Bridge to Work Program Means Jobs for Blind Veterans

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind Launches Bridge to Work™ Program for Veterans Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

by: Jocelyn Hunter, Manager of Community Development, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) recently hosted a press conference in collaboration with Montgomery County, Maryland, to announce its Bridge to Work™ program. Bridge to Work™ was developed after CLB received a grant from Maryland’s Department of Labor, in response to CLB’s proposal for a “Workforce Development Program for Visually Impaired and Blind Veterans in BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure)-Impacted Regions in Maryland.”

The Bridge to Work™ program recruits veterans who have served our country and are now blind or visually impaired, but ready and willing to work. The program provides job training for future reentry into the workforce.

In the initial stages of the program, job training will focus on skills in document imaging, which will support the federal government’s green initiatives to reduce the use of paper. As the program evolves with additional state and local government support, veterans will have job training opportunities in other career areas.

For more information about Bridge to Work™, contact Jocelyn Hunter at 202-454-6422 or jhunter@clb.org.

Nominations for 2010 Employee of the Year Awards: Deadline Extended to January 4

Kathy Gallagher, Senior Human Resources Employment Specialist, NIB

Attention NIB Associated Agency Directors: The deadline to nominate agency employees for NIB’s two major employee recognition awards, the Peter J. Salmon Direct Labor Employee of the Year Award and the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award, has been extended to Monday, January 4, 2010.

Each agency may nominate one employee for each of the two awards. The award winners will be selected by an NIB and NAEPB Selection Committee. All nominees will be recognized at the 2010 NIB Annual Training Conference in October 2010 and the two award winners will receive their awards at the conference.

To read the detailed criteria for each of these prestigious awards, please click on the links below. For each nominee, you must submit a Nomination Form, a one-page narrative, an Eye Medical Information Form completed and signed by a licensed medical examiner, and a Release Form signed by each nominee. The Release Form is a waiver of restrictions on the materials your nominee provides so that NIB can promote and publicize the awards. Click on the links below to access the forms. The forms are also posted on the NIB Associated Agency Bulletin Board (password protected) under “Award Nomination Forms.”

For details about the Peter J. Salmon Direct Labor Employee of the Year Award and application materials contact: Kathy Gallagher, Senior Human Resources Employment Specialist, NIB

Diversity Executive Magazine: Americans Say Employ Those With Disabilities

by: Kellye Whitney, 11-16-2009 (used with permission)

A new survey released by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) reports that more than 9 out of every 10 Americans believe the government should support programs creating employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities.

Yet figures also show that more than 60 percent of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities are not employed.

Kevin Lynch, president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind, said he isn’t surprised there is an open attitude regarding people with disabilities or people who are blind. But he said diversity executives and other leaders with the power to influence hiring decisions must be willing to make the initial, relatively minimal, investment necessary to accommodate those who are blind or have visual impairments or other disabilities.

“This is an investment that has a great return,” he explained. “[NIB has] a dedicated workforce of individuals that on a daily basis are out to prove that they are capable and able to do what anyone can do. Certainly technology these days has leveled the playing field particularly for individuals who are blind, and they don’t want anyone to be able to utilize the fact that they may have a visual impairment or be blind as an excuse for their not being able to perform.”

Read the entire story in Diversity Executive Magazine online at http://www.diversity-executive.com/article.php?article=776

Find out about NIB's "Business Leaders Program" at offers business training at four levels for people who are blind at www.nib.org.

LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND PROVIDES SAFETY WALK MATERIAL FOR USS NEW YORK

LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
1750 Claiborne Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71103
Heather Broussard - Community Relations and Government Affairs
Business: 318-635-6471

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shreveport, LA Oct. 30, 2009 – The Louisiana Association for the Blind (LAB) today announced it has supplied the more than 10,000 square feet of SKILCRAFT ®/3M Safety Walk TM Slip Resistant Material for the USS New York (LPD 21), an amphibious transport dock ship built and delivered by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding – Gulf Coast’s Avondale shipyard. Through the Ability One Program, LAB is able to provide quality employment to the visually impaired and currently employs 125 people, 42 of those who are blind. LAB’s Safety Walk TM Department, which consists of six blind and three sighted employees, has played a significant role in manufacturing and supplying the Safety Walk TM material for the ship.

While working on the LPD 21 project, LAB’s Safety Walk TM division performed various operations that include the AutoCAD TM designing aspect, cutting the peel and stick material and packaging of the product. Willie Marie Chapman, one of the employees involved with the project commented, “It is an honor to have been involved with making the kits for the USS New York and I am thankful for the opportunities that LAB provides to me and other visually impaired individuals.”

“LAB has supplied slip resistant materials to the U.S. Navy since 1988, but we’re especially excited we were given the opportunity to provide materials for such an historic and memorable ship,” said Shelly Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer, Louisiana Association for the Blind.

