ULM and PLDPI South Kalimantan Strengthen the Role of Parents and Teachers in Inclusive Education
BANJARMASIN – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), through the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK)’s Mandatory Service Lecturer Program (PDWA) Team, provided mentoring for parents and educators of children with special needs at the South Kalimantan Disability and Inclusive Education Service Center (PLDPI) on Tuesday (August 26, 2025).
The activity, attended by 50 participants, comprised 42% parents and 58% educators. They received training through counseling, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and consultation sessions designed to strengthen the roles of parents and teachers in supporting the growth and development of children with special needs.
The Head of the PDWA FKIK ULM Team, Dr. Pagan Pambudi, M.Si., Sp.N(K), emphasized the importance of this activity as a concrete step towards achieving sustainable inclusive education. “We want to provide practical tools so that parents and teachers will be more confident in supporting children with special needs, both at home and at school,” he said.
Two keynote speakers presented: Dr. Pagan Pambudi, M.Si., Sp.N(K), who presented “Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Tantrums in Children with Special Needs,” and Dr. Wendy Amelia Sihombing, Sp.N, who presented “First Aid for Seizures at School and Home.” Through these presentations, participants gained medical and psychological insights, as well as practical skills that can be immediately applied in their daily lives.
The participants’ enthusiasm was evident in the interactive discussion session. Questions focused not only on general theory but also on real-life experiences. Based on the evaluation, 82% of participants reported gaining new knowledge, while 80% felt more confident supporting their children after participating.
In addition to the main seminar, the team also held personal consultation sessions on September 2 and 9, 2025. These sessions provided a more intimate space for parents to discuss specific challenges, from tantrum behavior to simple medical treatments at home.
As a follow-up, the PDWA FKIK ULM Team and the South Kalimantan PLDPI (Child Development and Development Agency) committed to a long-term collaboration. Follow-up programs include regular training, applied research, and the development of broader inclusive education services, so that the benefits can be felt sustainably by the people of South Kalimantan.
