VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 1 WINTER 2023 OPPORTUNITY A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS How They Help Advance NIB’s Mission FEATURE The Holman Prize for Blind Ambition AGENCY SPOTLIGHT Bestwork Industries for the Blind LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TRUSTED PARTNERS Strategic partnerships are a key element in carrying out NIB’s mission. For years we have worked with our associated agencies, private industry, and state and federal government to create employment opportunities that empower people who are blind to build more independent lives. Over the years, these partnerships have been crucial in paving new avenues for employment and challenging preconceptions about the capabilities of people who are blind. Our strategic partners know they can count on NIB and its associated agencies to think outside the box when it comes to developing solutions that meet their unique requirements. Similarly, we know we can count on our partners for support in navigating challenges like those presented by today’s difficult business environment. In this issue of Opportunity, you’ll read about some of the strategic partnerships NIB has formed to carry out its mission. From working with state agencies and private sector employers to build training programs that prepare people who are blind for knowledge-based careers, to partnering with commercial enterprises to develop products that create jobs and expand the market for NIB’s products, to initiatives with the Department of Defense and federal government that help spread the word to rank-and-file employees and military members about the solutions our agencies can provide, NIB works across the economy to build a broad range of opportunities. President John F. Kennedy described working partnerships as “a continuous process that grows stronger each year as we devote ourselves to common tasks.” Each year, NIB’s relationships grow stronger as we work together meet our strategic partner’s needs and enhance opportunities for people who are blind. President and Chief Executive Officer @NatIndBlind VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 1 WINTER 2023 OPPORTUNITY is published quarterly in the winter, spring, summer, and fall. Find it online at NIB.org/opportunity. ANGELA HARTLEY Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer JENNIFER CLICK Editor-in-Chief ANETA ZAWILA-JORDAN Vice President, Marketing and Communications PAUL M. BEST Program Director, Marketing and Design JERMAINE EUBANKS Specialist, Communications Design OPPORTUNITY welcomes news and stories about the careers and capabilities of people who are blind. Email communications@nib.org. To add or change a mailing address, contact communications@nib.org. ———— Since 1938, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) has focused on enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining, and improving employment. NIB and its network of associated nonprofit agencies are the nation’s largest employer of people who are blind through the manufacture and provision of SKILCRAFT® and other products and services of the AbilityOne® Program. For more information about NIB, visit NIB.org. 02 LETTER FROM THE 18 HIGHLIGHTS: PRESIDENT: New Executive Director, Inspector Strategic Partnerships General, and Federal Appointees Named for AbilityOne Commission 04 Strategic Partnerships 09 TECH CORNER: Orcam Read Read the 2022 NIB Annual Report 10 FEATURE: Thinking Outside the Box 10 FEATURE: Louisiana Agency Celebrates Thinking Outside the Box Employee Hector Gonzales 12 FEATURE: NIB Hosts Continuous Process Training Conference & Expo wrap-up Improvement Forum 14 AGENCY SPOTLIGHT: Best Industries for the Blind 16 READY TO LAUNCH: New SKILCRAFT® products Strategic Partners BY SHARON HORRIGAN NIB’s strategic partnerships with government, commercial, and training organizations advance its mission to provide meaningful employment opportunities and career tracks for people who are blind. To enhance the personal and economic independence of people who are blind, NIB forms strategic partnerships with government agencies, commercial businesses, and training organizations. These partnerships champion NIB’s mission and enable both partners and customers to gain an appreciation of the capabilities of people who are blind. GOVERNMENT PARTNERS HELP GROW OPPORTUNITIES In October 2020, the U.S. Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and the office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment issued memos directing establishment of the AbilityOne Representative (ABOR) program at the 24 federal agencies subject to the CFO Act and at Department of Defense (DOD) components. The goal of the ABOR program is to increase spending on AbilityOne products and services and thus increase jobs through the AbilityOne® Program for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. In the memoranda announcing the program’s creation, both OFPP and DOD noted the crucial role AbilityOne agencies played in the nation’s response to COVID-19. The Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Act requires federal agencies to purchase AbilityOne products and services. However, if a needed product or service is not on the AbilityOne procurement list, federal customers can go to the commercial market. As part of the new program, ABORs work to educate personnel in federal agencies about the wide range of products and services the AbilityOne Program offers. Thanks to their positions with federal agencies, ABORs have a good understanding of the products and services government customers need. They work with nonprofit organizations in the AbilityOne Program to develop new solutions that meet those needs and get them onto the AbilityOne procurement list. ABOR Business Development Manager Matthew Buchanan joined NIB in early 2021 to help grow the program. His experience as a civilian contracting officer for the U.S. Army had made him a staunch supporter of the AbilityOne Program and NIB’s mission. “I purchased a lot from AbilityOne as a contracting officer,” says Buchanan. “I know first-hand that AbilityOne products and services are top­notch.” Buchanan says his work so far has focused on providing training and outreach to ABORs and