Talkshow and Performances at the 2024 Disability Festival, Universitas Negeri Malang
On Tuesday, 5 November 2024, the 2024 Disability Festival (Festival Disabilitas), hosted by PLPBK LPPP Universitas Negeri Malang, provided a platform to address important issues surrounding disabilities. The event brought together individuals with disabilities, parents, teachers, and community members to raise awareness and encourage action. In addition to insightful discussions, the festival featured performances and exhibitions that highlighted the talents and creativity of individuals with special needs.
I had the honour of being the speaker for the talkshow session, where I presented on "The Role of Higher Education in Optimising the Potential of Individuals with Special Needs: Employment Transition."
During the session, we focused on the challenges of disability, employment, and the wage gap in Indonesia, particularly how higher education can serve as a key driver in improving labour market outcomes for individuals with disabilities (PwD). We also discussed the findings of Caron (2021), which explored wage disparities between PwD and individuals without disabilities (Pw/oD). The paper can be accessed here: Caron (2021) study.
The festival itself was filled with joy and enthusiasm. We were treated to a variety of performances by disability communities and schools from Malang, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. These included singing, dancing, musical instrument performances, Qur'an recitals, a fashion show, movie exhibitions, and even a coffee-making demonstration. The event beautifully highlighted the talent and creativity of individuals with special needs, reinforcing the importance of inclusion and opportunity for all.