Fandy Dawenan: Promoting Inclusive Learning, Digital Literacy for People with Disabilities

Fandy Dawenan was born with congenital blindness. He is not only grateful for access to higher education, but also for the opportunity to do advocacy and knowledge sharing, particularly regarding digital literacy for children with disabilities.

Originating from Toraja, South Sulawesi, Fandy always dreamed of helping fellow blind people and those with low visions. He wants them to be able to access a better education and achieving brighter future regardless of their condition.

Fandy’s academic journey began with a segregation, attending a school for students with special needs in Papua during his elementary and junior high school years.

"I experienced an integration model as I studied in a public high school in Makassar, since there wasn’t any senior high school for special needs students in the city,” he said.

When he enrolled in Universitas 45 (now Universitas Bosowa), he was the only student with a disability. There were no facility and staff to support his learning process.

Inclusive Environment

As an active member of the Indonesian Foundation for The Blind (Pertuni) Makassar, in 2012 he was put forward to join a short course at the University of Melbourne. That opportunity sparked his interest to pursue a Masters degree in Australia.

"I decided to improve my English first. In 2016, I enrolled in ELTA. I was part of the first batch for people with disabilities," he said.

Fandy was accepted to the Master of Disability Policy and Practice at Flinders University, where he finally experienced an inclusive learning environment and disability support.

“There was an assessment to list the barriers and constraints related to the learning process. The outcome of this assessment was called Disability Action Plan. This plan was shared with all of the professors so that they would understand and assist me when I need extra time or adjustment to finish my task. All areas at the campus are accessible for disabilities." he said.

He said the education system in Indonesia should provide proper accessibility and accommodation for those with disabilities.

Digital Literacy for Blind Children

On his return, Fandy has been teaching at Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa 73 Malaingkedi in Sorong, West Papua Barat. Special education schools in Papua are currently only available in the cities of Sorong, Jayapura, and Manokwari.

"Inclusive learning is not available yet. Many children are rejected from school due to their disabilities. Meanwhile, schools for special needs students are too far away for many of them.” said Fandy, who is currently the head of Pertuni in West Papua.

He is also working on digital literacy for children with blindness, low vision, and visual impairment, so that they can operate and use computer. He has introduced them to screen reader as well.

Fandy has received an Alumni Grant Scheme for his project titled “Improving the Independence and Quality of Life of People with Vision Impairment in Sorong City and Sorong Regency, West Papua, Through Daily Life Skills Training, Orientation, and Mobility Training, and Digital Literacy Training”.

In January 2023, Fandy joined a short course in Australia to study the role of government and organisastions for people with disabilities in the implementation of policy reform for inclusive development.