federal agencies. NIB hosted the first ABOR Reverse Industry Day in November 2022 to introduce ABORs from federal agencies and DOD to the wide range of products and services AbilityOne offers. “We’ve built a strong reputation with the products our agencies produce,” explains Buchanan, “but we want to get the word out about the services they offer, like contract closeout and call center and IT help desk services.” The two-day event highlighted services available through NIB and SourceAmerica® agencies and provided an opportunity for ABORs to meet in person for the first time since the pandemic began. Buchanan is encouraged about the future of the program. “We talk to a lot of people who don’t know about our mission. The ABOR program allows us to get the word out, and it really sells itself once they are informed. All we need is that first contract to prove ourselves,” says Buchanan. NSITE, NIB’s talent management enterprise, is also establishing strategic partnerships, both with state rehabilitation agencies and with nonprofit rehabilitation organizations, says Director of Strategic Partnerships Billy Parker. Created under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, state vocational rehabilitation programs receive federal funds to provide services to people with disabilities. In the past, Parker says, the state agencies were reluctant to offer training services other than their own, but that changed during the pandemic because many state agency programs were in-person only. When NSITE moved its training programs online, state agencies recognized them as a good solution to help their clients who are blind or visually impaired. Gaining approval to offer training to state agencies takes time, notes Parker. Thus far, NSITE has signed contracts with a dozen states to offer training, and is working with several more to secure contracts for training. One offering that state agencies are embracing is the Professional Mastery of Office Technology for Employment (ProMOTE) training program. Developed by NSITE, ProMOTE is now offered by five NIB associated nonprofit agencies – East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, Bosma Enterprises in Indianapolis, the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts, and the Lighthouse of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “ProMOTE takes assistive technology users with intermediate skills to the next level and prepares them for competitive, upwardly mobile computer-based careers,” explains Parker. NSITE developed a train-the-trainer program that prepares associated agencies to offer ProMOTE to rehabilitation clients and others in their region. “The train-the-trainer program helps agencies grow the portfolio of services they can offer to their communities,” Parker says. Similarly, NSITE is helping the Cincinnati Association for the Blind (CABVI) provide training for people who are blind in one of the nation’s fastest growing industries, following it’s recent acquisition of Route Transportation and Logistics. “The job opportunities with Route allow people who are blind to develop a deep understanding of the logistics industry and have more opportunities for career advancement,” says Teri Shirk, CABVI president and CEO. Marianne Haegeli, NSITE program director for learning and leadership, explains that the training being developed for CABVI’s positions with Route will focus on educating candidates on the logistics industry, the company’s systems and processes, and the effective and efficient use of assistive technology. “We are always eager to help our associated agency partners develop training that opens up new pathways to career success for people who are blind,” she says. COMMERCIAL PARTNERS EXPAND PRODUCT OFFERINGS For more than 30 years NIB has been partnering with commercial businesses to develop job opportunities at NIB associated agencies. One of the first commercial partnerships The Commissary at Fort Campbell, KY was with 3M, which partnered with the program to add self-stick notes the procurement list, says NIB Director of Products Amanda Alderson. Through that partnership, NIB associated agencies began producing a variety of items with 3M materials. In addition, agencies formed partnerships with industry-leading companies to produce sponges, cleaning supplies, and office products. The partnerships are a win for both NIB associated agencies and commercial businesses, says Alderson. They enable agencies to grow manufacturing and engineering resources and expertise in new areas, expanding their families of products in categories that would otherwise be inaccessible. Growing AbilityOne product lines and services means agencies can provide more job opportunities for people who are blind. Commercial partners selling through the AbilityOne Program broaden their market to include GSA global supply and AbilityOne Base Supply Centers® (BSCs). With the SKILCRAFT® brand’s nearly 100% recognition in the federal market, commercial partners who co-brand with NIB strengthen their products’ recognition beyond the private sector. The partnerships offer operational benefits, Alderson says. Because NIB associated agencies were deemed mission essential during the pandemic, they never closed their doors. As a result, they effectively served as back-up manufacturing sites for partners like Showa Group, allowing for continuous production of gloves as an essential product. Co-branding also offers commercial partners reputational benefits: Working with NIB associated agencies can enhance their image in the community. “It can be a challenge to reach new commercial partners because initially, they see us as their competition,” explains Alderson. “But once they understand our mission and the benefits of co-branding, they’re very receptive to the idea and the possibilities.” NIB’s partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has also been invaluable to NIB associated agencies, says Anne-Marie Wallace, director of the military resale program. DeCA has overseen the commissaries of all branches of the military for more than 150 years. The equivalent of on-base grocery stores, the Commissaries sell goods at reduced prices to active-duty military members, their families, and veterans. NIB has participated in the military resale