SDG 10 – REDUCED INEQUALITIES

Reduce inequality within and among countries

SDG 10 Indicator

10.6.2 10.6.3 10.6.4 10.6.6 10.6.7 10.6.8 10.6.9

10.6 – Measures against discrimination

10.6.9 – Disability access scheme

UKM provides access schemes for people with disabilities, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity. Key initiatives include mentoring and targeted support programs, such as the Cakna OKU Carnival and the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebration, which foster awareness and networking.

To enhance physical accessibility, UKM conducted an Accessibility Audit in 2022 and appointed Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) until December 2023 to ensure compliance with MS 1184:2014 standards. Infrastructure upgrades include ramps, tactile pathways, braille in elevators, and 64 accessible toilets. UKM’s Accessibility Menu improves digital access with options like dyslexia-friendly text. Additional support includes mobile van services, accessible rooms, and designated parking areas, showcasing UKM’s dedication to creating an accessible and supportive environment.

MENTORING AND TARGETED SUPPORT PROGRAMS

UKM fosters a culture of inclusivity through mentorship and targeted programs designed to empower students and staff with disabilities.

UKM Cakna OKU Carnival

The UKM Cakna OKU Carnival, held on January 26–27, 2023, aimed to increase the knowledge and understanding of the university community, industry, and the public regarding people with disabilities. The event brought together students, staff, and external organisations to raise awareness about disability rights and support, offering networking opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Various activities and exhibitions were held to spread awareness and promote inclusivity, providing a platform for learning and engagement.

This picture shows an activity held during the UKM Cakna OKU Carnival, where individuals with disabilities were taught to use a sewing machine. The workshop provided hands-on training, empowering participants with new skills and promoting self-sufficiency in a supportive environment.

This picture shows an exhibition on using a braille typewriter, held during the UKM Cakna OKU Carnival. The exhibition provided insights into braille literacy and showcased tools that assist visually impaired individuals in reading and communication, promoting accessibility and awareness among attendees.

Introduction to the Deaf Community and Malaysian Sign Language (BIM)

This program aims to introduce participants to the Deaf community in Malaysia and provide an understanding of Malaysian Sign Language, known as Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM). It covers the cultural aspects, challenges, and experiences of the Deaf community, as well as basic skills in BIM to help foster better communication and inclusivity. The initiative seeks to raise awareness and promote understanding and respect for the Deaf community, encouraging participants to engage more inclusively with individuals who use sign language as their primary mode of communication.

This picture shows participants giving their full attention to the speaker during a presentation. The setup includes a spacious classroom with multiple screens, allowing attendees to engage closely with the content being shared, fostering an interactive and focused learning environment.

2023 UKM International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebration

This program is a collaborative effort involving the Faculty of Education UKM, the Selangor Association for Special Children (ANIS), the Disability Support and Services Unit (UPS OKU), Ibu Zain Residential College, UKM, and the UKM-Strategy Centre. It was held on December 9, 2023.

Among the highlights of the program were the OKU Career Exhibition, OKU Career Path Forum, and various exhibitions related to disability support, featuring NGOs and career institutions such as the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN), GAMUDA, Selayang Community College, SOCSO, and others. Additionally, there were sales displays showcasing products made by individuals with disabilities.

This picture shows an infographic for the 2023 UKM International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebration.

ACCESSIBILITY AUDITS

UKM conducted an Accessibility Audit between July and December 2022, focusing on compliance with the Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment (MS 1184:2014) standards. The university appointed Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) for a term from 2022 to December 2023 to audit and improve the accessibility of their respective buildings. This audit will result in a comprehensive report to ensure all university infrastructure is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

This picture shows the UKM Disabled Facility Access Audit Workshop in session, involving Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) appointed for a term from 2022 to December 2023.

This picture shows a congratulatory poster for Professor Dr. Shamsul Azhar Shah on his appointment as a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). His term as DLO runs from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. This role highlights his commitment to enhancing accessibility and supporting individuals with disabilities within the university. The poster, presented by the Faculty of Medicine at UKM, celebrates his dedication to promoting inclusivity on campus.

FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS

Accessibility Menu on UKM Official Website

UKM has enhanced its official website by upgrading the accessibility menu, making it more inclusive and user-friendly. The new accessibility features include options for dyslexia-friendly text, text spacing adjustments, contrast settings, cursor customisation, and the ability to pause animations. These improvements make it easier for people with various needs to navigate the website comfortably. The accessibility menu demonstrates UKM’s commitment to digital inclusivity, ensuring that all users, including those with disabilities, can access online information with ease.

