Heard & Empowered

Our Heard & Empowered #podcast has had over 2,300 unique downloads since its launch in November 2023, and has captivated listeners worldwide! We're excited to highlight the top five episodes by download, featuring powerful stories from people who are #blind or #visuallyimpaired. Top 5️⃣ Five Episodes: #1. From the Battleground to the Boardroom: A Career Path Like No Other, with Jeffrey Mittman from Bosma Enterprises #2. How to Find Your Path and Career Opportunities When You’re Losing Your Vision, with Rebekah Grieb from Alphapointe #3. About the Host: Discover Hoby Wedler, Ph.D.'s Story and Jumpstart Your Job Search #4. Kyle Johnson Talks About Support, Help, and Advice to Find Meaningful Jobs for People With Vision Loss from Lighthouse Central Florida #5-1. How #NIB Works and How #NSITE Connects People Who Are Blind to Job Opportunities, with Jonathan Lucus, EdD, MPA, EML from NSITE #5-2. Sophia McCall’s Journey: From Depression and Blindness to a Thriving Career as an HR Recruiter from Louisiana Association for the Blind Subscribe to and follow Heard & Empowered, leave a five-star review, and don’t forget to share with friends and family! 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gQwEHfPt #HeardAndEmpowered #DisabilityEmployment #Blindess #LowVision #DisabilityNotInability #CareerSuccess #CareerOpportunities

“There’s so many people out there that want to work, but they don't have a chance. [The 1% ask will] give them that chance by passing legislation to get more products into people's hands that are made by people who are blind,” said Brandye Lacy, marketing coordinator for Austin Lighthouse, highlighting the crucial importance of the “1% ask.” This seemingly small percentage was the central focus of the 2024 Public Policy Forum by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) in Washington, D.C., because it can make a world of difference, creating lots of job opportunities and empowering people with blindness to thrive. How, exactly? Listen to this week’s episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast, where Brandye chats with our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., and you’ll discover how US Congress can ensure that the United States Department of Defense dedicates 1% of its procurement budget to acquiring products and services from the #AbilityOne® Program under the U.S. AbilityOne Commission. These goods and services, produced and provided by people who are #blind, #visuallyimpaired, or who have significant #disabilities, create vital employment opportunities and help them earn a sustainable income. Don’t miss out on this amazing episode! Click the link to hear how Brandye is transforming #publicpolicy and making a difference with her #advocacy as a graduate of NIB’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment program. 🎧 🔗 Listen now and be inspired by Brandye's story: https://lnkd.in/erF_eh6U

🎧 Discover the power and possibility of advocacy! 🎧 We're thrilled to share our newest Heard & Empowered podcast episode featuring Brandye Lacy, marketing coordinator at Austin Lighthouse. 🌟 Brandye's path—from hiding her visual impairment to becoming a vocal advocate for people with blindness—is a masterclass in turning adversity into triumph. This insightful conversation with our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., was recorded live in Washington, D.C. during the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) 2024 Public Policy Forum. You can listen to a snippet of this chat in the video, or, better yet, click on this link https://lnkd.in/erF_eh6U to listen to the entire episode where Brandye role-plays a conversation with a congressman to demonstrate the #advocacy techniques she learned as part of NIB’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program. In the episode, she also shares: 🌆 Her formative years in Lake Jackson, Texas 🏃♀️ Navigating the challenges of vision loss and turning them into a strength 💼 The exciting and multifaceted responsibilities of her role at Austin Lighthouse 🗣️ Her relentless advocacy for better #publicpolicy for people who are #blind or #visuallyimpaired 🙏The life-changing benefits of the “1% ask” that all advocates for NIB and its associated nonprofit agencies are focusing on right now… ...and so much more! This episode is a treasure trove for those passionate about public policy, advocacy for people with #blindness and #disabilities, and personal growth. Don’t miss it! #ChampionEmploymentGrowth