program since the 1950s and today provides nearly 1,000 unique items made or packaged by approximately 400 people who are blind working at NIB associated agencies. “We have a home care section, a gourmet section, and a kitchen section,” explains Wallace. “These sections comprise the SKILCRAFT line in the 236 commissaries throughout the United States and abroad.” Wallace attributes much of the success of the military resale program to DeCA’s support over the years. “We’re one of the few organizations selling in the commissaries that has posted positive sales for the past seven years and our sales are positive because of DeCA,” she says, noting that a DeCA buyer envisioned and introduced the kitchen section line of products. DeCA came to the rescue in 2022, when one of its distribution centers planned to reduce the number of SKILCRAFT items it would keep in inventory. “We were going to lose more than 400 items,” explains Wallace, “but with the support of DeCA, we were able to move the products to another center. They helped us accomplish it in a very short time.” “Thanks to DeCA and a great group of NIB associated agencies, we were able to add 120 new items in 2021 and another 112 new items in 2022,” says Wallace. The addition of those items, she emphasizes, translates into more jobs for people who are blind. PARTNERS IN CAREER TRAINING In addition to its work establishing strategic partnerships with rehabilitation agencies operated by states and nonprofit organizations, NSITE has developed training programs with a number of private organizations to increase career opportunities for people who are blind. A new partnership with Google offers foundational IT courses in data analytics, project management, IT support, and UX design, says Learning and Leadership Program Director Haegeli. The design of the courses allows cohort learning and offers virtual chat rooms for participants to interact with classmates. A partnership with Cisco prepares people who are blind for the industry-recognized Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) examination. Known as the Cisco Academy, the rigorous 40-week program is adapted to accommodate the learning styles of people who are blind. Learners meet virtually with an instructor two evenings a week and study and complete lab assignments on their own time. At the end of the program, participants take the CCNA exam at Pearson Vue testing centers throughout the country. Once they earn their CCNA, NSITE assists in obtaining employment in the field by leveraging its partnerships within the IT community. A partnership with digital platform Leaderosity, a company that focuses on nonprofit organizations, provides a home to NSITE’s learning management system NSITE-U, explains Haegeli. “They have really helped us develop our courses and the virtual learning environment to be very accessible.” Credly, a New York City-based subsidiary of Pearson, worked with NSITE to create and issue digital badges to learners as an independent validation of their achievements. “The badges can be shared via LinkedIn, on resumes, and other social media,” explains Haegeli. “Employers can click on the badges to see the learning content, skills learned, and final exam results, and learners can click on their own badge to access a list of available, applicable jobs. The list can be sorted all sorts of ways, including by geographical location and job title.” In partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, NSITE developed an online job seeker’s toolkit that is now part of NSITE-U. The accessible, self-paced, free online courses help people who are blind acquire and build critical tools to conduct a successful job search through work on self-awareness, career exploration, finding employment, interviewing, and maintaining and advancing in one’s career. SocialTalent, a Dublin, Ireland-based hiring and talent management e-learning company, and Bristol Myers Squibb work with NSITE to offer a sourcing specialist certificate training program specifically designed for people who are blind and visually impaired. The 18-week program provides education, training, and an integrated six-week work experience that prepares graduates to enter a human resource career in candidate sourcing. To enhance its Business Essentials program, NSITE partnered with Roy Hinton of Herndon, Virginia-based Powersim Solutions, Inc., to develop an online business simulation for participants. “We partnered with Powersim again this year for the business simulation and to facilitate group sessions for participants,” says Haegeli. “In the simulation, small teams of learners establish a fictitious company, develop a strategic plan, formulate desired business outcomes, and then manage their organization to achieve the goals outlined in their strategic plan. The teams compete against each other, so in addition to being educational, it’s a lot of fun.” Houston-based Baker Communications, an award-winning sales training provider, worked with NSITE to make its virtual workshop on customer outcome selling accessible. The instructional designers at Baker Communications collaborated with NSITE to ensure their materials are accessible and that the facilitator delivers the virtual workshop appropriately for blind and low-vision learners. Haegeli hopes to include internships in future sessions with Baker, to provide work experience in addition to classroom learning. “It’s been an incredible experience working with all of these outstanding companies. They’ve been so open to ensuring their courses are accessible to learners who are blind, and to helping NSITE build its own catalog of courses,” says Haegeli. In terms of partnerships, she believes the future is bright. “These training programs are critical in broadening the career opportunities available to our learners. People who are blind have historically experienced employment roadblocks, and that should simply not be the case,” she says. “These partners are helping us break down those roadblocks, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.” Sharon Horrigan is a freelance writer TECH CORNER ON MARCH 9, 2020, Orcam, the Israeli assistive hardware maker that developed the powerful wearable Orcam MyEye (reviewed in Opportunity Magazine in Spring 2016), announced