Osaka University: A University Embracing Diversity in the Workplace

Osaka University takes a campus-wide approach to hire individuals with challenges or disabilities toward achieving environment where diverse people can be more active as part of everyday life.

These efforts are based on the university’s Ideas regarding Employment and Promotion of Roles for Challenged Persons (formulated in June 2010) and Grand Design Regarding Employment of Challenged Persons (formulated in November 2010).

For example, some 60 individuals, primarily those with intellectual disabilities, as “Eco Rangers,” work hard to maintain the campus environment by cleaning, weeding, organizing bicycle parking, and bed making in accommodations on campus.

Recently, the Eco Rangers have extended the scope of their activities to art and gardening activity. They set up flower beds on steps near the Administration Bureau at the center of the Suita Campus, warming the hearts of students and faculty who are passing by. At the end of the last year, they placed kadomatsu, a traditional Japanese decoration for the new year at the gate of the Administration Bureau.

Flowerbeds on the south side of the Administration Bureau

Preparing kadomatsu decorations

The Graduate School of Engineering (Kogaku) has also its own group of individuals with challenges, known as the “Kogaku Pikazu,” and its 7 members are hard at work: organizing bicycle parking and cleaning tasks at the graduate school, the largest area on campus.

Members of Kogaku Pikazu

Osaka University will make further efforts to create workplace where individuals with challenges can work with peace of mind and promote diverse and inclusive academic environments.

Osaka University Eco Rangers
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/ja/guide/diversity/handicapped_support/act/eco

Osaka University Center for Diversity and Inclusion
https://www.di.osaka-u.ac.jp