News of December 2, 2024
Strengthening inclusion, breaking down barriers
HZDR supports people with disabilities through the "Positively Purple" campaign
On December 3, 2024, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) will once again be taking part in the global “Positively Purple” campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the concerns and positive contributions of employees with disabilities through various activities. As in previous years, the HZDR’s entrance area will be illuminated in purple light during the evening. Earlier in the day, around lunchtime, the Representatives of Disabled Employees at HZDR will host an event at the staff restaurant.
The entrance building of the HZDR lights up purple. With this symbolic action, organizations around the world draw attention to the concerns of people with disabilities on December 3.
Source: HZDR / T. Bayer
“We want to make use of this day to raise our visibility within the research center and to combat prejudices against people with disabilities,” says scientist Dr. Frank Bok, who represents the interests of disabled employees at HZDR together with Emely Haase and Jörg Konheiser. “For this purpose, we have compiled a new informational flyer and gathered facts about employees with severe disabilities at HZDR. For instance, one lesser-known fact is that employees with severe disabilities, in contrast to common assumptions, do not work fewer hours than other HZDR employees. On the contrary, they are especially motivated and tend to work slightly more hours.”
However, while the HZDR workforce has grown, the proportion of people with severe disabilities remains consistently too low, Bok continues. “Our mission as the representative body for employees with disabilities is to change this status quo. We want to show that we offer an inclusive working environment at HZDR and lower the inhibition threshold for disclosing an existing disability or applying for a job as a severely disabled person. Many of our international colleagues, in particular, often do not approach us. If you are seeking advice or need support in applying for benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
Further information: Representatives of Disabled Employees at HZDR (internal link)
“Positively Purple” (formerly “Purple Light Up” until 2023) was launched in 2017 in the United Kingdom and uses the color purple as a visible symbol of inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. The campaign focuses on economic self-determination, participation in the workforce, and the achievements of individuals with severe disabilities. In Germany, the initiative is supported by the non-profit organization “Charta der Vielfalt” ("Diversity Charter"). The HZDR, along with over 6,000 companies across the country, has signed the charter's commitment to recognition, appreciation, and inclusion of diversity in the workplace.
Contact:
Dr. Frank Bok | Person of trust
Representative of Disabled Employees at HZDR
Phone: +49 351 260 3551 | Email: sbv@hzdr.de
