The first Binational Meeting of Inclusive Higher Education Chile-Argentina is inaugurated at the ULS

inclusive meeting1

The initiative is developed within the framework of the Coquimbo-Porto Alegre Bioceanic Corridor and seeks to exchange knowledge, experiences and resources between academics, professionals, organizations and students with disabilities from both countries.

The First Binational Meeting of Inclusive Higher Education Chile-Argentina began on the premises of the University of La Serena, which considers two intense days that combine presentations by academics, testimonies from students from Chile and Argentina and work based on workshops. The meeting is financed by the Regional Government of Coquimbo and SENADIS, entities that have entrusted its execution to the Paso Agua Negra Corporation (CORPAN) and the University of La Serena, with the support of the Inclusive Higher Education Network of the Region of Coquimbo, REDESIC.

During the opening ceremony, held in the CETECFI building, it was highlighted that one of the goals that the Regional Government of Coquimbo has set is the creation of the Bioceanic Corridor between the Region of Coquimbo (Chile) and Porto Alegre (Brazil), which goes hand in hand with the construction of the Agua Negra Tunnel. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to promote the positioning of various integration projects, both economic and social, that contribute to the integration of America.

inclusive meeting2Tertiary or higher education organizations committed to the development of their communities must guarantee equal opportunities to all their students, including people with disabilities. Therefore, we are not only interested in the entry of people with disabilities to this level of education, but also in their progression, graduation and job placement, and impacting local communities in order to promote a more inclusive culture that respects diversity.

In this sense, the Academic Vice-Rector of the University of La Serena, Dr. Jorge Catalán, highlighted the commitment of the current Rector's Office to work together with different entities and organizations to generate instances of support for disabilities, in order to provide advice to teachers, such as methodological suggestions and evaluation systems, and to students who require it, such as enabling facilities and implementing infrastructure. “As a member of the State University of the Coquimbo Region, we are aware of our social role; That is why we share knowledge and experiences, and it is in that context that with the support of SENADIS, we created the Regional Network of Inclusive Education and, later, the National Network of Inclusive Education, always with the interest of exchanging knowledge and with the purpose to promote a culture of respect.” The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the organizing team of the event, reinforcing the institutional commitment to continue generating initiatives to promote inclusion.

inclusive meeting3For her part, Georgina García, in charge of the National Network of Inclusive Higher Education and teacher at the ULS, pointed out that “as part of the disability commission, we plan to hold this meeting, not only to share experiences and knowledge, but also to to make common cause with the objective of promoting inclusive higher education and making the border crossing a symbol of inclusion.” The member of the Disability Support Program at the ULS, expressed that “we must consider higher education as a fundamental human right, because it guarantees the development of a society, promotes democracy, social justice and the cultural independence of the countries of Latin America. This forces us to work harder every day to think about what type of higher education entity we want to be and how to transform ourselves to deliver quality education, especially to those who have historically been excluded.”

Within the framework of the commemoration of the International Day of People with Disabilities, the regional director of SENADIS, Yuri Gahona, valued the holding of the meeting, "an instance that contributes to making Chile a more just, democratic and equitable country, contributing "to the wealth of knowledge as well as to the increase in social and cultural capital. The meeting allows us to have another look aimed at improving the standards of inclusion and universal accessibility, as well as having professionals much more prepared to achieve a real inclusive education."

Present on the first day were Senator Adriana Muñoz, Minister of Education Pedro Esparza, Regional Councilor Alberto Gallardo, Representative of the Province of San Juan, Liliana Martínez, representatives of public entities and organizations of people with disabilities, exhibitors. , teachers and students.