Kaohsiung Sheltered Workplace helps Xiaojie, a severely mentally retarded man, successfully transition into the general workplace

Xiaojie (pseudonym), a man with severe mental retardation from Kaohsiung, successfully entered the sheltered workshop to work after being assisted and evaluated by the Labor Bureau’s occupational reconstruction service. He learned the work of cleaning outside, gradually accumulated work ability, and adapted to the workplace environment. Finally, he successfully entered the central baking factory, responsible for washing, baking molds and environmental cleaning, and successfully entered the general workplace.

Xiaojie faced many challenges after entering his new workplace. He was once worried that he would not be recognized if he was not clean enough, so he scrubbed repeatedly, which affected his efficiency. The employment attendants provided guidance through step-by-step breakdown, key tips, and work aids to help him find a working method that suits him, and gradually improve work efficiency and stability.

The employment attendant said that for ordinary people, washing dishes, sweeping the floor, and taking meals are routine tasks, but for Xiaojie, it took nearly two years of patient and continuous practice to master the workflow and requirements.

After discussions with his family, the career reconstruction team helped match him with suitable job vacancies based on his physical strength, ability and adaptability. He eventually successfully entered the central baking factory as a cleaning staff, responsible for cleaning baking molds, utensils and environmental cleaning. He officially stepped out of the sheltered workplace and entered the general workplace.

The Labor Bureau stated that in order to help more sheltered employees successfully transition to the general workplace, Gao City has established a comprehensive transition support mechanism in recent years and promoted a pilot project to improve the employability of sheltered employees. Through measures such as intensive pre-employment training, corporate workplace experience, and corporate training subsidies, it helps people with disabilities prepare to enter the general workplace.