On Monday (23/09), the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI) and the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic (PSA) collaborated to hold a Sign Language Workshop with the theme “I Can Hear with My Eyes” in the Nusantara Room, 4th Floor of the Department of Industrial Engineering. This event aims to introduce Sign Language communication to FTUI lecturers and students as an effort to expand their horizons about social inclusion and communication for students with special needs.
In this workshop, participants were introduced to basic material regarding the use of Indonesian Sign Language (SIBI), including demonstrations of alphabetic letters, numbers, and several other forms of sign communication. In addition, participants were invited to demonstrate sign language through a song titled Sahabat. This makes the classroom atmosphere interactive because of the enthusiasm of the participants to understand sign language. Workshop participants were very enthusiastic in participating in the event.
Prof. Ir. Dr. T Yuri M Zagloel, as the Head of the DTI FTUI Manufacturing Systems Laboratory in his speech said, “I would like to give the highest appreciation to all parties involved in the implementation of this workshop. The theme “I Can Hear With My Eyes” is very inspiring and makes us aware of the importance of equal access for all individuals in obtaining education. It is hoped that in the future there will be more integrated sign language teaching, so that it can create a more inclusive academic environment”.
Furthermore, at the end of the session, Prof. Ir. Dr. T Yuri M Zagloel as a representative of DTI FTUI together with Puan Zainah Binti Rujihan a representative of PSA signed a LoA (Letter of Agreement) to explore cooperation opportunities, especially in the fields of research, technological innovation, and student mobility to be able to collaborate between universities.
“In the future, we hope that the cooperation between FTUI and PSA will continue to grow and bring greater benefits to both institutions. I am optimistic that this close collaboration will open up new opportunities in the fields of education, innovation, and research, as well as support the creation of a more inclusive academic society, so that it can contribute not only to the institution, but also to the wider community and the country,” said Puan Zainah Binti Rujihan, Director of PSA.
The Dean of FTUI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU. said, “The collaboration between FTUI and Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic through this sign language workshop is an important step in expanding access to inclusive education. We are committed to continuing to encourage innovation in learning that accommodates all groups, including people with disabilities. Through this program, we hope to make a real contribution to creating a more inclusive and sustainable educational environment, while raising awareness of the importance of equal communication in various sectors of life.”
The LoA signing ceremony was also witnessed by representatives from researchers from DTI FTUI, namely, Ir. Fauzia Dianawati, M.Si., Dr. Inaki Maulida Hakim, S.T., Mt., Early Lula Afif, S.T., M.T., and Ir. Dendi P. Ishak, MSIE., Ph.D. as well as DTI FTUI students of the 2021-2022 batch. Meanwhile, the PSA consisted of the Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, Deputy Director of Academic Support, Heads of Departments and lecturers of Mechanical Engineering as well as deaf students from the Special Certificate Program in Mechanical Maintenance and the JKM Student Representative Committee (JPP).
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