The screenshot shows the UKM official website with the accessibility menu open. The menu displays various options, such as “Contrast,” “Bigger Text,” “Pause Animations,” and “Dyslexia Friendly,” allowing users to customise their browsing experience according to their needs.

Ramps and Tactile Pathways

UKM has ensured that ramps and tactile pathways are installed in all major facilities, including faculties such as entrances to lecture halls, libraries, administrative buildings and the main mosque, allowing wheelchair users and individuals with visual impairments to navigate the campus easily. Tactile pathways are designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate the campus independently. These pathways consist of raised surfaces that provide directional cues when felt underfoot or with a cane. These tactile guides are placed strategically around campus, leading to important areas such as entrances to buildings, key walkways, elevators, restrooms.

This picture shows ramps available for wheelchair users at Dato’ Onn Residential College, UKM.

This picture shows ramps available for wheelchair users at Chancellery, UKM to the parking lot.

This picture shows ramps available for wheelchair users at Chancellery, UKM.

This picture shows ramps available for wheelchair users at UKM Langkawi Research Center.

The images show tactile pathways available at UKM, designed to assist disabled individuals, particularly those with visual impairments, in navigating the campus safely. These tactile tiles provide a guiding path, enhancing accessibility and demonstrating UKM’s commitment to creating an inclusive, disability-friendly environment.

Elevators

UKM also provides braille especially in elevators around UKM. Braille is a tactile writing system used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It consists of raised dots arranged in specific patterns that represent letters, numbers, and punctuation.

This picture shows braille available in lift at Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), UKM.

This picture shows braille available in lift at UKM-GSB Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB), UKM.

This picture shows braille available in lift at UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), UKM.

This picture shows braille available in lift at Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) UKM Bangi.

Accessible Toilets

Apart from transportation, UKM has also provided accessible toilets for disabled people. There are 64 accessible toilets across UKM, designed according to Universal Design and Accessibility Standards (MS 1184:2014). These facilities are located in key areas such as faculty buildings, residential colleges, and the main mosque.

The toilet has features as listed below:

Outward opening/sliding door type.
1 movable grab bar and 1 fixed to the adjacent wall.
Entrance clears from the obstacle.
Lever types for all water tabs and flush handles.
Mirror above the washbasin.
Colour contrast.
Non-slippery flooring.

Toilets at UKM designed for disabled individuals, providing accessibility features to ensure a user-friendly experience for people with disabilities.

Wide and Accessible door

Many buildings at UKM have wide doorways at entrances and exits to accommodate wheelchair users or individuals with other mobility needs. These doors are typically designed to meet accessibility standards, ensuring easy passage without obstruction.

Disabled Parking Area

UKM provides 69 parking spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities, situated near main entrances to make them easily accessible. These parking areas are clearly marked and located near faculties, libraries, and other major university buildings.

Access features for parking areas as below:

Located at the nearest entrance with signage @ on the pavement.
Located at the firm and even ground.
No obstruction such as chain and cone

This picture shows disabled parking area at Institute Visual Informatics (IVI), UKM.

This picture shows disabled parking area at Health Center, UKM.

This picture shows disabled parking area at
Chancellery, UKM.

This picture shows disabled parking area at Dato’ Onn Residential College, UKM.

Accessible Room

Some residential colleges at UKM offer accessible dormitories with wide doorways, allowing wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges to move in and out of rooms comfortably. The rooms are furnished with accessible furniture designed to accommodate various types of disabilities, enabling students to use the facilities independently without assistance.

The images show accessible furniture provided in a UKM residential college dormitory, designed to accommodate students with various types of disabilities. The layout and features make it easier for students to use the facilities independently and comfortably.

Mobile Van Service

UKM offers a mobile van service managed by Disability Support and Services Unit (UPS-OKU), Registrar’s Department, specifically for staff and students with disabilities. This seven-seater van, equipped with a wheelchair lift, facilitates easy transportation for wheelchair users and provides accessible transit within UKM’s campus and the Klang Valley area. The van’s maintenance is fully handled by UKM’s Vehicle Unit under the Registrar’s Department, ensuring its reliability and readiness to serve disabled users.