KONEKSI is committed to disability inclusion. The Accessibility Audit Collaboration Workshop showcased KONEKSI’s strong commitment to fostering inclusivity and raising awareness about disability rights. Held on Wednesday, 13 September 2023, this event brought together leaders from Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) to engage with KONEKSI staff on the principles of disability inclusion, demonstrating what the principle of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ means in practice. This workshop also introduced and applied concepts of reasonable accommodation and universal design principles to ensure that no one is left behind.
Nothing About Us Without Us
The principle reinforces the idea that persons with disabilities play a leading role in shaping policies and initiatives that directly impact their lives. Moderating the workshop, Cucu Saidah, KONEKSI Disability Adviser and a wheelchair user, highlighted how society and policy often operates under the ableist assumption that being physically “whole” is the norm, dismissing the experiences and needs of those with disabilities. The workshop challenged these assumptions bringing together individuals with different disabilities to share their valuable experiences and insights.
Namira Zania, a Gigi Art of Dance Company dancer, model, and Himpunan Wanita Disabilitas Indonesia (HWDI) member, eloquently expressed the importance of recognising that people with down syndrome, like herself, are unique individuals with strengths and specific support requirements. She identified simple language and direct communication as crucial aspects of interaction etiquette when engaging with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Correspondingly, Mahretta Maha, Perkumpulan Tunanetra Kristiani Indonesia (PETKI), highlighted the diversity within the visually impaired community, distinguishing between total blindness and low vision. She emphasised the importance of asking individuals with visual impairments about their specific needs and preferences to facilitate their comfort and independence. Using white canes or relying on other senses, visually impaired individuals navigate the world differently and deserve respect and consideration.
From being born with hearing abilities to losing them at a young age, Tri Erwinsyah Putra from Gerakan untuk Kesejahteraan Tunarungu Indonesia (GERKATIN) shared his journey. Erwin emphasised the importance of recognising that deafness is not a medical condition to be “fixed” but an aspect of identity. He discussed the challenges he faced in communication and the importance of embracing sign language as an integral part of deaf culture. Sign language, including SIBI and BISINDO, is a vital means of communication and cultural expression within the deaf community. The workshop highlighted the need for increased awareness of deaf culture, including non-verbal communication cues and etiquette.
One of the key takeaways from the session was the recognition that disabilities are not always visible. Ati Maulin, who goes by ‘Ulin’, a dedicated member of HWDI, shed light on the difficulties that a person with mental disabilities must overcome. “Recognising these conditions (mental disabilities) can be quite challenging, often requiring a deep understanding of the individual over time or the person voluntarily sharing their experiences,” she said. Ulin stressed the importance of treating individuals with mental disabilities with respect and dignity, refraining from derogatory terms, and focusing on support and understanding rather than judgment.
Accessibility Audit and Universal Design
The purpose of the workshop was the collaborative accessibility audit of the new KONEKSI office, and aimed to identify areas for improvement to make the workspace more inclusive. Participants were divided into four groups, each focusing on different areas of the KONEKSI office. This participatory activity encouraged interaction among participants with diverse backgrounds and promote a comprehensive understanding of accessibility challenges.
Universal design, a concept that advocates for creating environments and products usable by everyone without special adaptations, was discussed extensively. Cucu Saidah outlined the seven principles of universal design, emphasising that it accommodates all users regardless of age, disability, gender, or background. The design’s simplicity, ease of use, provision of important supporting information, tolerance for errors, efficiency, and comfort were highlighted as essential attributes.
Cucu further highlighted the significance of accessibility. Four key principles were highlighted as reasons why accessibility is essential: convenience, usability, safety, and independence. Concurrently, the workshop explored into the crucial concept of reasonable accommodation, which entails adjusting to an individual’s unique requirements, thereby ensuring equitable opportunities. The distinction was made that while accessibility is a permanent requirement, reasonable accommodation is tailored to individual needs and may include considerations beyond physical facilities.
Universal design, reasonable accommodation, and an understanding of the evolving concept of disability were highlighted as crucial components of fostering inclusivity. “Accessibility is not merely a matter of compliance with regulations but a reflection of a society that values the rights and dignity of all its members,” Cucu concluded.
Moving forward, KONEKSI and its partners, including advocacy organisations and individuals with disabilities, is committed to supporting initiatives aimed at advancing accessibility and championing disability rights within both workplaces and research projects. This workshop showcased the importance of Nothing About Us, Without Us; by actively seeking out lived experience from a range of disabilities to inform our policies and practices.