Could you introduce yourself and share your field of study at the university?

My name is Imori Rebecca. My field of study is psychology. I completed my Bachelor’s degree at UWM, and my Master’s is a professional master’s degree at the University of August 17, Surabaya.

Could you describe your limitations?

I was born prematurely — at seven months. Because of that, I have spastic cerebral palsy, which affects my feet. Going up stairs without a handrail is difficult for me, but with a handrail I can manage.

What inspired you to pursue this field of study?

I chose psychology because I believe every aspect of life needs a psychological dimension. Psychology will never die out, because at every stage of life — whether you become a mother, a lecturer — you are always relating to other humans, and wherever there are humans, there is always psychology.

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

In terms of student organizations, I joined the Student Press and served as general treasurer. I also became a freelance committee member in the Student Executive Board and the Community Service Institution, and I was a student staff member at Widya Mandala Surabaya University.

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

I feel that UWM is very much like a family — it does not discriminate. Even though I have physical limitations, I could still fully participate in student organization activities. I was chosen as a group leader for assignments, my opinions were heard, and I was selected as student staff. I see this as concrete evidence that I was supported. I also went on to work as an HR professional, rising to HR manager in three companies. Even now, my relationship with my university in the master’s program at the University of August 17 remains strong, and I have been chosen as an external supervisor for professional psychology.

Could you share your biggest achievement and why?

I think my greatest achievement, in general, is that despite having physical limitations, I was able to study all the way to a master’s degree. This would not have been possible without the support of those closest to me — my parents, my spiritual parents, and my siblings. Beyond education, I was able to keep working in Human Resources and rise to a managerial level across three companies. I also became an assessor for several ministries in Indonesia. What makes this meaningful to me is that my abilities were rated the same as those of people without disabilities.

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

We have to be confident — first, by depending on God, having integrity, being confident, and being active. If we are not brave enough and we are not active, we cannot brand ourselves. But when we dare to be active and to socialize, people can see our quality.

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

The biggest role in my life has been played by my parents, my spiritual parents, my siblings — both physical and spiritual — and my closest friends. They all supported me and shaped me into a more confident person, more dependent on God, and able to be more active and adapt to my environment despite my limitations.

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

Regarding accessibility, because my disability involves stairs, I hope that more buildings will have handrails. In Indonesia, there are many buildings that are difficult to access — with different floor levels and no accommodations — which is especially hard for people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users. Even uneven ground with stones makes it difficult for wheelchair users and for people like me who struggle to walk.

What advice would you give to other disabled students entering higher education?

Even though you have shortcomings, you must never feel inferior. You need to be confident and believe that your true abilities are not less than those of people without disabilities — as long as you develop those abilities. Every human being has potential within them. If you were born into this world, God definitely has a purpose for your life. So stay spirited, never give up, and always be confident.