Strengthening an Inclusive Campus Mission, UNU Jogja Holds Sign Language Training for Students

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) continues to strengthen its commitment to building an inclusive campus culture. Through the Disability Services Unit (ULD), the Centre for GEDSI, and Disability Volunteers, UNU Jogja organized Sign Language Training for students every Wednesday afternoon throughout May–June 2026.

The program, officially launched on April 30, 2026, takes place in Room 307 of UNU Yogyakarta from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The training is open to all students, including students with disabilities and volunteers interested in learning inclusive communication through sign language.

Volunteer Coordinator Yuyun Apriani explained that the program aims not only to improve sign language skills but also to raise students’ awareness about the importance of disability-friendly communication within the campus environment.

“The first two sessions were attended by more than 15 participants, including students with disabilities and volunteers. The program features professional speakers as well as peer tutors from UNU Jogja students,” said Yuyun.

She added that the training was designed through several regular sessions to help participants develop more practical and sustainable sign language communication skills.

Head of the Disability Services Unit of UNU Jogja, Dr. Murdianto, described the training as a concrete step toward creating a more open and equal higher education ecosystem for all students.

“This activity is part of our effort to build an inclusive and welcoming ecosystem in campus life. UNU Jogja has affirmed itself as an inclusive campus and continues striving for the greater good in the future,” he said.

According to him, inclusive service initiatives have been pioneered by the Centre for GEDSI over the past four years and are now being further strengthened through services that are closer to the needs of students with disabilities and the wider community.

In addition to learning the basics of sign language, participants were also invited to practice direct communication in an interactive learning atmosphere. The high level of participation and enthusiasm from students reflects growing awareness of inclusivity issues in higher education. [Latifah]