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

Hello everyone, my name is Melania Safirista Sofiarti. I am a disabled pastoral catechist in the Surabaya Diocese, and I also help teach as a lecturer in public courses Social Ethics and Religious courses. I also help in the UKWMS Disability Service Unit.

Could you describe your limitations?

I have a specific learning disorder, namely Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and a comorbid condition. This is a disability that doesn’t always seem visible. When I work on a paper, there are a lot of typos because personally, until now I still have trouble using certain words, knowing when they should be written separately or combined. Another example is sentences containing the letter combination NG. I often overcome this by rereading or taking notes.

What inspired you to pursue an academic career path?

I come from an academic family. My father is a teacher, my eldest brother is also a lecturer, and I am the fifth of five children. My other siblings are also involved in the field of education, they have completed their studies well and have written works too. That is what supported me to reach this point.

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

What I am most concerned about is not how I teach, but how I take attendance properly  that is what becomes my greatest concern, and for me it is very difficult. The second issue is that it has happened before where I input a grade at the wrong number for instance, a grade that should be at number 20 was entered at number 21, switched with the one above it. But thankfully, my students are willing to confirm and communicate with me about it.

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

In the church environment, I am often involved by the people above me, seniors  and though it wasn’t many instances, those are the things I think strengthened me, made me confident, and helped me believe that I can. On top of that, I was given the opportunity to teach at Widya Mandala Surabaya, I was trusted, and my fellow lecturers also supported me fully.

Could you share your biggest achievement, and why?

There are two things for me. First, while working in disabled pastoral ministry, I got to learn about the world of disabilities, and it made me grow. For me, that knowledge made me truly aware of the disability world. Second, in terms of academics, I am grateful that I was able to complete my master’s degree with good grades. I also made new friends, and in the process I met amazing people who, with humility, accepted me and exchanged knowledge with each other.

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

I always ask about things I don’t understand during lessons in college, I go directly to the lecturer. As for challenges related to my disability, since technology is sophisticated now, when there are tasks in the form of papers I upload them to Google Drive where there will be an auto-correct function, and from there I can review and research more carefully.

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

First of all, I rely on God, who always protects me and I always return to Him when something happens that makes me sad or restless. Next are my parents, who are always present and supportive at any time. And of course, my supportive husband since I arrived in Surabaya until we got married, he has always been supportive and helps with things that I don’t understand.

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

First, foster a sense of awareness among educators, and then the willingness to learn about the world of disability and how inclusivity can happen at the university so that all lecturers can become information disseminators in the world of education. Second, I hope there is some kind of socialization about disability so that students also become accustomed to it. And the last one when everything is ready, it is also necessary to have an assessment when accepting new students.

What advice would you give to other disabled staff pursuing an academic career? (00:06:11 – 00:06:48)

For friends who may be looking for a job keep the spirit. And for those who are already working give your best. When there are obstacles, don’t be shy and don’t be afraid. Find good friends for your development. Starting from ourselves, friends with disabilities should not just wait we also have to move, so that we can lift ourselves up and make our existence known, so that more and more people become aware of disability.