Could you introduce yourself and share your role at the university?

My name is Asrorul Mais. I play the role of Vice Chancellor Three, in the field of Cooperation, Planning, and Public Relations at the University PGRI Argopuro Jember.

Could you describe your limitations?

I am experiencing a physical disability. Every day I do my mobility by using a wheelchair.

What inspired you to pursue an academic career path?

For me, being an educator is the most exciting thing, because we can share knowledge, share experiences, and certainly provide motivation especially towards fellow people with disabilities.

Can you describe your experience working at the university as a person with a disability?

Working at a college as a disabled person has had its amazing challenges. The first is systemic challenges at that time, the culture of acceptance at the campus community was not very accepting of people with disabilities, especially as a lecturer. The next challenge is that a lecturer must continue to actively work, and it demands me to continue being dynamic with all my limitations. But behind all that, slowly but surely, the campus finally accepted an inclusion culture. And the second challenge the duties attached to me as a lecturer I can cope with as much as possible.

Can you share a positive moment when you felt genuinely supported or included?

The most important moment when I felt really supported was when I was trusted by my chancellor to serve as Vice Chancellor at that time for Education and Student Affairs. I felt that this trust was so precious, and so this moment had to be one I really maximized and optimized. At the same time, I proved to the whole academic community that I personally, as a person with disability, should be able to carry this trust to the fullest. And secondly, I used this momentum to encourage our campus to receive on a large scale students with disabilities. Our campus currently has 320 students with disabilities, and that number is the largest in all of Indonesia.

Could you share your biggest achievement, and why?

My greatest achievement first, I think, was when I joined a short course in Australia. That is where I learned, together with friends from all over the world, networking and how to build disability empowerment activities. From that experience, I felt that whatever knowledge I gained, I was going to maximize it and apply it in the college world where I work.

What personal strengths or strategies help you navigate challenges in university life?

I have always had the desire to be a useful person, especially for my fellow people with disabilities. And I want to continue providing motivation to my friends who have a disability that disability is not the end, but the beginning of when we must continue to move forward, for us to be successful and can be useful to others.

Who or what has played the biggest role in supporting your journey?

The first are my parents. The second is my family both my wife and children. The third is my friends in disability organizations. And the fourth is my leader as chancellor, who supports all my plans and ideas, and supports everything so that what I want can come true.

What changes would make universities more accessible and inclusive for disabled individuals?

There are two sides, I think, that determine whether a college can truly claim accessibility. The first is physical infrastructure how the campus, with its physical infrastructure, has places that are accessible and has decent accommodation. The second is social infrastructure how the entire campus community, starting from the highest leadership ranks down to peers, provides full support so that people with disabilities feel welcome and feel treated the same. And that is where the principle of equality occurs.

What advice would you give to other disabled staff pursuing an academic career?

To all my friends with disabilities, wherever you are — stay excited, reach your goals, and look to the future with optimism. Whatever challenges or difficulties you face, surely God provides a solution in your life. Believe that God is with you, and you will always be a useful person.