National Industries for the Blind

“People who are blind face an extremely high unemployment rate, and we need to put those people to work. And this is a way that you can do it, at virtually no cost to the taxpayer,” says Dan Kelly, President and CEO of IFB Solutions. National Industries for the Blind (#NIB) and its network of nearly 100 associated nonprofit agencies are advocating for a mandatory 1% AbilityOne Program utilization goal for the United States Department of Defense. “A 1% goal may sound small, but in the context of a $900-billion-dollar defense budget, 1% can make a huge impact.” Discover how this goal could drive significant employment opportunities for people who are blind. Watch our video below for more insights. #DisabilityAdvocacy #Blindness #EmploymentOpportunity #AbilityOne #ChampionEmploymentGrowth

Today, we celebrate the freedom and independence that make our nation special. At NIB, we are dedicated to fostering employment opportunities for people who are blind, inspired by the same values of liberty and equality that we honor today. May your Independence Day be filled with joy, pride, and appreciation for the freedoms we cherish! #July4 #IndependenceDay

In our latest episode of Heard & Empowered, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. speaks with Blake Lindsay, a renowned voice artist, author, and the director of communications and outreach at Envision Dallas. Blake’s incredible story, from a thriving 22-year radio broadcasting career to leading initiatives at Envision Dallas, showcases the power of resilience and innovation. Blake discusses his journey with retinoblastoma, the significant influences of Louis Braille and Zig Ziglar in his life, and how he embraced #blindness as a gift. His insights on adapting to technology and making various jobs accessible provide a refreshing perspective on overcoming challenges and finding purpose. Don't miss this inspiring conversation! https://lnkd.in/eYK_RqTz #HeardAndEmpowered #NIB #Braille #DisabilityEmployment #DisabilityAwareness

This #TechTuesday, check out the latest Opportunity magazine technology review from Douglas Goist, program manager, workforce development, at NSITE and a recognized leader in the field of technology accessibility. Doug shares his thoughts on Be My AI, a new feature in the Be My Eyes app. Utilizing even more advanced algorithms from OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, Be My AI provides users with detailed visual descriptions of the world around them whenever and wherever they wish, with no need for human interaction. “While it’s not exactly clear where all this is leading, what is clear is that sooner than later AI is going to open employment and social opportunities never thought possible for people who are blind.” Visit our blog to read his full review: https://ow.ly/1al950StVY8 #accessibletech #techforgood #disabilityemployment #accessabilitymatters [Image description: A smartphone displaying the Be My Eyes app screen is shown next to the text: "NIB National Industries for the Blind and Be My Eyes." Below this is a quote about advanced algorithms from OpenAI's ChatGPT-4 providing visual descriptions, attributed to Doug Goist, Tech Tuesday.]

Whether you’re commuting, taking a coffee break, or looking to be inspired, listen to Heard & Empowered and unlock new perspectives! #HeardAndEmpowered is your go-to #podcast for job inspiration and #careeropportunities tailored for people who are #blind or #visuallyimpaired. Hosted by Dr. Hoby Wedler, our episodes feature inspiring stories and practical insights from the #NIB network across the U.S. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eAnR4Wnz Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to stay up-to-date with new episodes. Give Heard & Empowered a follow for more updates, and leave a review to help others find us! [Image is of a green to blue sound wave with the Heard and Empowered and NIB logos.]

Today marks #HelenKellerDay, a celebration of an extraordinary person whose perseverance and advocacy for people with disabilities left a lasting mark on history. Helen Keller’s words, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision,” resonate deeply with NIB's mission. We are dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind, inspired by Helen Keller’s legacy of empowerment and education. Discover how we are making a difference and how you can support our efforts: https://ow.ly/Whg450Sr2hy. #EmpowerEmployment #DisabilityAwareness #ChampionEmploymentGrowth #DisabilityEmployment [Image: A black and white image of Helen Keller standing in a library, holding an open book. The text reads, "NIB National Industries for the Blind - Happy Birthday Helen Keller - June 27, 2024." The background includes books and decorative items on shelves.]

During last night's Disability Awareness Awards, NIB’s Soraya Correa and Joe Haggerty, president and CEO of The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, shared an impactful dialogue on the importance of employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. At NIB, we believe that empowering people through employment not only enhances personal and economic independence but also strengthens our vibrant hometown community of Alexandria, VA. We are dedicated to working with local organizations to drive these efforts and create a more inclusive environment for everyone. #DisabilityAwareness #Blindness #Employment #Inclusion #AlexandriaVA #alxva #ChampionEmploymentGrowth [Image: Two people are seated on a stage in a professional setting. A man in a suit holds a note card, while a woman in a blazer speaks into a microphone. Behind them is a screen displaying the text "A Conversation with Soraya Correa, president & CEO, National Industries for the Blind.]

Episode #33 with Lise Pace is now streaming! 🎧 In today’s episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. chats with Lise Pace, EVP at Bosma Enterprises, about how achieving the 1% #AbilityOne Program utilization goal for the Department of Defense can change lives. Nearly doubling the United States Department of Defense's use of #AbilityOne has the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs for Americans who are #blind or have significant disabilities. Having the opportunity to build meaningful careers in professional services and manufacturing would boost their personal and economic independence, while also allowing them to support our #military. Don’t miss out—go press play and hear Lise’s powerful insights on the transformative power of the 1% goal: https://lnkd.in/emBEWf7H. #ChampionEmploymentGrowth

Today marks a pivotal moment in history – the signing of the Wagner-O'Day Act in 1938. This groundbreaking legislation led to the creation of NIB and ultimately, the AbilityOne® Program. For 86 years, the Wagner-O'Day Act has enabled NIB and our network of associated nonprofit agencies to create meaningful employment opportunities, allowing people who are blind to contribute their skills and talents to the workforce. Through dedication and innovation, we’ve been able to change lives and work toward a future where people of all abilities thrive! #DisabilityRights #EmploymentOpportunities #InclusionMatters #AbilityOne [Image: A group of twelve people posed together in a warehouse setting; the image commemorates the Wagner O'Day Act Anniversary, associated with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB).]

Our associated nonprofit agencies are excelling in this year's advocacy marathon! We've been thrilled to see numerous posts showcasing meetings and tours with elected officials at their facilities. This proactive engagement is a crucial part of the year-round strategy Vivian Fridas highlights in her interview with Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. below.   Keep building those vital relationships—they are key to helping us #ChampionEmploymentGrowth for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your efforts are driving real change!   Want to share your success? Post a photo or story about a recent tour or meeting in the comments!   #NIBadvocacy #DEIA #NIBworkforce #EmpowerEmployment #DisabilityAdvocacy