As society strives to be more inclusive and recognize the talents of all people, employers are coming to understand the positive impact a diverse workforce can have on innovation and productivity. People who are blind are an often-overlooked segment of society that have proven to be highly talented and capable employees yet face a staggeringly high unemployment rate: Nearly 70% of working age Americans who are blind are not employed.
To help change this statistic, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) developed a new public service announcement (PSA) that highlights the abilities of people in this skilled, dedicated, yet often forgotten, workforce. The PSA “Hire Me!” aims to dispel misconceptions about the capabilities of people who are blind in the workplace and encourage employers in the private and public sectors to hire them. The message of the PSA is particularly relevant as calls grow for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
In concert with the “Hire Me” release, NIB has launched a new talent management enterprise, NSITE, to assist both employers seeking a more diverse workforce and people who are blind seeking career opportunities.
NSITE is poised to become the go-to resource for employers and job seekers alike through its comprehensive approach to talent acquisition that integrates development, job placement services, and accessibility support. NSITE makes it easy for organizations to connect with qualified job seekers who are blind, visually impaired, and/or veterans.
The experienced professionals at NSITE do more than help employers recruit employees with disabilities; their years of experience in providing effective accommodations and support let organizations focus on putting the skills and talents of their new employees to work. With NSITE as a partner, employers have everything they need to find, hire, onboard, and retain talented people who are blind or visually impaired as an essential part of their workforce.
The new PSA and the launch of NSITE not only challenge traditional notions, but they also invite employers to consider people who are blind and their many capabilities in a new light. By raising awareness and providing the tools corporations and job seekers alike need to act on the “Hire Me” call, NIB is helping to create the more inclusive society so needed today. You can help in this effort by viewing the PSA and sharing it on your social channels.