the release of Orcam Read, a hand-held alternative for scanning and reading text from nearly any surface. Launching Orcam Read seven days before the U.S. went into lockdown for COVID-19 was unfortunate, but the reading pen is gaining more notice from people who are blind or visually impaired who would rather not wear assistive technologies that are often unsightly at best. With its built-in high intensity LED light and dual mode laser pointer text targeting feature, the Orcam Read offers the most capabilities for users who have at least some residual vision – but for those who do not have any eyesight, it technically can be used for spot scanning of text with speech. At the NIB 2022 National Training Conference and Expo, Orcam vendor representative Stacey Crown showed during her live demonstration that the main differentiator setting Orcam Read apart from other scanning pens is its ability to capture a whole page of text at once, not just single lines of text like most other scanning pens. Using Read’s built-in 13-megapixel camera and laser highlighter, users can illuminate individual portions of hard-to-read print documents, books, newspapers, store signs, menus or even computer and smartphone screens and listen to spoken translations of the selected areas within one second. For people with no usable vision, text capture requires a bit more trial and error. On a restaurant menu, for example, I was able to capture the entire menu content by positioning the tip of the pen on the center of the menu page then lifting the pen vertically about 12-14 inches prior to pressing the scan button. The menu food items were then read back to me in structured order. The Read’s best-in-class AI text recognition is performed entirely within the unit, so there’s no need to connect to Wi-Fi or other links, although the Read does connect to a Wi-Fi signal to download software. For privacy, users can use wired or Bluetooth headphones, or connect directly to hearing aids. What’s more, users can give voice commands to perform scanning tasks, such as “Orcam, read me the headlines” or “Read me the amounts” from a printed bill. The speed of the spoken text can be adjusted on the fly. Orcam primarily positions Read as a solution for people with print disabilities such as dyslexia or partial vision, and those who experience fatigue or migraines while reading. Nonetheless, I found it to be a viable alternative for users who have little to no vision who want to avoid pulling out their smartphones and loading OCR smartphone apps like Microsoft’s Seeing AI. For me, the selling point is Orcam’s unbeatable OCR accuracy, super portability, and the ability to use it all day – long after OCR smartphone apps drain your battery to zero. Orcam provides a 30-day return guarantee, one year warranty, free training, free shipping and a payment installment option that, according to the company, has an approval rate of more than 90%. Orcam Read can be purchased directly from Orcam or through other suppliers for $1,700­$1,900, depending on provider and promotional discounts. For more information, point your browser to: www.orcam.com/en/read/ Doug Goist is program manager, workforce development at NIB’s talent management enterprise, NSITE. A recognized leader in the field of technology accessibility, Doug has worked with the U.S. Department of Defense, the military services, federal agencies, and private sector partners. In 2013, he served as the technical steering committee representative for the U.S. Agency for International Development on a study of mobile money transfer and handset accessibility in Africa. Thinking Outside the Box BY DOMINIC CALABRESE The Holman Prize supports entrepreneurs who aim to change society’s understanding of the term “blind ambition.” These are the projects winners of the 2022 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition are carrying out. Selected from among 79 applicants, Abby Griffith of the United States, Cassie Hames of Australia, and Tafadzwa Nyamuzihwa of Germany, are making their vision a reality, thanks to the groundbreaking global competition sponsored by NIB associated nonprofit agency LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco. Established in 2017, the Holman Prize awards up to $25,000 each to three people who are blind to carry out projects designed to foster greater independence and extend new opportunities to people who are blind or visually impaired. CORRECTING MISPERCEPTIONS “The Holman competition was launched to raise awareness about the capabilities of people who are blind by recognizing multi-talented entrepreneurs from around the world who challenge misperceptions about blindness while also challenging themselves,” explains Sharon Giovinazzo, who recently joined the 120-year-old non­profit as chief executive officer. One of the nation’s largest organizations serving people who are blind, the agency promotes equality and self-reliance through rehabilitation training, employment placement, youth programs and other services. “The Holman Prize was designed to support the growth of adventurous spirits, entrepreneurship, and leadership, in any form it may present,” Giovinazzo says. “From personal-growth goals like climbing mountains or traveling the world independently, to providing education and training in areas lacking resources, the goal is not just to push boundaries and live life outside of the ‘blind box’ but to eliminate the box altogether.” The award is named for James Holman, a trailblazing 19th century explorer and the first person who was blind to circumnavigate the globe. Holman was and the most prolific private traveler of anyone, blind or sighted, before the era of modern transportation. “The competition itself is unconventional,” Giovinazzo observes. “We ask applicants to begin with a 90-second YouTube pitch, which in itself challenges misconceptions about blindness. After all, many people would wonder how people who are blind can shoot and upload videos. But when they watch the videos, they get an idea. RIGOROUS COMPETITION To arrive at three winners, a panel of judges reviews applicants and sifts through tiers of semi-finalists and finalists looking for creativity, enthusiasm, passion, and drive. After being selected as semifinalists for