Inclusion in Lower Austria: Franz Mayer inspired with courage to live despite blindness!

Inclusion in Lower Austria: Franz Mayer inspired with courage to live despite blindness!

On December 3, the international day of people with disabilities, the commitment to inclusion is celebrated in Lower Austria. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasizes the importance of the talents of people with disabilities in the state service. "Inclusion is lived in the Lower Austrian state service," she emphasizes. This day not only serves to raise awareness, but also shows the successes of a variety of inclusion measures that are continuously implemented to reduce barriers.

Franz Mayer: A model for inclusion

An impressive example of lived inclusion is Franz Mayer, an employee of the building and property management department. Despite his blindness in 2017, he continued his career in the state service and is actively committed to protection for employees. "I commute to St. Pölten every day and don't really want to retire," says Mayer, who has been on duty since 1979. His life motto "If you don't try it, you can't be lucky" is reflected in his work, in which, supported by a personal assistant, he participates in the installation of tactile control systems to improve accessibility for everyone. "He encounters all challenges with a lot of flexibility and humor," recognizes Governor Mikl-Leitner Müller. As reported on noe.gv.at .

In total, more than 1,937 people with disabilities are employed in the Lower Austrian state service, a number that rose by 24 percent in December 2024. The diverse inclusion measures that the country offers include special departments for the support of people with disabilities and structural adjustments that enable uncomplicated access to all areas. This shows impressively how determined Lower Austria is working on an inclusive society. This also becomes clear by reporting on krone.at .