Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) reaffirms its commitment as a pioneer in inclusive education and gender equality at the global level. Dr. Nur Azizah, Ph.D., a lecturer in the Special Education Study Program at the Faculty of Education, served as a speaker at the Workshop on Lifelong Learning and Inclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities, part of The 5th Asia Pacific Pre-Congress IASSIDD 2025 held in Singapore.

This event, initiated by the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD), brought together experts in inclusive education from various countries. Other speakers included Prof. Dr. Mary-Ann O’Donovan and Prof. Vivienne Riches from The University of Sydney (Australia), Dr. Vimallan Manokara and Ms. Loh Huey Ching from MINDS Singapore, Dr. Hasrul Hossan from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Malaysia), and Elga Andriana from Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia).

The international workshop highlighted the importance of lifelong learning as a fundamental right for every individual—including those with intellectual disabilities—to develop their potential, enhance independence, and actively participate in social life. Participants from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia discussed policies, pedagogical approaches, and collaborative strategies to create truly inclusive education systems.

Dr. Nur Azizah emphasized, “Lifelong education must be viewed as an instrument of equality, both for individuals with disabilities and for women who have faced dual barriers in educational spaces. The principles of co-design and lived experience are key to ensuring that every program is genuinely responsive to real needs.”

This workshop underscores UNY’s commitment to advancing inclusive education globally, fostering collaboration among international institutions, and promoting policies that support the rights and participation of individuals with disabilities.