Impact of Inclusion on Social and Wellbeing Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
As we all know, inclusion means to involve or engage. In education, inclusion can be interpreted as including or integrating all people regardless of their background or other aspects. In Indonesia, there is a law that regulates educational rights, namely Article 31 Paragraph (1) of the Law on Education Rights, which states that “Every citizen has the right to education,” supported by Law No. 8 of 2016, which “Guarantees the right to quality inclusive education forpersons with disabilities.” These laws explain that every human being has the right to equality in all matters, including education, social environment, and community welfare.
The impact of inclusion on the social and welfare aspects of students with disabilities in Indonesia has shown positive results. The Indonesian government provides equal access to education by requiring all schools to accept students with disabilities, which can have a positive impact on equal education for all. The public's views on individuals with disabilities are diverse and varied, but most Indonesians have an open mind and understanding and are becoming aware of human rights and the view that every human being has the right to a good life and equal, there is no difference between perfect, imperfect, or flawed, because fundamentally we are all equal in the eyes of God.
Inclusion provides more opportunities and space for individuals with disabilities. Inclusion has a positive impact in the form of social acceptance and well-being in community life. However, its implementation still faces challenges in the form of negative stigma. Discrimination (bullying or harassment), condescending treatment, and unequal access to education in each region are still prevalent and pose their own challenges. Some people—a small minority—still have outdated mindsets and lack awareness. Of course, it is not easy to raise awareness among these people, but that does not mean it is impossible. In this day and age, many people, especially students, are aware and educated about the importance of human rights in Indonesia. Government participation and support from the community are very much needed in the social and welfare aspects of students or individuals with disabilities because this can make them feel valued and recognized, so that they can be more confident and show the wider community that they also deserve to be recognized.
The view that Indonesian society has little awareness of individuals or students with disabilities is slowly beginning to change. Nowadays, more and more people, especially young people, are raising awareness among the wider community. This awareness-raising is carried out by taking advantage of technological developments, namely through social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and others. Nowadays, there are manyinfluencers, artists, Instagram celebrities, and content creators who speak out also disseminating information to a wide audience through online, mass media, or social media about inclusion and social impact, and the welfare of individuals with disabilities is improving. With the rise of inclusivity and community participation, it is hoped that a more tangible and improved Indonesia Inklusi can be realized.
By: Novi Fanayla Kholifatul Ummah 24010044008
