Novi Indriastuti, a visually impaired woman from Banjarnegara, Indonesia, has navigated a journey marked by the complexities of disability, where she has discovered the transformative power of education. Committed to fostering empowerment within the disability community, Novi is passionate about promoting inclusivity by facilitating interaction between disabled and non-disabled individuals. Her dedication to this cause is deeply rooted in her personal experience of studying in regular schools from primary to university level, where she witnessed firsthand the importance of creating an inclusive environment.
Novi’s commitment to education and disability empowerment is evident in her academic achievements, including her successful completion of a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Certificate of Education at Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia. Bolstered by support from the Ministry of Education and Culture, her academic endeavors reflect a resolute determination to overcome barriers through education. Following two years as a special education teacher, Novi’s quest for knowledge led her to pursue a Master of Education (in Inclusive and Special Needs Education) at Murdoch University, funded by the Australia Awards Scholarship. Through her studies and professional endeavors, Novi aims to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive society where individuals of all abilities can thrive.