On January 15, The Nippon Foundation announced the results of its first survey of the effectiveness of its aid for bakeries that employ the disabled. The survey indicated that on the average salaries received by the disabled had risen 50%, compared with wages paid before aid was provided.

Freshly baked bread made at facilities

The Nippon Foundation provides support for welfare organizations nationwide to renovate older buildings for use as new welfare facilities. It also provides the equipment needed to enable the employment of those with disabilities.

The recent survey was conducted to examine the effectiveness of this program. Last summer, questionnaires were mailed 65 such organizations nationwide that received aid from The Nippon Foundation between 2002 and 2008.

Renovated bakeries

According to the results, the average monthly pay for disabled workers was 14,875 before grants and 22,429 yen after: an average increase of 7,554 yen, or approximately 50%.

One question asked whether workers were pleased to be working in society. In response, 96% responded in the affirmative Another question concerned whether workers interacted with each other and with customers. Again, 92% responded in the affirmative, highlighting some of the changes in the attitudes of the disabled. Comments that responders attached to the survey included mention that the aid had helped improve the reputations of the facilities and improve ties to the local community.

Working hard to make bread using the equipment provided

In addition to the questionnaire, the survey included interviews with organizations that believed that their programs had been successful. Factors highlighted as reasons for success included: 1) systematic expansion of operations and upgrading of facilities; 2) development of sales channels outside the stores; 3) staff retention, quality control, and sustained efforts in new product development; and 4) a move away from the tendency to outsource work.

At one facility, which launched a bakery in a rebuilt nursery facility at a golf course, the rusks sold there have become popular with golfers as souvenirs, with monthly sales reaching 1.7 million yen.

Attention to detail also includes product packaging

According to 2006 figures released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average monthly pay received by disabled persons working at welfare facilities nationwide was 12,222 yen. The recent economic crisis has made conditions even more difficult, with frozen pay rates being the general trend. According to the program's manager, the results of this survey will be used to help develop future programs.