When Sign Language Becomes a Bridge to Earning a Degree

A smile and sign language accompanied Rizka as she entered the thesis examination room at the Faculty of Economics, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) in Solo. Beside her, a volunteer sign language interpreter helped translate every conversation during the academic process. The assistance is part of the services provided by the UNS Disability Volunteer Forum (Fordis), established to ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity to learn and complete their higher education in an inclusive campus environment. UNS, through Fordis, provides various forms of support for students with disabilities, including sign language interpretation services during lectures and academic examinations. The support is intended to create equal space for students with disabilities to demonstrate their academic abilities without being hindered by communication barriers.