NIB Connection

Since COVID-19 struck, NIB and its associated nonprofit agencies have been working tirelessly to help our nation respond. Nearly 4,000 Americans who are blind working at 40 NIB associated agencies are producing more than 1,500 different products being used in the response. In many cases, these employees are helping to save lives by producing critical […]

It was already a leader in the production of safety vests, coveralls, and other protective gear, so when the clarion call was sounded for more resources to fight COVID-19, New York’s Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) was pleased to step up to the plate. Founded in 1908, the NIB associated nonprofit agency […]

In a storied history spanning 117 years, Milwaukee-based Beyond Vision has witnessed two World Wars, the Great Depression of the 1930s, the social changes of the 1960s and 70s, and many other cataclysmic events. The NIB associated nonprofit agency employing people who are blind or visually impaired has weathered it all. Founded in 1903, Beyond […]

Just a few months ago, employees at the Austin Lighthouse for the Blind would never have dreamed that the hand sanitizers and soaps they produce would become key weapons in the fight against one of the most formidable foes our nation has ever faced. But as the nationwide threat from the coronavirus became more apparent, […]

To do its part in the fight against the coronavirus, NIB associated nonprofit agency Bosma Enterprises is continuing its long tradition of supplying medical gloves and other supplies to aid hospitals run by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which are among those at the forefront in battling COVID-19. Established in Indianapolis in 1915, Bosma […]

National Volunteer Month may be coming to a close, but at NIB associated nonprofit agencies across the nation, serving the community is business as usual. During the COVID-19 pandemic, personnel in our associated agencies have moved beyond their usual duties to host virtual support groups and hotlines, organize drives for food and other essential supplies, […]

When the calls for help came in, he couldn’t say no. That’s how Mike Gilliam, CEO and President of the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired, describes his response to pleas from University Hospital and the Southwest Research Institute to start making washable, reusable cloth masks for local healthcare professionals fighting the […]

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the nation, Americans feel a deep sense of gratitude to the healthcare workers, grocery clerks, and other essential services providers on the frontlines who are prioritizing the health and safety of their communities on a daily basis. Yet behind those on the frontlines stands another workforce that makes those […]

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis continues to have tremendous impact on everyone, regardless of ability or disability. For people who are blind, assistive technology is now more critical than ever for staying connected to the world. As we all adjust to social distancing and teleworking, we’ve put together a few resources to help everyone navigate this […]

Welcome to the National Industries for the Blind blog! We look forward to sharing with you news and stories about our mission to enhance the independence of people who are blind and the incredible people working in our associated nonprofit agencies through posts on a variety of topics.