Disabled workers empowered through handcrafted exports

A group of intellectually challenged young adults in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, achieved a remarkable milestone by assembling over 16,000 retractable balls for export to the United States, showcasing the transformative potential of inclusive employment.

This unique project, which brought together 38 individuals from the Lemon Tree "Home for People with Disabilities" in the city's Shounan subdistrict and over 100 others from 10 similar centers across Ningbo, involved three months of diligent work.

Each retractable ball required the assembly of 192 individual components, completed through 384 precise presses. Initially, the complexity of the task posed significant challenges, but under the guidance of skilled employment counselors, the process was simplified and tailored to each participant's abilities.

The program began modestly, producing just 500 units a month. As participants gained experience, their productivity soared to over 1,600 units per month. The Lemon Tree team also introduced protective finger sleeves to prevent injuries and fostered a supportive environment with constant encouragement and training.

The project has not only boosted participants' confidence but also improved their fine motor skills. For instance, one participant, who initially struggled and grew frustrated, can now proudly assemble entire retractable balls on her own. Another said that the work has made his hands more agile and improved his efficiency.

The families of participants have also noticed positive changes. The sense of accomplishment from this work has led to improved emotional well-being and better sleep for many.

This initiative was made possible through a collaboration with Ningbo B&B International Trading Co Ltd, which commended the quality and reliability of the assembled products. The company plans to continue partnering with Lemon Tree, creating more opportunities for these remarkable individuals to contribute to society while achieving personal growth.

Young adults with intellectual disabilities assemble retractable balls. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]