The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing inclusive education. Through a community service activity titled “Sensory Bridge: An Innovative Sensory Approach to Developing the Potential of Children with Autism,” initiated by the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI creates a collaborative space between academics and the community to support children on the autism spectrum.
The activity, which took place on Thursday (10/7) and Saturday (12/7) at the UI FMIPA environment, Depok, was the result of collaboration between the UI academic community and the Putra Fitri Therapy House Foundation, and was supported by the UI Directorate of Community Service and Social Innovation (DPIS).
Head of the Sensory Bridge Program and Lecturer at the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI in the field of Molecular Biotechnology and Reproduction, Dr. Retno Lestari, S.Si., M.Si., said that this program aims to create a more inclusive environment by providing a learning space that is not only safe and comfortable, but also fun and empowering.
During the event, participants participated in mentoring training with Ratna Komara Wangsih, Chairwoman of the Putra Fitri Therapy House Foundation. She shared her experiences and approaches in supporting children with autism. She noted that many people still have inaccurate perceptions of children with special needs.
“They’re not incapable; they just need the right methods and the right approach. This kind of education is crucial for broadening people’s perspectives,” Ratna said.
In addition, the Sensory Bridge program also featured interactive “Post to Post” activities across five sensory play stations, with 19 children participating. The children were encouraged to recognize the scents of natural materials, guess animal sounds, taste flavors, and touch various textures. Each station was designed to stimulate sensory responses in a fun and inclusive way.
Fadlan and Fadli, 10-year-old twins with autism, shared their experiences during the activity. They described the animal sound guessing game as the most fun and energizing. “Today we played animal sound guessing, it was so much fun! I could answer cat, parrot, chicken, and cow,” said Fadlan.
In addition to the participants, this activity also involved 21 students and eight lecturers from the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, namely Prof. Dr. Drs. Abinawanto, M.Sc.; Prof. Dr. Luthfiralda Sjahfirdi, M.Biomed.; Prof. Dr. Dra. Nining Betawati Prihantini, M.Sc.; Fadhillah, S.Si., M.Agri., Ph.D.; Dr. Upi Chairun Nisa, S.Si., M.Sc.; and lecturers from the Department of Geography, FMIPA UI, Dra. Astrid Damayanti, M.Sc.
The Sensory Bridge program demonstrates that educational innovation and the dedication of UI academics can be a transformative force for society. Moving forward, FMIPA UI is committed to continuing to provide inclusive, sustainable, and impactful community service activities.
