Who Are We?
Sahabat-ID is a research project between Cardiff University (UK), Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya (Indonesia) and Edinburgh Napier (UK), and funded by the British Council through the Going Global Partnership Programme. It combines the social model of disability and art-based storytelling to explore the lived experience of disabled students and staff in Indonesia’s higher education.
The project teams involve students, educators, and advocates with and without disabilities who share one vision: to transform higher education into a more inclusive, equitable and empowering space for disabled persons.
Our Vision
At Sahabat-ID, our vision extends beyond simple physical accessibility; we strive for a fundamental shift in the culture of higher education. We envision a future where universities are not just places of study, but vibrant ecosystems where students and staff with disabilities are recognized as essential contributors to the academic community.
Our Mission
To act as active “Allies” (Sahabat) by centering the lived experiences of the community of people with disabilities through collaborative research and creative storytelling. We are committed to:
- Identifying Barriers: Collaborating with students and staff to map intersectional psycho-social, emotional, and socio-economic barriers in research and higher education.
- Amplifying Voices: Using art-based storytelling and visual narratives to provide evidence of lived realities and foster transparent dialogue.
- Driving Change: Co-producing practical toolkits, training programs, and workshops that empower individuals and drive systemic institutional reform.
Our Approach
- Step 1: Co-Research & Listening We begin by engaging directly with students and staff with disabilities to map their lived experiences. By identifying social and emotional barriers, we ensure our solutions are rooted in reality, not assumptions.
- Step 2: Collaborative Design Using art-based storytelling and workshops, we work alongside our “Sahabats” (allies) to co-produce practical toolkits and training programs designed for the unique landscape of Indonesian higher education.
- Step 3: Systemic Transformation We take our findings to institutional leaders. Our goal is to move beyond simple physical accessibility and foster a culture where individuals with disabilities are recognized as essential contributors to the academic community.
PARTNERSHIP
Our Partners
