Denpasar, October 12, 2026 — The Bachelor of Public Health Study Program and the Master of Public Health Sciences Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, organized a Guest Lecture titled “Health Research and Ethics in Disability Communities” on Monday (12/10/2026), held in the Prof. Ngoerah Meeting Room, East Building, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University.

The event featured two academics from East Tennessee State University, United States—Prof. Megan Quinn, DrPH, MSc, and Prof. Pamela J. Mims, PhD—along with an academic from Udayana University, dr. Komang Ayu Kartika Sari, S.Ked., MPH. The event served as a platform for exchanging knowledge on research ethics and inclusive higher education for persons with disabilities.

In her presentation titled “Disability-Inclusive Research Ethics,” Prof. Megan Quinn highlighted the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are not excluded from research due to assumptions regarding their limited capacity to participate. According to the framework presented, protecting research participants must go hand in hand with respecting their right to be involved in the research process.

One key aspect addressed was the implementation of accessible informed consent. The consent process needs to be tailored to individual communication needs, including through the use of plain language, visual media, alternative communication technology, and supported decision-making approaches. This approach emphasizes that persons with disabilities must be viewed as individuals with rights, autonomy, and the capacity to participate in decision-making.

Furthermore, Prof. Pamela J. Mims discussed strategies for developing inclusive higher education through the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach and peer support. Drawing from the experiences of the Access ETSU program, the presentation demonstrated how academic support, reasonable accommodation, and student involvement as peer mentors can enhance the independence and sense of belonging of students with disabilities within campus life.

The UDL approach emphasizes designing learning processes from the outset to accommodate diverse student needs without compromising academic standards. Beyond learning methods, institutional support and a stigma-free social environment are essential components in achieving inclusive higher education.

Meanwhile, dr. Komang Ayu Kartika Sari presented the conditions and challenges of inclusive sexual and reproductive health services for persons with disabilities in Bali. The presentation underscored that although Indonesia has established various policies guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities, implementation still faces barriers, including healthcare facility accessibility, communication between healthcare providers and patients, as well as socio-cultural factors.

In the context of Bali, strengthening inclusive healthcare services requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including local government, healthcare facilities, civil society organizations, communities, and persons with disabilities themselves. Community-based health services, such as Posyandu, also hold strong potential to be developed as spaces for more inclusive service delivery and empowerment.

All three presentations demonstrated that disability inclusion extends beyond physical facilities to encompass respect for rights, individual autonomy, access to information, and opportunities for meaningful participation in research, education, and healthcare services.

Through this event, Udayana University strengthens international academic dialogue on equitable research and service practices. Knowledge exchange with East Tennessee State University is expected to serve as a foundation for collaborative research, academic capacity building, and fostering an increasingly inclusive educational and healthcare environment for persons with disabilities.