Who doesn't know the great inventor of the light bulb who amazed the world? Although he didn't succeed in school education, it was his mother who became his great teacher, his foundation for learning and teaching positive messages. He was none other than Thomas Alva Edison. Even though he wasn't allowed to attend public school and was called a 'stupid student' by his teacher, Thomas proved himself with his great invention, continuously trying and researching tirelessly. And he succeeded in creating the beautiful lamp that illuminated the entire world. (That's a snippet of the story I remember from a book titled 'The Story of the Light Bulb Inventor').
I became even more motivated to improve myself after reading this book. Many things are worth cultivating, such as discipline, patience, and responsibility, which must be continuously maintained and honed.
In this current era, the nation's morality is increasingly falling into negative things, such as knowledge and science that contradict the history of civilization due to the influence of technology. Rapidly growing technology seems to be lost and uncontrolled, to the point where technology 'forgets' the existence of people with disabilities who need easier access and services that are neither quick nor simple. That is what must be started to convey positive messages to the public.
Just like education in general, this should be the priority for educators: to educate many children of the nation and create a potential young generation. The government should provide ease for every child to receive a good education and offer free space to express themselves in pursuing competent knowledge and expertise.
It is not uncommon for many children living below the poverty line to be unable to afford expensive school fees, let alone buy a uniform. The government should be more sensitive in providing assistance, not just by 'overhauling new curricula,' but also by teaching the Pancasila morals that are almost eroded and even forgotten.
In fact, people with disabilities are no less remarkable; they not only succeed in education but also manage to create new scientific discoveries. Despite living below the poverty line (with minimal access), they always strive hard and fight tirelessly, not easily giving up, just like previous inventors who had already amazed the world.
Seeing the increasing number of children with disabilities who do not receive proper educational resources, there is often blame placed on parties for using incorrect teaching methods, thus failing to produce intelligent students who become great inventors. Learning curricula should be provided clearly and specifically for people with disabilities to receive education outside of special schools.
Conversely, this education should also be provided free of charge so that people with disabilities can compete with other countries. There is still a beacon of hope for obtaining a proper education even without government assistance, and the discrimination they experience further motivates them to strive harder to achieve the highest education. Even by their own means, they succeed in convincing others to gain rights and status, to become dignified citizens.
Yet, it is clearly stated in Article 30 of the 1945 Constitution that every child has the right to receive equal education without discrimination. All children are protected by law. However, it is not uncommon for children not to receive an equal share in education. Has our government forgotten or perhaps never reread the laws instilled in them during their school days?
Ideally, the government should be willing to open up and provide, at the very least, the widest possible access for people with disabilities to receive education, not only in special schools but also by granting access and opportunities to obtain education in mainstream schools, on par with non-disabled individuals. This is also very clearly stated in the 1945 Constitution. Even the UN urges other member states involved in UN representation to provide learning spaces for every child to receive education according to their rights, not forcing children to be deprived of their education. All children have the right to education, not just non-disabled individuals but also people with disabilities. Therefore, the government must acknowledge this and be willing to broaden its narrow mindset.
Do you still remember the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, also known as UNCRPD Law No. 19 of 2011, which contains numerous articles on the rights and obligations of people with disabilities to be equal in society? This includes education. The government should provide an open space for people with disabilities to receive appropriate education so they can build a bridge for society in the future and create a new generation with unprecedented discoveries.
This situation not only marginalizes people with disabilities from achieving good education, but they also try to test unusual abilities, unlike non-disabled individuals who sometimes, upon achieving success, suddenly stop and no longer pursue their dreams. Not so with people with disabilities; they strive to educate themselves, seeking opportunities by proving themselves to be useful for education in Indonesia.
Just imagine if our government changes and our education advances 5 years from now. What do people with disabilities hope for in Indonesian education if they are given the chance to sit with ministers and officials from previous eras? Has any person with a disability ever succeeded in such a role?
The government should be aware of this and be willing to cooperate in addressing education. Due to the government's injustice, with methods and elements claiming that people with disabilities are incapable and should not receive education. The government should encourage the revival of education and curriculum changes openly and collaboratively with people with disabilities to fully participate in changes, following the developments in the world of disability effectively. This is not to restrict their movement in accessing education. Our country must not fall behind other nations in empowering people with disabilities to have dignity and equal standing in both quality and quantity, potentially benefiting the wider community.
*May this serve as a reflection and enlightenment for our education.