Shirley Thurner

I am 40 years old and I have an 8 year-old son. I have been suffering from coeliac disease since my birth, which means I suffer from a metabolic disease and my food has to be gluten-free. My health status has improved during the last years, but nevertheless this disease can also result in a large reduction in the quality of life …

At the University of Applied Arts I am responsible for the entire room facility coordination. I love my job, because it is highly diversified. The teaching staff books the facilities for the lectures, students need rooms for their diplomas, exhibitions and events and the staff members use the facilities for several meetings. Additionally, rooms are booked by external persons and on-site visits are also part of my duties.

I became representative of disabled people in March 2017. Until this time we did not have any BVP at our University. When the works council asked me, whether I was interested in this position, I immediately agreed motivated by my own illness. From my own experience I know, how difficult it is to be different. Especially in childhood, life is not easy. It’s wonderful to help disadvantaged people, who need assistance. Furthermore, I try to encourage people to lay aside their shame and to talk about their handicap.