The Establishment of  Mitra Sejahtera Disability Empowerment Center (PPDMS) 

Image 1. Documentation of PPDMS activities, Nglipar Village, Gunungkidul

 

The commonly used tagline "Healthy in Body and Mind" has been found to carry discriminatory connotations toward people with disabilities. This phrase indirectly suggests that optimal health can only be achieved by those with perfect physical conditions. This perspective ignores human diversity and overlooks the potential and contributions that people with disabilities can make. Andi, one of the founders of PPDMS, recognizes that this view is a major barrier to social inclusion for people with disabilities.

 

Image 2. Andi Joko Prasetyo facilitating PPDMS activities in Gunungkidul

 

Andi Joko Prasetyo, or Andi for short, is a 34-year-old man living with a physical disability. With limited mobility due to his condition, Andi deeply understands the importance of community support for people with disabilities. His personal experiences with stigma and discrimination motivated him to initiate PPDMS. Together with Pak Hardiyo and several other friends, Andi started PPDMS in Desa Nglipar, Gunungkidul, with the goal of creating an inclusive space for people with disabilities.

From its establishment, PPDMS faced many challenges, ranging from a lack of public awareness regarding the rights of people with disabilities to limited resources. However, with unwavering determination and the support of its community members, PPDMS has continued to grow. Currently, PPDMS has 400 members, most of whom have physical and intellectual disabilities. Through various programs such as skills training, policy advocacy, and social activities, PPDMS strives to improve the quality of life of its members and promote social inclusion for people with disabilities in Gunungkidul.

Innovation of PUTPATCAMAT Board Game

Image 3. Advocacy of PUTPATCAMAT Board Game Introduction to BPBD Gunungkidul

 

Since becoming involved in disaster management, PPDMS has begun to delve deeper into the intersection of disability and disaster preparedness. 

“Before we understand disasters, we should first understand our disabilities.” stated Andi

Through the IDEAKSI program, PPDMS has gained a deeper understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by people with disabilities during disasters. For example, children with disabilities often struggle to access evacuation information and may have physical limitations that hinder their ability to evacuate. This realization led to the creation of PUTPATCAMAT (Turn Right, Find Safety), an educational game designed to be both fun and informative.

The game is specifically designed for special education school, PUTPATCAMAT considers the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. Through this game, children learn simple ways to respond to disasters, such as finding safe places and seeking help. It is hoped that PUTPATCAMAT will not only serve as an educational tool but also boost the self-confidence of children with disabilities in emergency situations.

PUTPATCAMAT Board Game Innovation Challenge

Image 4. Introduction of PUTPATCAMAT to elementary school

 

“We have encountered some challenges in adapting the PUTPATCAMAT game to accommodate the diverse range of disabilities and their associated limitations.” said Andi. 

One of the biggest challenges in developing PUTPATCAMAT was ensuring that the game is accessible to all children, regardless of their type or severity of disability. For instance, children with fine motor impairments may struggle to operate small game components, while those with visual impairments require clear visual cues. Additionally, variations in cognitive abilities and language proficiency among children have been considered in the creation of PUTPATCAMAT.

Andi's Hope

Image 5. PPDMS Team members are responding to drought relief in the form of water droppings.  Andi wants to remove the stigma that disability does not always ask for help but can also assist.

 

“I hope that people with disabilities can survive during a disaster,” stated Andi.

With the PUTPATCAMAT game, all children, including those with disabilities, from preschool to high school, can understand the steps in evacuation and self-rescue during disasters. The game is designed to accommodate a wide range of disabilities, allowing every child to participate actively.

Furthermore, Andi wants to involve the entire community in enhancing disaster preparedness. Through training and socialization, the community can become more caring and inclusive towards people with disabilities. Ultimately, the goal is to eliminate discrimination and stigma against at-risk groups.

*this article is based on an interview via Zoom with Andi Joko Prasetyo.
*all photos and documentation published here have been confirmed and consented by Andi and PPDMS colleagues.

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Author: Desy Putri Ratnasari - Information and Communication Staff