This is the story of Sula, and how Riley Packaging embraces disability inclusion. Based in Mukono District, Riley Packaging is one of the “…largest, most modern corrugated-board factories in East Africa. They are manufacturing a wide range of corrugated products from 3 to 9 ply corrugated boxes, and various types of display stands and other related items made from a corrugation”, as per company website.
Changing mindsets
Working as a data entrant and eventually a production supervisor at the company for the last 14 years, Sula has been able to change the mindset of his colleagues who doubted his potential and capability when he had just joined the company. “They now know that I can do all they do, and maybe even more!” he said as he laughed.
“When I first met Sula, I was surprised by his knowledge. He taught me everything I know, including how to count boxes, and how to behave with our workmates. Working with him showed me that there is nothing impossible. Whenever I have a problem, he is the first person I talk to. He is so reliable.” Grace, a data entrant at the company said.
Adjustments
Riley Packaging is cognizant of the fact that people with disabilities need reasonable accommodations to perform their tasks efficiently and effectivel. And this is what the company has done for Sula. Besides the ramps, the company levelled the toilet facilities to ease access and use for people with disabilities like Sula.
“They now know that I can do all they do, and maybe even more!”
“The toilet was a bit low, and I had to be lifted by someone to use it. It was adjusted by adding some cement at the base so that it’s on the same level as the wheelchair. Now, I can use it without any difficulty.”
According to Robert Roy, the Human Resource and Administration Manager, Riley Packaging is ready to adjust to accommodate more persons with disabilities in the future. The company also has Disability Inclusion as part of the Human Resource policy and ensures that its staff are inclusive of the rights of persons with disabilities.
“The factory is not storied. It was built with the aim of also accommodating persons with disabilities. Sula does not have to go down the steps. We can make adjustments where possible to ensure that all people with disabilities are accommodated and when it comes to recruitment, we are open to employing persons with disabilities.”
A journey
Sula believes that disability inclusion is a journey that needs to be embraced not only by organisations or companies but by employees and job seekers with disabilities.
