01/06/2026
๐ถ๐ป๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ ๐ ๐ก๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
๐๐๐ฟ๐โ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ต ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ผ๐ป๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด
Kurt Jamer I. Baclea-an, an incoming third-year student in the Bachelor of Library and Information Science program at the College of Arts and Sciences, shares his thoughts and experiences marked by courage and hope. As he explains, โI have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which means I have fragile bones because my body can't provide enough potassium.โ
For Kurt, it is not only about pursuing a degree but also about experiencing a supportive environment that nurtures independence. โAs a Normalista, I really enjoy the environment and the resources provided by the university. My parents allow me to be independent, and the campus helps me move around more freely,โ he shares. He appreciates the accessible facilities such as ramps, wide doors, and PWD comfort rooms, which make his daily life easier. Still, he acknowledges that there are facilities which still need improvement. โDespite these challenges, the teachers and university employees always make sure that my concerns and problems are properly addressed.โ
Inside the classroom, Kurt feels included and respected. โMy teachers are understanding and patient, especially when I need assistance or extra consideration because of my condition,โ he says. His classmates also make him feel welcome, treating him with kindness and involving him in decision-making. Outside the classroom, he is equally active. โI am able to participate in school activities like playground demonstrations and cheer dancing, and interact with other students comfortably,โ he adds. These experiences shed light on how inclusivity is more than academics, allowing him to fully engage in student life.
Reflecting on his journey, Kurt emphasizes that inclusivity is not just about infrastructure but about cultivating awareness and compassion. โMy message to fellow students, teachers, and administrators is to continue promoting kindness, respect, and understanding toward PWD learners. I hope everyone will be more aware of our needs, especially in terms of accessibility and safety inside the campus.โ He also encourages the university to keep improving facilities: โSmall actions like keeping these spaces clear and accessible already make a big difference for us.โ
Most importantly, Kurt dreams of equality. โI hope that every PWD learner will always be treated equally and given the same opportunities to learn, participate, and succeed. An inclusive university is one where everyone feels safe, valued, and truly belongs.โ
Kurtโs story reminds us that inclusivity is built not only through physical accessibility but also through compassion and shared responsibility. His voice is a call to action: to create a university where no student is left behind, where diversity is embraced, and where every learner, regardless of ability, can thrive.