There are a total of 65 compartments on the ship where the Safety Walk TM material will be placed to date and LAB will work on additional compartments in the weeks leading up to the commissioning date. LAB employees converted bulk Safety-Walk material into 1,440 made-to-order pieces, ranging in size from slightly more than three square feet to over 500 square feet. These custom pieces were then applied to surfaces throughout the ship to help improve traction.

Taylor added, “LAB is an authorized distributor and converter of 3M Traction Systems for the Federal government and offers a variety of anti-slip and safety matting materials in rolls, cut sizes and custom kits. Nine LAB employees were involved with this project and performed operations that included design, cutting the material and packaging the product.”

The USS New York (LPD 21), named in honor of victims of the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center, has seven and a half tons of steel recovered from the twin towers welded into her bow. This is the sixth ship of the U.S. Navy to be named after the state of New York. USS New York, is designed to deliver a troop of 700 Marines.

During the construction process of the ship 24 tons of steel were used and came from the rubble from the World Trade Center. This steel was melted down at Amite Foundry and Machine in Amite, Louisiana to cast the ship's bow section. It was poured into the molds on September 9, 2003. LPD 21 was built and delivered by Avondale, which is located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the greater New Orleans area. Avondale has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River and is easily accessed by the nation's interstate highway system and by rail.

USS New York's commissioning ceremony is scheduled to occur on November 7, 2009 in New York City. Commissioning is the ceremony in which New York will become a unit of the operating forces of the United States Navy. It is the occasion when the ship will "Come Alive" and officially becomes USS New York.

About LAB
LAB is a private, non-profit organization that provides quality employment, rehabilitation, vocational training, and recreational activities to individuals who are blind and visually impaired in Louisiana and the surrounding areas. Established in April 1927, LAB has two facilities in Shreveport where paper products such as writing tablets, index cards, and copy paper and anti-slip traction material are manufactured. LAB is an associated agency of the National Industries for the Blind.

Rep Nick Rahall Encourages Access to Employment For People With Disabilities

The more people know about the capabilities of people with disabilities to work and lead independent lives, the more we can shatter stereotypes and misperceptions. However, there is more that needs to be done to spread the awareness that hiring people with disabilities is good for businesses in West Virginia. For example, seven out of ten working age Americans who are blind are not employed.

I know employers can make a difference. Two years ago, one of my staff employees became disabled after a fall in his home injured his spinal cord. He's now back at work and continues on the road to recovery with the help of accommodations I'm pleased to say the House of Representatives made for him at my request. From help getting his transportation past security checkpoints to getting his wheelchair into the office, from designing his workstation to accommodating his workout routine, the House answered my requests affirmatively. This month he was recognized by his state vocational rehabilitation program for his accomplishment of returning to work.

All of us face battles -- many of us face more than our fair share. Today serves as a reminder of that truth. It is a truth we as a society must respect and must work to make right so that people who are willing to work hard are able to do so.

There is more than abundant evidence here that despite all odds against it, the human spirit is a difficult, if not impossible, flame to snuff out. The courage of disabled Americans is contagious and their successes empower all of us to be better individuals, better community members, and better Americans.

Please join me in supporting them through recognizing October as the National Disability Employment Awareness Month and encouraging our communities to give disabled Americans fair access to employment.

Read Rep. Rahall's full statement online at http://www.rahall.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=11&parentid=5§iontree=5,11&itemid=1318

Contact:
Kate Denman
Legislative Assistant
Office of Congressman Nick J. Rahall, II
2307 RHOB
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3452
(202) 225-9061 (fax)

Federal Workers Play Strong Role to Help Increase Job Opportunities

Survey Shows Wide Acceptance for Capabilities of People Blind, Severely Disabled, Despite 60 Percent Unemployed

ARLINGTON, VA (October 22, 2009) — As part of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the AbilityOne Program’s central nonprofit agencies are releasing survey results that demonstrate Americans have an overwhelming acceptance of the work capabilities of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. The survey findings also reveal that more than 9 out of every 10 Americans believe the government should support employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities through programs like the federal AbilityOne Program.

This strong support of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities is an important part of the efforts to reduce the unemployment rate of people with disabilities, which hovers above 60 percent.

The national survey, conducted by Greenfield Online®, polled 1,000 Americans, 18 to 55+ years of age, regarding their attitudes and views on the capabilities of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities to create quality products and services. Results show:

• Broad acceptances among Americans that people who are blind or have other significant disabilities are capable of producing quality products and services. A majority of people surveyed (78%) said they were comfortable with the ability of people who are blind or have other significant disabilities to make quality products and services for the government and armed forces. Additionally, 8 out of 10 people surveyed (80%) said they were comfortable with the government and armed forces purchasing products and/or services made by people who are blind or have other significant disabilities.