the prize, Griffith, Hames, and Nyamuzlhwa had four weeks to complete extensive written proposals that included a budget, tentative itinerary, references, and more. In June, the LightHouse announced the three were among 10 contestants from nine countries who would advance to the final round of judging. Over the course of two days in July, the projects were evaluated by an international panel of 10 leaders who are blind encompassing a wide range of expertise. Chemist and Holman Prize judge Dr. Hoby Wedler called Griffith “a truly extraordinary blind leader. She came to the United States from her native Ethiopia, learned how to use assistive technology, and wants to bring her learning of access tech and braille back to her homeland.” Hames, 33, received an equally favorable review from author and competition judge Dr. M. Leona Godin for her proposal on public transportation. “I was struck by Cassie’s tenacity as demonstrated in her 90 second video pitch. She is a woman with a clear and important project, and the will and ability to make it happen.” Judge Sarah Harris, a disability rights advocate, said Nyamuzihwa’s “insight and passion to change perspectives and stigmas [in Zimbabwe] in regard to blindness are thoughtful and heartfelt.” Griffith, Hames, and Nyamuzlhwa now join past Holman Prize recipients whose projects continue to open doors and break down barriers. GROUNDBREAKING PROJECTS Among those recipients is Tyler Merren, a four-time Paralympic athlete, personal trainer, and motivational speaker who used proceeds from the 2020 prize to develop an audio fitness app. “As an elite athlete and personal trainer myself, I personally witnessed the frustration that people who are blind face in trying to become more fit when accessibility is often a major barrier,” he explains. To deal with this challenge, Merren developed ReVision Fitness, an audio fitness app specially designed to jump start users’ fitness journey with total accessibility. ReVision Fitness features more than 100 different exercise and position lessons as well as dozens of audio workouts. Merren credits the Holman Prize for helping lay the groundwork for his business and giving entrepreneurs like him a chance to pursue their dreams. “I can’t thank the San Francisco LightHouse enough for making these awards available,” he says. “They have given people who are blind the opportunity to produce our own initiatives to improve the quality of life in our communities.” Penny Melville-Brown, a 2017 Holman Prize winner from the United Kingdom, has a deep and unique understanding of food’s ability to break down cultural barriers and connect people – blind and sighted alike – across the globe. “While food is a mainstay across the media and popular culture, it is almost impossible to find any inclusion of visually impaired people,” she says. Melville-Brown set out to change that with her Holman Prize project, traveling to Costa Rica, Malawi, Australia, China, and the United States on her Baking Blind world tour. Her nephew, Toby Melville-Brown, accompanied Melville-Brown and documented the whirlwind world tour in a video blog series, Baking Blind. She also maintains a website and in 2022 published her second book, A Cook’s Tour: Baking Blind Goes Global, chronicling her Holman Prize experience. Alieu Jaiteh, a 2019 winner of the prize, drew on personal experience in his home country of The Gambia to develop his prize-winning proposal. When he became blind shortly after graduating from high school, Jaiteh knew he needed a new career plan. “In The Gambia, when you are blind, you have two options: to become a teacher or a beggar. Well, I didn’t want to be a beggar, so I chose to become a teacher,” he says. After completing college and traveling to the United States for leadership training, Jaiteh founded Start Now Gambia, which provides rehabilitation and technology training to Gambians who are blind so they can work in a variety of fields. When he learned about the Holman Prize, he realized winning could fund expansion of the program into rural Gambia. Winning was a “dream come true,” Jaiteh says. He used the funds to provide training to 80 people and “transform the lives of blind and partially sighted people in rural Gambia to become confident and independent.” PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE In preparing for the 2023 competition launched in late January, the LightHouse worked to adjust to a world forever changed forever by the COVID-19 pandemic while still honoring James Holman. “I think the big thing for us was to think deeply about how the pandemic has impacted people’s ambitions and priorities,” Giovinazzo says. “Challenging misconceptions about blindness worldwide may look different.” Dominic Calabrese, a freelance writer, professor, and consultant in Chicago, Illinois, previously served as senior vice president, public relations, at The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. FOCUS FORWARD Nearly 800 registrants and 70 exhibitors attended the 2022 NIB/NAEPB Training Conference and Expo, held October 3-7, 2022, in Arlington, Virginia. General session attendees at NIB’s first in-person Training Conference and Expo since the pandemic enjoyed presentations by DLA Troop Support Commander Brigadier General Eric Shirley; John Tenaglia, principal director, Defense Pricing and Contracting; Major General Alice Trevino, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, U.S. Air Force; General Services Administration Deputy Administrator Katy Kale; and the new executive director of the U.S. AbilityOne Commission®, Kimberly Zeich. Interest group meetings and informative training tracks featuring personnel from NIB, NAEPB, and VisionServe Alliance laid the groundwork for attendees to reach new goals in the coming year as they work to increase employment opportunities for people who are blind. On Wednesday, the Expo gave prospective customers an excellent chance to learn more about the wide variety of products and services available through NIB associated agencies and business partners. The event closed with a celebration of the 2022 employees of the year, including national award winners Jennifer Holladay and Warren Walker. JENNIFER HOLLADAY • Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award