October is designated especially as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates people with disabilities and the contributions they make in the workplace. For 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy selected “Access to Good Jobs for All” as the theme.
For National Industries for the Blind (NIB), every day is dedicated to its mission of empowering employment for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. During October NIB, along with the National Association for the Employment of People who are Blind (NAEPB), hosts its annual Training Conference and Expo (TCE).
This conference is an encapsulation of NIB’s mission. It offers trainings and educational workshops for agency representatives and vendors, showcases products made by people who are blind, and offers meaningful networking opportunities.
Opening Act: A Screening of the Oscar-Nominated Short Film “Feeling Through”
A special feature of this year’s event is a screening of the Oscar-nominated short film “Feeling Through,” which focuses on a chance encounter between a young New Yorker and a DeafBlind man. The film, which was a 2021 Academy Award nominee for Best Live Action Short Film, was directed by Doug Roland and is the first to star a DeafBlind actor.
“There are not DeafBlind actors representing DeafBlind people in the media,” Roland said. “That’s why we’ve been connecting with everyone in the community, because we want to tell this story accurately and authentically.”
Based upon something that happened to Roland in his own life, the film was made with the assistance of Helen Keller Services, an NIB associated nonprofit agency. The organization helped Roland find an actor to play Artie, the DeafBlind character. Robert Tarango, who worked in the Helen Keller Services food services department, won the role
“Robert being part a part of this experience wasn’t a challenge; it made it what it is. It’s in the DNA of every moment of the story that we’re telling,” Roland added.
Another major component of this nearly week-long conference is the recognition of Employees of the Year (EOY) from across the country who are honored for their exceptional contributions to their workplaces. This year’s group of nominees have had to surpass many obstacles to reach their employment goals, but they are fulfilled by their ability to support themselves and their families.
“At Alphapointe, I’m comfortable with my disability. I don’t have to hide it,” said Terrie Collins, this year’s Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award winner from Alphapointe Kansas City. “I love working with people. As a recruiter, I can work with people from my own experience.”
AccessTech to Showcase Assistive Technology, First Public Demo of New AI Assistant
This year, the TCE will also include AccessTech, an Accessible Technology and Smart Office Showcase. Not only will it feature the latest technology and assistive tools that can make almost any job accessible, but it will also feature the first public demonstration of ally, a new personal and conversational artificial intelligence (AI) assistant designed by Envision, the leader in next generation assistive technologies. Envision will hold a special public demonstration of ally on Wednesday, October 16, at 10 a.m.
ally is not just another AI assistant. Designed to help everyone, everywhere, it’s an innovative tool designed to support people of all ages and abilities, including those who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. With ally, navigating daily life becomes easier and more efficient. Whether you need a quick description of what’s around you or assistance with a recipe, ally provides accurate, clear answers in seconds by choosing the best AI tools for each task.
ally is also highly personal and inclusive. It learns your preferences and habits, providing insights and suggestions tailored specifically to you. With customizable options for personality, response style, name, and voice, ally feels uniquely yours. Its intuitive design ensures accessibility for everyone, across multiple platforms and devices, including Envision Glasses.
Initially, ally will be available as a mobile app on both iOS and Android and as a new feature on Envision Glasses. Over time, ally will expand to other mainstream wearables, desktops, web platforms, and more.
Other organizations participating in AccessTech include:
- Amazon Business
- Glidance
- Goodwill Vision Enterprises
- LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Lighthouse Louisiana
- OrCam
- Vispero/Freedom Scientific
This event is free, but space is limited, so please register online to secure your spot!
About National Disability Employment Awareness Month
NDEAM was established by the Office of Disability Employment Policy within the Department of Labor and was instituted in 1945, when it started as a week of celebration and focused only on people with physical disabilities. Later, it expanded to a full month, and its name and scope evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the workforce inclusion of people on the disability spectrum.
“Our communities and economy are strengthened by the inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an accessible, equitable economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
For more information about NDEAM, click here.
