[Kansai Gaidai University] Students with Disabilities Learn About a "Workplace Where Everyone Can Shine in Their Own Way" Through a Visit to OMRON Kyoto Taiyo

Kansai Gaidai University (Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture) held a visit on March 11th for "Link+", a group that supports the employment of students with disabilities. The group visited OMRON Kyoto Taiyo (Kyoto City, Minami Ward). The company practices creating a workplace where employees with various disability characteristics can thrive, providing a valuable opportunity for the five participating students to consider their future careers.

▲ The entrance to OMRON Kyoto Taiyo, surrounded by greenery.

"Link+" is operated by Kansai Gaidai University's Career Center to support students with disabilities in having a comfortable student life and choosing a career path that suits them after graduation. As part of this initiative, Mr. Yasuhiro Arai from the Social Co-creation Department served as an enthusiastic guide.

OMRON Kyoto Taiyo was established through a joint investment by the social welfare corporation "Taiyo no Ie" and the major electronics manufacturer OMRON. The company was born from the deep resonance between the philosophy of "Taiyo no Ie," which advocates "No Charity, but a Chance," and OMRON's corporate philosophy of emphasizing the public nature of a company: "Let's improve our lives through our work and create a better society."

The company upholds three missions: ① to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, ② to generate profits as a company, and ③ to widely share know-how for creating a comfortable workplace with society. Currently, over 60% of its 180 employees, approximately 120 people, have disabilities and are at the forefront of manufacturing.

▲ An information panel at the factory entrance, displaying the philosophies of both "Taiyo no Ie" and OMRON.

During the tour of the production floor, participants experienced the company's unique approach to creating an environment where "work is adapted to people, not people to work." Based on suggestions from employees with disabilities, they have independently developed and introduced custom-made equipment, such as workbenches adjusted to wheelchair height and machines that automatically open one plastic bag at a time for packing. Additionally, there are departments where employees with disabilities on their left and right hands work collaboratively. By removing barriers caused by disabilities through environmental adjustments and maximizing each person's abilities, the company achieves its production targets and generates profits.