10.6 – Measures against discrimination

10.6.9 – Disability Access Scheme

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) provides access schemes for people with disabilities. Key initiatives include targeted support programs like career development opportunities. For example, on June 12, 2024, UKM partnered with Allianz Malaysia for the “Career Talk “Enhancing Capabilities with Allianz Malaysia”,” offering work placements and recruiter insights. Other programs like the World OKU Day Celebration and Hear Me’s Got Talent 2024 (HMGT24) which are aimed to showcase the talents of individuals with hearing impairments while promoting inclusivity and community support. 

To enhance accessibility, UKM are ensured to comply 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 dyslexia-friendly text, while mobile van services, accessible rooms, and designated parking areas further support inclusivity.

Summary of the support services for people with disabilities

No	Schemes
1	Mentoring And Targeted Support Programs i. Career Talk “Enhancing Capabilities with Allianz Malaysia” ii. World OKU Day Celebration 2024 – “The Well-being of Persons with Disabilities as the Core of Malaysia Madani” iii. Student Talk on Mental Well-Being: From the Perspective of Society and Persons with Disabilities (OKU) iv. Inklufest Carnival v. Hear Me’s Got Talent 2024 (HMGT24)
2	Facilities Improvements  i. Ramps and Tactile Pathways ii. Elevators iii. Accessible Toilets iv. Wide and Accessible door v. Disabled Parking Area vi. Accessible Room
3	Accessibility For People With Disabilities i. Accessibility Menu on UKM Official Website ii. Mobile Van Service iii. Library services for persons with disabilities

1. Mentoring And Targeted Support Programs

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

i. Career Talk “Enhancing Capabilities with Allianz Malaysia”

12 June 2024, the Career Talk “Enhancing Capabilities with Allianz Malaysia” program was organized by UPS-OKU in collaboration with the Students with Disabilities Secretariat (SMAKU). The target group for this program was final-year students with a total of 20 individuals (students with disabilities) participating in this program.. The main objective of the program is to provide exposure to career pathways for students with disabilities and to open employment opportunities for students with disabilities who are about to graduate.The program received a positive response from the UKM disabled community. Program activities included a career forum for students with disabilities at Allianz Bank and a sharing session by staff with disabilities from Allianz Bank.

Source: www.facebook.com/share/p/15rFBnSPZ1

ii. World OKU Day Celebration 2024 – “The Well-being of Persons with Disabilities as the Core of Malaysia Madani”

Bangi, 14 December 2024 – The 2024 World OKU Day Celebration at the Faculty of Education, UKM, took place today at the Dewan Budiman, Faculty of Education. This program was organized by the Centre for the Study of Education and Community Well-being.Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, especially the Faculty of Education, has shown a high commitment in providing inclusive and quality education for all.

Inclusive education not only opens up opportunities for disabled students to develop their potential, but also forms a society that better understands and respects diversity”

This celebration also presents a variety of interesting activities such as a discussion forum featuring an expert and experienced guest panel, singing and hand coding performances and food truck exhibitions.

Source: www.facebook.com/share/p/15hydFk9hV

iii. Student Talk on Mental Well-Being: From the Perspective of Society and Persons with Disabilities (OKU)

1 June 2024, UKM Cakna OKU Club UKM collaborated to successfully organize a program titled “Student Talk on Mental Well-Being: From the Perspective of Society and Persons with Disabilities (OKU)”, which was held online via Microsoft Teams. This program aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues from the perspective of OKU and society.

Two invited panelists joined the session to share their valuable insights and expertise in their respective fields on the topic discussed. The first panelist, Dr. Aizan Sofia Amin, shared her expertise in the field of disability studies, while the second panelist, Mr. Tan Yao Xiong, a Psychologist at the UKM Counseling Unit, provided his insights on mental health.

Source: www.facebook.com/share/p/1BQ3xMihfn

iv. Inklufest Carnival

29 May 2024, The Inklufest Carnival, with the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Empowering Inclusivity,” organized by third-year students from the Faculty of Education at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), was successfully held. The purpose of this program was to raise awareness among university students and the local community about persons with disabilities (OKU). The event featured various interesting activities, including a forum, an exhibition of teaching aids, and exploration activities. The program was officiated by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Roslee Rajikan, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and Corporate Development). The carnival is hoped to serve as a platform to empower OKU inclusivity in society, provide new perspectives, and inspire a spirit of contribution towards building an inclusive community. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers involved in making this carnival a success. It is hoped that all participants gained a positive impact throughout their involvement in the carnival. We look forward to collaborating again in future programs.

Source: www.facebook.com/share/p/19LK6aLyNH

v. Hear Me’s Got Talent 2024 (HMGT24)

On 18 May 2024, the UKM Cakna OKU Club, together with students from the Faculty of Health Sciences specializing in Speech Therapy and Audiology, as well as the OKU Awareness Volunteer Club, participated as volunteers in the Hear Me’s Got Talent 2024 (HMGT24) program organized by Hear Me Malaysia. This collaborative event aimed to showcase the talents of individuals with hearing impairments while promoting inclusivity and community support. Through various stage performances, participants were given the opportunity to express their creativity and build confidence, while volunteers gained valuable experience in communication, empathy, and service to the special needs community. The strong cooperation between UKM students, Hear Me Malaysia, and parents contributed to the program’s success and strengthened awareness of the abilities and rights of individuals with disabilities. This initiative created a positive social impact by fostering inclusivity, promoting equality, and empowering persons with hearing impairments — directly supporting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. 

Source: 
www.facebook.com/share/p/14f7sLfxQt
www.facebook.com/share/v/15YmU2star

2. Facilities Improvements 

i. 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.

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.

ii. 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.

iii. 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.

iv. 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.

v. 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

vi. 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.

3. Accessibility For People With Disabilities

i. 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.

ii. 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.

iii. Library services for persons with disabilities

UKM also provides access to the library, Tun Seri Lanang Library (PTSL) for disabled people such as :

• Disabled toilets on level 4 for convenience and freedom of mobility.
• The disabled prayer room on level 3 ensures comfort during worship.
• The Carrel Room is specially designed to meet the needs of our customers.
• The disabled room is equipped with equipment that facilitates movement.
• Discussion rooms, quiet spaces, and more to connect and exchange knowledge.

More information about the services provided can be found at link:

The Tun Seri Lanang Library (PTSL) UKM offers dedicated library services for persons with disabilities (OKU) to ensure equitable access to academic resources as shown in Figure 1.19.16, . These services include assistance in book searches, led by Cik Noor Farhana Mohd Saleh from the Customer Service Unit, and article search support provided by En. Mohd Syamrooz Kamil Mhd Redza from the Education Services Unit. Additionally, the library offers customized information packages through Cik Mariati Embong and Pn. Mariatul Qibtiah Isa from the Research Support Unit. To further support OKU students, a reader volunteer program is coordinated by Pn. Nik Salimah Nik Abdullah and Pn. Amirah Hafzan Ismail, who acts as Disability Liaison Officers. These volunteers assist visually impaired users by reading materials aloud or providing verbal explanations. This range of services reflects UKM’s strong commitment to inclusivity and its efforts to create an accessible, supportive academic environment for all students.

Disability equipment is provided at the Tun Seri Lanang Library (PTSL), UKM Bangi, as part of the university’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students, including those with disabilities. These facilities are designed to support individuals with various physical, visual, or mobility challenges. Among the available equipment are wheelchair-accessible ramps, elevators, adjustable-height desks, and special seating areas to ensure comfortable use of library spaces. For students with visual impairments, the library also offers magnifiers, screen reader software, and Braille resources, enabling them to access academic materials independently.