winner • Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Cincinnati, Ohio “As visually impaired people … sometimes we just have to do things when we’re a little bit scared.” IN MEMORY: WARREN WALKER, 1961 – 2022 • Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award winner • Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Cherry Hill, New Jersey “If you could take any lesson from Warren, it’s his perseverance.” – Wilfredo Martinez, accepting the award for Warren VAN DOAN • Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award nominee • San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, San Antonio, Texas “Without the support of our customers who continue to support the mission I wouldn’t be standing here today.” DENNY KEITH • Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award nominee • Louisiana Association for the Blind, Shreveport, Louisiana “You’ll never be a champion as long as you play a victim.” NIKKI JACKSON • Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award nominee • Blind Industries and Services of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland “I was encouraged to keep pushing, so I re-enrolled in school and graduated with a degree in speech communications.” LASHAWN FORD • Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award nominee • Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Utica, New York “CABVI allows me to utilize my skills and talents without focusing on my limited vision.” BRITTNEY WALTERS • Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award nominee • East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, Tyler, Texas “Every day, I get to empower people who are blind because of the work that I do.” THOMAS STIVERS • Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award nominee • Travis Association for the Blind, Austin, Texas “I’ve had an opportunity to do all kinds of jobs that I never thought I would be qualified for or able to do.” Preparing for Takeoff Plans to develop more knowledge-based jobs and launch rehabilitation services at Bestwork Industries are ready to soar. BY ROSEMARIE LALLY The new year is full of promise for NIB associated nonprofit agency Bestwork Industries for the Blind as it diversifies from a successful textile manufacturing facility making uniform apparel for the U.S. military into a multi-faceted operation pursuing new lines of business and initiating rehabilitation services. Founded in 1981 by WWII veteran Jim Varsaci, who lost his sight in battle, Bestwork secured its first federal government contract to make the silk U.S. Navy “Crackerjack” neckerchief in the years that followed. Today, the agency is a self-sustaining, multi-million-dollar enterprise engaging in textile manufacturing and sewing, paper converting, packing, and warehousing and distribution. It provides employment for 100 people in a 50,000-square-foot facility located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. After a busy year laying a foundation for growth with a new leadership team and fresh strategic plan, Bestwork President and CEO Jon Katz, who assumed the role in July 2021, is eager to expand the agency’s capabilities to packaging, kitting, and light assembly projects while creating a framework for knowledge-based jobs in human resources, sales, and marketing. Equally important is the transition to a full-scale social enterprise. “We’re seeing the transition begin,” Katz says. “Our vision is materializing, and the pieces are coming together.” So far, diversification efforts have led to new jobs and upward mobility for employees who are blind in e-commerce, accounting, and recruiting, he notes. Diversifying will allow Bestwork to focus on developing and pursuing opportunities, such as document scanning and digital imaging, call center services, and knowledge-based services, explains Tom Black, vice president of products and business services. He looks forward to creating additional jobs and opportunities for upward mobility in knowledge-based work and light assembly to provide existing employees and new hires an opportunity to develop new skill sets. As part of NIB’s mentoring program, Bestwork is sending eight employees to Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Washington, D.C., for training in document scanning and digital imaging. “We hope to set up a scanning/imaging operation in the second quarter of 2023,” Black says. The new light assembly operation recently won its first non-apparel contract, assembling U.S. Air Force Achievement Award medal sets. Negotiations are underway for assembly of similar medal sets for the Navy and Marine Corps, Black added. Bestwork also is working with ACCSES New Jersey, the state central nonprofit agency that advocates for greater opportunities for people with disabilities, to identify suitable state contracts to pursue. NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR KNOWLEDGE-BASED WORK Realizing another significant goal, in November the agency successfully launched BestworkSupplyCenter.com, an e-commerce platform that allows businesses to order office products, cleaning supplies, safety products, and furniture online. The project provided entry into knowledge-based customer service work for two employees who previously worked in textiles, says Greg Pereira, senior director of finance, accounting, and operations. “Diversification efforts are offering new opportunities to our staff members, allowing everyone to see what people who are blind are capable of and how they can contribute.” E-commerce Customer Service Associate David Levin joined Bestwork as a sewing machine operator in 2018 and relishes the new opportunities the e-commerce platform offers. “We faced some challenges in setting up the platform, but we worked through them. I’m focused on making the site successful and giving every customer a great experience,” he says. “The agency is expanding and I’m especially glad for the opportunity to move to the corporate side of things. I’ve got good co-workers, good hours, and room to advance,” says Levin, who spends his free time performing stand-up comedy in Philadelphia and New York City. In 2022, the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) recertified Bestwork as a place of competitive, integrated employment. The