Molly Kimmel is a Fulbright Specialist at Universitas Jember, East Java.

Molly Kimmel recently completed a two-week Fulbright Specialist Project in Jember, East Java, in collaboration with Universitas Jember. The project was carried out from September 15 through 24, 2025.

As director of the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities at the University of Montana and an occupational therapist, Molly brings deep expertise in education for all, accessible design, and assistive technology.

Partnering with the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at Universitas Jember, Molly delivered targeted training on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the integration of assistive technology in educational environments. These sessions aimed to build capacity among pre-service and in-service teachers and faculty members to deliver high-quality education for all students, including those with special needs.

The project launched with a hybrid international seminar attended by over 400 participants. Attendees were introduced to the foundational principles of UDL and the role of assistive technology in fostering inclusive learning.

The following day featured a hands-on workshop for faculty and students in the English Language Education program. The workshop focused on creating accessible digital materials and a deeper exploration of assistive technology tools specific to education.

Throughout the first week, Molly visited several schools across Jember to demonstrate teaching strategies and showcase how free, built-in, and low—to mid-tech assistive technologies can seamlessly integrate into classroom instruction. She also engaged directly with teachers and students to identify current challenges, explore practical assistive technology applications in the classroom, and experience momentous cultural exchanges.

“These visits also facilitated meaningful cultural exchanges, where students shared Indonesian dance, music, and cuisine, learned more about Montana culture, and practiced their English language skills by engaging in conversations with me as a native speaker,” Molly said.

During the second week, Molly met with staff from Universitas Jember’s Counseling and Disability Office to learn about their ongoing efforts to create a more friendly campus environment for all students. She shared insights from the University of Montana, including examples of student-led initiatives and support services for students with special needs.

Molly also engaged with hundreds of English Language Education program students, fostering dialogue around inclusion and exploring cultural similarities and differences between Indonesia and the United States.

In addition to academic and professional activities, Molly had the opportunity to experience local attractions such as Papuma beach and Rentang plantation, and participated in a traditional batik-making workshop, deepening her appreciation for Indonesian culture.

Key project outcomes include heightened awareness of inclusive education practices and a growing interest in establishing a school-based assistive technology loan library.

“The collaboration has inspired our university’s Disability and Counseling Center to explore the possibility of developing an assistive technology lending library modeled after MonTECH at the University of Montana,” Meitia Ekatina, lecturer at Universitas Jember, said.

Plans for continued collaboration include virtual seminars, joint research initiatives, and ongoing technical assistance focused on accessibility and inclusion.