 2020. He stated that although at first a number of faculties were not yet ready to accept students with disabilities, by learning from earlier shortcomings, no faculty any longer refused disabled applicants as long as the type of disability was compatible with the expected learning outcomes of the study program. He also noted that Universitas Andalas had been recognized as an inclusive university in 2021 and that scholarships were available for persons with disabilities while still prioritizing academic capability.

The university also explained that the admission process for students with disabilities involves supporting documents from Universitas Andalas Hospital, an interview process, and the participation of psychologists. In addition, regulations concerning students with disabilities had already been approved, ensuring that disabled students would receive specific treatment and support from the learning process through graduation. Universitas Andalas also opened space for the provision of learning materials tailored to the needs of students with disabilities.

The event concluded with the launch of a “Disability Guidebook,” the announcement of the winners of the disability short film competition, and the screening of CODA. Taken together, the program reflected Universitas Andalas’ effort to strengthen an inclusive campus culture not only through policy and access, but also through awareness-building activities that encourage empathy, participation, and equality within academic life.