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a challenge into a lifelong mission? 🤔 Tune in to the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) tomorrow and you’ll meet Brandye Lacy, marketing coordinator at Austin Lighthouse. Her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and unstoppable determination. As a young teenager, Brandye navigated the challenges of #visionloss due to #retinitispigmentosa with grace and grit. Her love for communications sparked a journey that led her to a dream role where she juggles multiple tasks with flair. But Brandye's impact goes beyond her job description. As a seasoned advocate and proud graduate of NIB’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program, she's making waves on Capitol Hill, advocating for public policy that will create thousands of #jobs for people who are #blind or #visuallyimpaired. Her unique approach to engaging lawmakers and the community showcases the power of personal stories and meaningful connections. What you'll discover in Brandye's story: 🌆 The topics that NIB’s advocacy program teaches its participants 💼 The success story of Austin Lighthouse that earned it recognition from the White House 🗣️ Brandye's advocacy work and its potential to create #careeropportunities under the #AbilityOne® Program (U.S. AbilityOne Commission) 🤩 …and so much more! Tune in tomorrow to the Heard & Empowered podcast to hear Brandye’s full story with Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. You'll be inspired and empowered. And while you wait, catch up on our past episodes—you won’t regret it! 🎧✨ https://lnkd.in/gQwEHfPt What impact do you think increased legislative support can have on employment for people who are blind? Share your thoughts below! 👇

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 As we celebrate the spirit of independence and freedom today, let's also take a moment to reflect on the incredible stories of resilience and empowerment within our community. 🎆 Yesterday, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. sat down with the inspiring Blake Lindsay from Envision, Inc. in Dallas on the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB). Blake's journey is a testament to the attainment of #independence that is available for people who are #blind or #visuallyimpaired when they work at any one of NIB’s nonprofit agencies. Blake said, “When you fall in love with a mission, you really become passionate and committed…I never would have thought how impactful it can be and how many lives are changed because of [Envision] and NIB.” As we honor the freedoms we enjoy, let's be inspired by Blake's story of navigating challenges and empowering others to find their own autonomy in their #careers. His journey also reminds us that true independence comes from within and that we all have the power to make a difference in our #jobs. 🎙️ Tune in to Episode 34 now and get ready to be inspired: https://lnkd.in/eYK_RqTz Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! 🎉

#Blind or #visuallyimpaired? You can have career versatility and excel at anything you put your mind to! 🚀 Blake Lindsay's career journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He went: 🎙️ From radio personality to customer service expert at Bank of America… 📢 From motivational speaker sharing the stage with (the late) Zig Ziglar to writing and publishing his own books… 💼 And is now serving as Outreach & Communications Director at Envision, Inc. in Dallas. Blake has excelled in diverse roles, all fueled by his love for people and exceptional #communication skills. 🗣 Blake's story, featured in today’s episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind, highlights the importance of passion, dedication, and superior #customerservice. His ability to adapt and thrive in various professions is truly inspiring. It also highlights the #inclusivity of leaders and caring management who #ChampionEmploymentGrowth for people with #blindness. 🎥 Click on the video for a snippet of Blake’s engaging conversation with our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., and listen to the full episode at https://lnkd.in/eYK_RqTz. Let Blake's journey motivate you to give your best—personally and professionally—always! What career transition have you found most challenging and how did you overcome it? Tell us in the comments! 💬

Blake Lindsay has a powerful voice, a powerful attitude, and a powerful mission to help people who are #blind or #visuallyimpaired. And we’re thrilled to announce that he is this Wednesday's guest on the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind. 🎧 Join Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. as he sits down with Blake from Envision, Inc. in Dallas to explore the power of resilience, #leadership, and #career growth. In this episode, you will discover: 📈 Career advancement: How Blake built a successful career in broadcasting, communications, and public speaking. 🌟 Leadership lessons: The impact of servant leadership and how it fosters a productive and motivated workforce. 🛠️ Professional development: Practical tips for developing communication skills and personal branding in any job. 🌐 Networking insights: The importance of building meaningful professional relationships. 💡 Innovation in accessibility: How technology and innovative practices are creating new opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Stay tuned for Blake’s episode coming your way tomorrow—you don’t want to miss out. This insightful conversation will inspire your professional journey and leadership style! And between now and then, we suggest you catch up on any of our previous 33 episodes at https://lnkd.in/gQwEHfPt. How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges in your own life? We’d love to hear your strategies in the comments!