certification allows CBVI to refer clients to the agency for jobs, Katz explains. Bestwork is also partnering with state, local, and private organizations to implement a high school transition program that will help students who are visually impaired explore employment opportunities through internships. Wilfredo Martinez, a sewing machine operator, also works as a recruiter for the agency, contacting vocational rehabilitation centers about clients who may be interested in employment at Bestwork. Known as the agency’s “Swiss Army knife,” Martinez was hired by Varsaci in 1988. “Jim taught me to trust my hands,”he says. “Conversations with him really changed my life.” Producing military apparel for U.S. troops is “such a powerful thing. I used to say my proudest moment was getting employed here,” he says, but that changed in October, when he served as a keynote speaker at a National Disability Employment Awareness Month program hosted by Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support. Calling the speaking engagement “the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done” Martinez says he often advises people who are blind to emulate a soldier’s can-do attitude. “Be one of the brave men and women who give it their best try before they say they can’t do something. Don’t handicap yourself.” In his role as a recruiter, Martinez tells prospective employees about the special relationships co-workers at Bestwork share. “We have an unbreakable bond, a brotherhood,” he says. “It’s truly an awesome experience working here, seeing the changes and growing opportunities in the last couple of years. I’m looking forward to another 20 years!” LAUNCHING REHABILITATION SERVICES Noting that people who are blind or visually impaired are underserved in Southern New Jersey, Katz says Bestwork is partnering with state agencies and low-vision experts to create a sight center that will offer a low vision clinic as well as assistive technology and rehabilitation services. The goal is to provide training in orientation and mobility, life and business skills, and adaptive technology, as well as referrals to specialists when needed. Sewing machine operator Arlene Still, who joined NIB’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment program in 2022, has a first-hand understanding of the needs of the community. Her own experience fuels a passion for educating the public about issues faced by people who are blind. After losing her eyesight in 2007, Still received no referrals to organizations that could provide training or rehabilitation services. “I stayed home for five years, afraid to leave my house,” she recalls. When CBVI made a home visit to provide a Kindle, she began to recover her independence. The agency adapted household appliances to make them accessible and encouraged Still to attend a residential rehabilitation program. She then went back to college and earned a second degree in drug and alcohol counseling before joining Bestwork. “It’s been wonderful to recover my independence and to see other people doing the same, to see their persistence,” Still says. “Bestwork’s diversification efforts are providing a lot more opportunities for employees who are blind. It’s a great place to work.” Katz has similar feelings about the agency and its work. “This is an uplifting experience, seeing the amazing men and women working here. Many have had to overcome a lot of hardships to get where they are, but they continue to do their best every day.” As the state’s largest employer of people who are blind, the new leadership team at Bestwork has ambitious plans for the future and will be doing its best to expand the support and opportunities available to people in New Jersey who are blind or visually impaired. Rosemarie Lally, J.D. is a freelance writer and editor based in Washington D.C. Ready to Launch These new SKILCRAFT® products produced by NIB associated nonprofit agencies are now available to federal government customers through the AbilityOne® Program. SKILCRAFT® Personal Sanitizing Kit Help protect employee health in the workplace with the SKILCRAFT® Personal Sanitizing Kit that contains all of the essentials for keeping workspaces clean. Filled with quality products, the kit includes one reusable cloth face mask, one package of 20 disinfectant wipes, two 4-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer, and 10 disposable gloves all in a reusable, cinch-cord cloth bag for portability. Produced by BLIND INDUSTRIES AND SERVICES of Maryland in Baltimore. These and thousands of other products are available for purchase at AbilityOne.com, GSAAdvantage.gov, your local AbilityOne Base Supply Center®, or through AbilityOne authorized distributors. For more information about how to purchase SKILCRAFT and other products produced by people who are blind, visit NIB.org/products. SKILCRAFT® Blow-Molded Folding Tables Easy-to-carry commercial-grade SKILCRAFT® Blow-Molded Folding Tables are perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Made of high-density polyethylene with contemporary beveled radius edged tops and durable heavy-gauge powder-coated steel legs with non-mar plastic feet, these tables feature cross bracing that folds into the underside cavity for safe storage and easy transport. Water-, stain-, scratch-, and impact-resistant, the tables clean easily and resist dents, rust, and warping. Choose from Rectangular Folding Tables, Personal Adjustable Height Folding Tables, or Bi-Fold Folding Tables, all with a 5-year limited warranty. Produced by MIDWEST ENTERPRISES FOR THE BLIND in Kalamazoo, Michigan. SKILCRAFT® Industrial Grade Permanent Marker Tackle heavy-duty marking tasks with the SKILCRAFT® Industrial Grade Permanent Marker, featuring a durable, fine-point tip that produces crisp, clear lines. Ideal for laboratory work, the smear-proof, quick-drying black ink in this permanent marker withstands temperatures up to 500 degrees and resists water and fading on glass, film, plastic, wood, and stone. Produced by IFB SOLUTIONS in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. SKILCRAFT®/Zebra®Stainless Steel Retractable Gel Pen The SKILCRAFT®/Zebra® Stainless Steel Retractable Gel Pen features acid-free, archival-quality, easy-glide ink that provides a smooth