The lecture was supported by the International Office, UNHAS and the Directorate of Information Technology System, UNHAS and featured two distinguished speakers: Sara Minkara, a special advisor to President Joe Biden from the United States, and Dr. Ishak Salim, Head of the UNHAS Disability Center. This public lecture was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Eng. Adi Maulana, S.T., M.Phil., Vice Rector for Partnership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Business.
Prof. Adi Maulana, expressed the university's commitment to becoming an inclusive campus. The event brought together students, activists, and esteemed speakers to promote inclusivity and champion the rights of persons with disabilities on a global scale. Clint Shoemake, Deputy Chief of Political and Economic Section at the U.S. Consulate General Surabaya, also delivered a welcoming speech during the event.
Minkara discussed the negative effects of disability stigma and emphasized the need for greater awareness and understanding of disability issues.
Meanwhile, Salim shared his inspiring journey as an activist in the disability movement and discussed inclusive policy development in Indonesia. The lecture was moderated by Muhammad Ridwan, M.A., Secretary of the International Office.
The seminar provided sign language interpreters and was attended by students with disabilities from UNHAS and other universities.
Overall, the public lecture served as an important platform to raise awareness about disability rights and foster greater inclusivity on both a national and international level. It highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding towards disability issues and inspired positive change among all attendees.
