Liangjiang enterprise enables employees with disabilities to excel

Hu Chuan has held the same position for a decade, helping him overcome his congenital low vision, which he has had since childhood, to become the self-reliant, confident individual he is today. 

He vividly recalls his first day at Far Sight Group in Liangjiang New Area on Nov 23, 2015. Before then, he had been repeatedly rejected by other companies — a predicament most job seekers with disabilities face. Since joining Far Sight's wastewater treatment unit, Hu has progressed from apprentice to independent operator. 

His limited vision is offset by acute hearing, which creates his unique working approach. He adjusts valves based on the sound of rushing water and replaces filters when machines clatter. His employer installed night reflective stripes along his inspection route to support his work and switched logbooks from A4 to A3-sized sheets for easier readability. 

A3-sized logbooks are easier for Hu Chuan to read. [Photo by Guo Shuyu] 

Hu takes pride in transforming murky wastewater into clear water and finds fulfillment in the company's trust in him. "They trust me with decisions such as material purchasing and equipment maintenance," Hu said with a sincere smile. 

Hu also learned to play the Guzheng (a Chinese zither) and started a side business selling over 100 units annually. "My decade at Far Sight has changed my life. The company's history and culture make me feel like I belong and give me confidence," Hu reflected. 

Founded in 1992 by six partners — three of whom had disabilities — Far Sight Group has upheld a disability-inclusive ethos since. Now an influential printing company in western China, it generates approximately 300 million yuan ($41.05 million) in annual output, and over 40 percent of its employees are people with disabilities. 

Far Sight Group in Liangjiang New Area. [Photo provided to english.liangjiang.gov.cn] 

Zhang Shuang, chairman of Far Sight, noted that employees with disabilities have driven the company's growth through exceptional performance. His company adapts positions to the capacities of these employees. Hearing-or-speech-impaired staff members operate small printing equipment, and those with physical disabilities handle technical and production tasks such as typesetting or printing operations, contributing key insights to 18 patented inventions.

Competitive salaries reflect their impact; Far Sight's average monthly pay reaches 7,000 yuan, yet employees with disabilities in technical roles earn up to 20,000 yuan. 

Far Sight's support for these employees extends to finance and mental well-being. A charity fund, initiated by Zhang with a donation of 100,000 yuan, allocates 0.01 percent of the company's annual revenue. The fund addresses special needs such as medical expenses and children's education.

The company also established an association and regularly organizes activities like outings for the group. Hu, who holds a leadership role in the association, said, "Our company trusts and supports us, and the atmosphere here truly feels like family."