“[NIB’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program] wasn't having people advocate for us, it was us learning how to advocate for ourselves. And with that comes powers… it's almost superpowers.” Lise Pace, Executive VP at Bosma Enterprises, shared this inspiring insight with Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., on yesterday’s episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind. 🌟 Curious about how Lise and the Bosma team harness these superpowers? Here's a glimpse: 🥇 Sole-source supplier - Bosma is the exclusive provider of all exam and surgical gloves to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 📦 Massive distribution - Annually, they package and ship over 500 million gloves to #VA facilities nationwide. 🧤 Diverse products - Bosma sells 50+ glove varieties for medical, food, and industrial uses to the Federal Government, private sector, and consumers. 🧑🦯 Inclusive workforce - Over 50% of Bosma’s employees are blind or visually impaired (and they’re #nowhiring!). 💪 Now, those are some real-life superpowers! 🎧 Don't miss Lise’s episode: https://lnkd.in/emBEWf7H Listen to discover how NIB’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program transformed Lise’s life and how she’s using her #advocacy superpowers to help create 20,000 new #jobs for people who are #blind, #visuallyimpaired, or have significant #disabilities under the #AbilityOne® Program of the U.S. AbilityOne Commission®. ✨ What would you do with superpowers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Did you know that the unemployment rate for people who are #blind and #visuallyimpaired is a staggering 70%?! 😱 Imagine a groundbreaking initiative that could slash this rate and create 20,000 new jobs for this underrepresented community and for people with significant disabilities too! 🤩 Tune in to today’s podcast episode with Lise Pace, Executive Vice President at Bosma Enterprises. In this episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. and Lise dive deep into the significance of the "1% ask"—a proposal that aims to mandate the United States Department of Defense to utilize 1% of its procurement budget on products and services made by people who are blind or have significant #disabilities under the AbilityOne® Program of the U.S. AbilityOne Commission®. This small percentage has the potential to open doors to new opportunities, create economic empowerment, and provide independence for lots of people. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear why Lise—along with many other people who are blind or visually impaired—participated in NIB’s 2024 Public Policy Forum in Washington D.C. Their advocacy efforts have the potential to make a monumental impact! 👉 Click here to listen: https://lnkd.in/emBEWf7H What are your thoughts on the "1%"? Could it be the catalyst for change we've been waiting for? Share your views in the comments! 💬👇 #PublicPolicy #Leadership #Empowerment

Most successful graduates from National Industries for the Blind’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program: ❌ Didn’t start with connections… 📚 Didn’t have formal training… 🤨 Didn’t know where to begin… So, what’s their common denominator? They are regular, everyday people with #blindness, an immense passion, and a relentless drive. That’s how they achieve feats of superhero proportions. If you believe in the power of your voice and take steps to advocate for what matters, you can do it, too. In tomorrow’s episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. sits down with Lise Pace, Executive Vice President at Bosma Enterprises, at the 2024 NIB Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. 🌟 Tune in to discover: 🦸♀️ The “superpowers” Lise acquired at NIB’s Advocates for #Leadership and Employment Program. 🌟 How she’s been applying them to advocate for the benefit of people who are #blind or #visuallyimpaired. 💼 The transformative power of this year’s “1% ask” on Capitol Hill, with the potential to create 20,000 jobs…this is advocacy on a superhero scale! 🚀 Set your alarm for tomorrow, Wednesday. Lise’s episode will inspire, move, and empower you!💥 And between now and tomorrow we suggest you catch up on Lise’s first episode on our podcast. Listen to her journey of resilience and triumph, from losing her eyesight to becoming Executive VP at Bosma. You'll be glad you did! Here’s the link: https://lnkd.in/euDnNczP What’s a superpower you’ve gained from advocating for a cause you’re passionate about? Share your story with us in the comments! 💬👇