Nearly 800 People Will Gather at Annual NIB Conference in Crystal City, Va., October 14 to 18 to Discuss Growing Employment for People Who Are Blind
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27, 2024—During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October) close to 800 people will meet in Arlington for National Industries for the Blind’s annual Training Conference and Expo, “Empower,” which is focused on expanding employment opportunities for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. The conference will be held October 14 through 18 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City (2799 Richmond Hwy., Arlington). New this year is AccessTech, an Accessible Technology and Smart Office Showcase (October 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and open to the public) featuring the latest accessible technologies.
“We are delighted to be able to feature so many new assistive technologies, including the latest offerings that use artificial intelligence,” said Doug Goist, a recognized leader in the field of accessible technology and program manager of workforce development for NSITE, NIB’s talent management enterprise. “As the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, NIB and its associated nonprofit agencies are the experts in how easy and affordable it is to make almost any job accessible. This opportunity will allow attendees to experience how technology has leveled the playing field.”
Envision, a company dedicated to developing technology that is innovative and inclusive, will demonstrate its new personal AI assistant ally as a new companion to its Envision Glasses. Ally (also available as a mobile app) is an innovative tool designed to support people of all ages and abilities. Envision Glasses are an AI-powered, lightweight, hands-free tool that reads text, describes surroundings, recognizes objects and people and contacts connections on the go. Envision will demonstrate this new technology for the first time in the U.S. on Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. as part of the AccessTech event.
The Accessible Technology Showcase will include a wide variety of tools, from tactile maps to new braille technology to a self-guided, AI-powered mobility aid. Demonstrations of apps and software that use AI technology will include the Meta View app with Ray-Ban smart glasses and Be My Eyes/Be My AI on iPhone and iPad. Visitors can try out products such as the Freedom Scientific PEARL, which grants users instant portable access to printed materials with an array of human-sounding voices, and more.
The Smart Office display will feature workstations outfitted with technology designed with accessibility in mind. This includes handheld video magnifiers that have built-in LEDs and a desktop video magnifier that is compact and foldable. JAWS (Job Access With Speech), Fusion and OpenBook scanning and reading software will be demonstrated with the PEARL. Freedom Scientific’s Focus 40 Blue will also be available in the Smart Office. It is a lightweight braille display with a user-friendly keyboard, convenient control panels and retooled Braille pins, making for smooth and quiet operation.
“There is so much new technology, and AccessTech offers a unique opportunity to see and experience all of this in one location,” explained Goist. “We’re excited for the public to try it out and learn more about our community.”
For more information on National Industries for the Blind, visit www.nib.org.
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Editor’s Note: The Accessible Technology Showcase and Smart Office will be free and open to the public, media and conference attendees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 16. (There will be great opportunities for media to see conference attendees trying out the products.) At 10 a.m. on October 16, Envision will roll out its new personal AI assistant ally, a multi-platform artificial intelligence that serves as a conversational personal assistant. This is the first demonstration of this technology in the U.S. If you’re interested in covering these events, please contact Vicki Bendure at 202-374-9259 (call/text).
About National Industries for the Blind
Incorporated in 1938, NIB is the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, and through its network of associated nonprofit agencies, the largest employer of people who are blind in the U.S. NIB creates opportunities for people who are blind to become wage earners and taxpayers, reducing their reliance on government support and increasing engagement in their communities. The organization offers career training and assists employers and employees in developing mutually beneficial workplaces. NIB’s vision is that blindness is not a barrier to employment. In 2021, NIB launched a national talent management enterprise known as NSITE. NSITE provides a continuum of employment services that connect employers with talented, dedicated people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired, including veterans. For more information, visit www.nib.org or www.nsite.org.