A Blind Graduate's Journey: Overcoming Challenges at UMJ

Becoming a student with a disability is not an easy journey. Challenges with mobility, access to course materials, and social stigma form part of daily struggles.

However, this did not deter Qurratul Ain, affectionately known as Quin, a blind graduate of the English Education programme at the Faculty of Education (PBI FIP) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ), who has persevered despite significant limitations.

Reasons for Choosing UMJ

Quin, originally from Gunungsitoli, Nias, explained that she chose UMJ after recently becoming visually impaired. At that time, she said she had no clear picture or information about educational access for people with disabilities.

“Eventually, I began expanding my network of relationships and friendships. From there, information doors opened, and my friends helped and guided me step-by-step to register at UMJ,” she said.

Quin also noted that her family, from her parents to her great-grandmother, had been actively involved in developing Muhammadiyah in their home region. As a result, she said she was already very familiar with Muhammadiyah from childhood, having completed her kindergarten and primary education at Muhammadiyah schools.

Regarding her decision to study English Education, Quin acknowledged that the decision was a combination of courage and self-discovery as a person with visual impairment.

“If you ask why I chose English Education, honestly it’s a combination of boldness and trial and error, haha. With just a liking for English, though my abilities were very minimal at that time,” she said.

Additionally, Quin believed that the teaching profession was the most suitable and accessible career for her as a blind person.

Quin’s Journey at UMJ

When she first began studying in 2021, Quin admitted she felt fearful and overthinking, particularly because lectures were conducted online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Normal fears emerged that are generally felt by friends with disabilities: ‘Will I be accepted here?’, ‘Will I be bullied or mocked?’, and ‘Will I be able to keep up with all the course materials?’,” she said.

However, after attending lectures, she found that her concerns did not materialise as she had imagined. During her studies, Quin faced various challenges, ranging from mobility to classes, visual materials from lecturers, and course modules in image format that her screen reader could not read.

“The challenges were quite dynamic, you could say that every day of living as a blind person is a challenge in itself,” she said.

She also revealed that she had to repeatedly educate lecturers on how to present materials and assign tasks that were more accessible for blind students.

“Whether we like it or not, there is only one key: active and assertive communication. The solution is actually simple; I cannot be passive,” Quin explained.

According to her, communication became the primary bridge to overcome the various physical limitations she faced during her studies. Quin’s greatest motivation in completing her education came from awareness of her future and her family’s economic condition.

“I am aware I do not come from a wealthy family, I am aware that one day my parents will leave me forever, and I am acutely aware that education is one of the main ways to break the cycle of poverty,” she said.

She also emphasised the importance of equipping herself with intellectual abilities and social skills as a blind person. During her studies, Quin said she received substantial support from her friends and lecturers.

She noted that her friends never discriminated against her and often helped with her daily mobility. “They very often voluntarily drove me to and from my boarding house, an act of kindness that I deeply appreciate,” she said.

Additionally, Quin mentioned that the most memorable experience as an UMJ student was when she began to develop a passion for education, particularly when studying Child Development Psychology.

“Initially, I felt I had chosen the wrong programme because I was not really interested in education or becoming a teacher. But gradually, as I continued my studies, I fell in love,” she said.

Hopes and Messages

As a blind graduate, Quin hopes that UMJ will continue to increase support for disabled students by establishing a Disability Services Unit (LLD), paying attention to student accessibility needs, and helping students apply for the government’s ADIK Disabled Scholarship programme.

“If the university feels unable to fully bear the cost of tuition for disabled students independently, that is fine. However, at least please help and facilitate us in applying for the government’s ADIK Disabled Scholarship,” she hoped.

At the end of the interview, this blind graduate gave a message to other disabled students to remain determined and not give up in pursuing their education.

“Never give up. I know exactly what it feels like to study with visual impairment or other disabilities; it has its ups and downs. However, pursue what you chose from the beginning. We must not fail halfway,” she concluded.