From Barriers to Belonging: A New Framework for Disability Inclusion
What if disability inclusion wasn’t about fixing people, but fixing barriers?
The SAHABAT-ID BOND Framework helps universities move beyond good intentions towards meaningful action. It focuses on four key areas: institutional awareness, learning and teaching, assessment and adjustments, and creating a genuine sense of belonging.
At its heart is a simple question: What barriers are preventing disabled students and staff from thriving?
The BOND approach encourages institutions to:
Barriers – identify and challenge systemic barriers
Open – create safe and inclusive dialogue
Navigate – explore practical solutions
Deliver – implement change and reflect on progress
Developed from lived experiences of disabled students and staff in Indonesian higher education, the framework provides a practical roadmap for creating more inclusive universities. Because disability inclusion is not just about access. It’s about belonging.