and skip-free writing experience. Stainless-steel barrel with textured grip for better control features a convenient metal clip to secure the pen so it’s there when you need it. Medium point pens available in black or blue ink can be refilled with Zebra’s JK-Refill. Produced by INDUSTRIES OF THE BLIND in Greensboro, North Carolina. SKILCRAFT® Lens Cleaning Station Safely clean dirt, smudges, grease and dust on sensitive electron screens and optical lens with the SKILCRAFT® Lens Cleaning Station featuring pop-up, lint free, disposable soft wipes and anti-fog, anti-static, UV-protectant lens cleaning solution. The disposable, wall mountable lens cleaning station includes a non­abrasive, ammonia- and alcohol-free cleaning solution in a pump mist sprayer with disposable wipes that won’t scratch delicate surfaces when used wet or dry. Four complete cleaning station kits in each box. Produced by CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE INDUSTRIES. SKILCRAFT® Anti-Fatigue Mat Help employees realize the health benefits of sit-stand workstations with the SKILCRAFT® Anti-Fatigue Office Mat. The ergonomic design of this PVC foam mat with anti-slip surface reduces leg fatigue, allowing users to stand for longer periods of time during the workday. Gently beveled edge allows chair casters to easily roll on or off the mat. Ideally sized for most workspaces in a neutral color that coordinates with any office design. Produced by BEYOND VISION in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. New Executive Director, Inspector General, and Federal Appointees Named for AbilityOne Commission President Joe Biden appointed seven new government agency representatives to the U.S. AbilityOne Commission® in October, shortly after Kimberly M. Zeich was named executive director of the Commission and Stefania Pozzi Porter was named inspector general (IG). The presidential appointments bring the total number of Commission members to 14 – four are private citizens who are knowledgeable about employment barriers facing people who are blind or have significant disabilities and 11 are representatives of federal agencies; one seat remains to be filled. Zeich, who has more than 25 years of experience at the Commission, had served as acting executive director since August 2021. In that role, she provided key leadership in crafting the rule ending payment of subminimum wages on AbilityOne contracts; the Commission’s Strategic Plan for FY 2022-2026; and the agency’s input on the fourth and final report of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act Section 898 Panel on Department of Defense and AbilityOne Contracting Oversight, Accountability, and Integrity. Porter joined the IG’s office in 2017 and served as the Commission’s acting inspector general since July 2021. Prior to that, she served as general counsel and deputy inspector general in the Office of Inspector General (OIG), with responsibilities that included enhancing management of OIG business units, and developing and overseeing the OIG operations of Audit and Investigations. Read the 2022 NIB Annual Report The NIB annual report for fiscal year 2022 is now available on the NIB.org website. The 2022 annual report, Focus Forward, spotlights NIB’s significant achievements in 2022 and new initiatives aimed at growing employment opportunities for people who are blind, including public policy advocacy, partnerships with leaders in information technology to provide job training, and expansion of the Contract Management Support program. The report also covers the resumption of in-person events for NIB associated agencies and federal customers in the post­COVID-19 era, and recognition of outstanding agency employees who are blind. In addition, the report outlines the NIB’s strategic response to the pressures arising from the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and soaring inflation, while carrying out the mission to grow employment for people who are blind. Scan the QR code below to download an accessible PDF format copy of Focus Forward or a plain text version compatible with screen readers. Attending the 60th anniversary celebration for Hector Gonzales are (left to right) Lighthouse Louisiana Chief Operating Officer Jenice Heck, Production Manager Scott Lawrence, Hector Gonzales, agency President and CEO Dee Budgewater, and Chief Production Officer Ted Haefele. Louisiana Agency Celebrates Employee Hector Gonzales On August 24, 2022, NIB associated agency Lighthouse Louisiana in New Orleans celebrated employee Hector Gonzales’ 60 years of service to the organization. During a special ceremony that included proclamations from the New Orleans City Council and Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office, one of the agency’s production rooms was dedicated to Gonzales. As a new U.S. citizen in 1957, Gonzales attempted to enlist in the Army but was rejected because of his visual impairment. Five years later he joined Lighthouse Louisiana and found a different way to serve his country, producing products for the agency’s largest customer, the U.S. Department of Defense. In recognition of his patriotism and dedicated service, Louisiana’s congressional delegation also presented Gonzales with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor. NIB Hosts Continuous Process Improvement Forum NIB hosted its first-ever Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) Forum December 6-7 at NIB headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Nine participants representing eight associated agencies learned about training resources, NIB grants, ISO and quality management systems, enterprise risk management, Six Sigma basics for manufacturing training, supply chain purchasing and forecasting, cybersecurity, productivity engineering job conversions, and more. The participants also took part in roundtable discussions on deploying CPI at organizations, production and equipment, and growing the CPI network. The CPI group agreed to add an agency co-chair to help grow the peer group for future collaboration and relevant discussions. 3000 Potomac Avenue Alexandria, VA 22305 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WASHINGTON, DC PERMIT #3070 NSITE is an enterprise of National Industries for the Blind (NIB)