UNAIR NEWS – Alfian Andhika Yudhistira became one of the most inspiring alumnus figures at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Airlangga. Alfian is an alumnus with vision impairment who completed his studies at UNAIR.
Currently, the socio-cultural analyst at the Directorate General of Development Acceleration of Disadvantaged Areas (Ditjen PPDT) of Villages Ministry also pursues his master’s degree in Public Administration FISIP UNAIR.
Inclusive learning at UNAIR
As one of the nation’s leading universities, UNAIR is inclusively open to everyone who wants to pursue their studies. Being the first student with vision impairment and Bidikmisi recipient, Alfian stated that he faced no significant challenges during his studies.
“There are no significant difficulties. I just had to adjust from the starting point, like introducing myself to the lecturers. In social life, it was all good,” he said.
The vision impairment did not prevent Alfian to study and graduate on time. He had his way to grasp the learning materials.
“I install a screen reader application. It helps read what’s written on the screen and what’s typed. We can still read and do anything,” he said.
His parents became his biggest motivation to strive. “I can’t pay back their priceless efforts, at least they’re happy that I have a job,” said Alfian, who loves to play musical instruments.
Writing pocketbook
His concern for people with visual impairment encouraged Alfian to write a pocketbook, Enjoy Membangun Hubungan Kerja dengan Pegawai Disabilitas Netra (Building Professional Relationships with Employees with Vision Disability). The book was written to share the detail and competence of an employee with visual impairment.
The pocketbook may provide references for institutions to create an inclusive environment, especially for people with vision impairment. He wrote the book with supporting videos regularly uploaded on his YouTube channel. The pocketbook can be accessed at http://sikapi.id/bekerja-dengan-disabilitas-netra-siapa-takuuuut/ .
Sharing messages
Alfian advised students to study properly and finish their studies well. “Being a student is not just about graduating, you have to implement the knowledge you’ve got to the community,” he said.
Furthermore, he encouraged people with vision impairment to keep making progress. “We can’t sit by doing nothing. There are a lot of opportunities. Now, it’s about the way you hone your skills, improve your competence to be qualified to get in the working opportunities,” Alfian said.
Author: Icha Nur Imami Puspita
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
