Cheta Nilawaty P, Jakarta – A study from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) indicates that almost all campuses in Indonesia are not yet accessible to lecturers with disabilities. This research, conducted by Gadjah Mada University in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, England, involved a survey of 59 lecturers with disabilities from 26 public and private universities in Indonesia.
According to the study, campus buildings still have steep stairs without elevators, cramped restrooms, and multi-story buildings that are impossible to access by wheelchair. Furthermore, teaching materials are still inaccessible to lecturers with various sensory disabilities. For example, materials or applications are inaccessible to visually impaired people.
"Many lecturers with disabilities experience excessive anxiety, mood swings, and even mental fatigue," said Wuri Handayani, Head of the UGM Disability Services Unit, as reported on the official UGM website on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Wuri continued, explaining that the difficulty in accessing campus facilities often leads to lecturers with disabilities being stigmatized as lazy and unproductive. "This isn't because they're lazy, but because their energy is used up trying to overcome environmental obstacles before they can teach," he said.
Unfriendly campus conditions also hinder lecturers from meeting the targets and demands of teaching, research, and service. In the classroom, for example, lecturers with mobility or speech limitations often experience extreme anxiety when facing large classes.
Furthermore, sudden changes to lecture schedules can force lecturers with disabilities to completely overhaul their carefully prepared transportation and support plans.
"Especially if they have to participate in conferences out of town. Activities that should be a platform for publishing their work can sometimes become a nightmare, with transportation, access, and various other obstacles leading them to ultimately choose to withdraw," Wuri said.
The results of this survey were discussed in a strategic forum funded by the British Council through the Going Global Partnership 2025 scheme at the Tara Hotel in Yogyakarta for two days, February 4-5, 2026. Under the program "Shining a Light on Unheard Voices of Disabled Researchers" (SHINE), Gadjah Mada University, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, UK, held a strategic forum funded by the British Council through the Going Global Partnership 2025 scheme.
This activity served as a platform to uncover hidden facts about the obstacles faced by lecturers with disabilities in higher education institutions. At the culmination of the event, 16 lecturers with disabilities agreed to form a joint organization called the Indonesian Association of Disabled Lecturers (ADDI). ADI was formed to address the many obstacles they face.
"We hope that this association can further promote inclusive policies within the government and universities. They want to ensure adequate accommodations are provided," said Wuri.
UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Wening Udasmoro, welcomed the formation of the Indonesian Association of Disabled Lecturers. He emphasized that an institution's commitment to inclusivity should not be limited to mere slogans. There must be concrete steps taken by the campus regarding various facilities or accessibility audits.
"I sincerely hope that the recommendations from this research and workshop will not just remain documents on a desk, but will serve as a reflection for comprehensive change at universities throughout Indonesia," he said.