A visible sign in purple – #PositivelyPurple campaign for International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Every year on December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated. This day recognizes the valuable contributions that people with disabilities make in both their professional and private lives. At the same time, it aims to raise social awareness of inclusion and draw attention to the necessity and advantages of a barrier-free, inclusive society.

To raise awareness of these important issues, numerous institutions and companies around the world are participating in the initiative. At BOKU, the #PositivelyPurple flags will also be flown for the first time this year from December 1 to 5 at the Türkenschanze campus (in front of the Exner House and the TÜWI building) as an expression of solidarity and appreciation for people with disabilities.

What is BOKU doing in this area?

In recent years, BOKU University has implemented targeted measures ranging from individual counseling and awareness training to the procurement of assistive devices and employment initiatives in order to create a barrier-free working environment and promote equal opportunities.

Through inclusive and active recruiting, two positions were advertised again this year that were explicitly aimed at people with disabilities. As of October 31, 2025, a total of 50 employees with disabilities are employed at BOKU University. BOKU works closely with the NEBA network and the job platform myAbility.jobs.

 

Contact persons

For advice or more information on various topics, such as structural accessibility, technical aids, financial support options, and legal framework conditions, please contact:

Disability representative (for employees only):

Walter Hackl, contact: walter.hackl(at)boku.ac.at

Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Accessibility

Disability Officer and Disability Representative Deputy: Ruth Scheiber-Herzog, contact: ruth.scheiber(at)boku.ac.at