• Overwhelming belief that the government should support employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. Almost all of the survey respondents (92%) say it is important for the government and armed forces to support the AbilityOne Program.

“The AbilityOne Program is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities” said Robert Chamberlin, President and CEO of NISH – Creating Employment Opportunities for People With Significant Disabilities.

Products for purchase from AbilityOne include: military uniforms, TSA gloves, airplane parts, office and computer supplies as well as environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies. Services include call center management, contract administration, fleet management, laundry services, as well as warehouse, shipping.

"Federal employees should feel incredibly empowered that they are helping to reduce unemployment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities by purchasing AbilityOne products and services. With every purchase of AbilityOne products and services, federal procurement officers literally create and sustain more jobs for this underutilized, but highly qualified workforce," Kevin Lynch, President and CEO, National Industries for the Blind said.

The AbilityOne Program is supported by the National Industries for the Blind and NISH, both organizations work with more than 600 nonprofit agencies to provide employment for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. These agencies sell products on through the federal procurement process to 40 government agencies, the U.S. military; and, to military personnel through 133 base supply centers. In Fiscal Year 2008 alone, $2.3 billion of products and services purchased by the Federal Government were made by people who were blind or have other significant disabilities by way of the AbilityOne Program.

In an effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment, Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

About the AbilityOne Program
Providing employment opportunities to more than 40,000 people, the AbilityOne Program is the largest single source of employment for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities in the United States. More than 600 participating nonprofit organizations employ these individuals and provide quality goods and services to the federal government at a fair market price. The AbilityOne Program is administered by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, an independent federal agency, with assistance from National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH-Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Severe Disabilities. For more information, please visit www.abilityone.org.

About NIB
In the United States, seven out of 10 people who are blind are not employed. At National Industries for the Blind (NIB), it is our mission to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and its associated agencies serve as the largest program responsible for the employment of people who are blind through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. For more information regarding how the NIB and NIB-associated agencies continue to provide opportunities to blind Americans, please visit: www.NIB.org.

About NISH
Established in 1974, NISH (http://www.nish.org) is one of two national, nonprofit agencies designated by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled to support nonprofit agencies (NPAs) participating in the AbilityOne Program. NISH provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities by procuring Federal contracts for goods and services. Headquartered in Vienna, Va., NISH supports a network of more than 2,100 NPAs as well as Federal customers by providing legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology

Senate Majority Leader Recognizes NDEAM in Congressional Record Statement

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH -- (Senate - October 01, 2009)
[Page: S10054] Read the statement in the Congressional Record.

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This annual observance is an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities, whose contributions to the workforce have strengthened our Nation. During the month of October, we pay tribute to these men and women while renewing our commitment to ensuring opportunity and inclusion for all Americans--regardless of their ability or disability.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month originated in 1945 when Congress designated a week in October as a time to educate the public about the employment issues facing people with disabilities. Eventually expanded to the entire month of October, the observance has become a valuable tool to enhance the American people's understanding of these issues. It is also an important opportunity to mark the progress we have made and the steps forward yet to be taken.

Today, more people with disabilities than ever are graduating from school, participating in their communities, and succeeding in the labor market. For the tens of millions living in the United States with a disability , realizing the American dream is a real possibility that often did not exist a generation ago. I am especially heartened by the growing recognition that tapping these individuals' talent, character, and hard work is as important to the Nation's future as it is to theirs.

At the same time, we must acknowledge the sobering reality that faces too many people with disabilities, including our brave service members and veterans returning from war with severe injuries and conditions. While people with disabilities have long experienced far higher unemployment rates, they are also particularly hard hit by the current economic downturn. Physical, financial, and social barriers to employment remain, as well as the discrimination and prejudice that keep some from competing in the American economy on equal footing as everyone else. Moreover, many individuals with disabilities struggle to afford good, continuous health coverage, a hardship given their intensive health care needs.

Clearly, we have much work ahead of us in order to fulfill the promise of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I am pleased that Congress is continuing to work toward this priority, most recently with the enactment of the ADA Amendments Act and the Higher Education Opportunity Act. On behalf of all Nevadans, I look forward to building on these successes in the 111th Congress.

Visually Impaired Workers Assemble Products Shipped Nationwide

By BRIAN PEARSON
Business Editor (story excerpt and photos used with permission)
Read the entire story at Tylerpaper.com There's a nice video with the story that you'll want to see!

When Lee Tillson and his wife decided to move from Dallas to Tyler to be closer to family, he thought his experience as a produce warehouse manager made him a prime choice for an open position here.

The prospective employers, however, immediately disqualified him when they learned he was legally blind.

"They didn't think I could do the job," Tillson said.

One day while Tillson was riding a bus, the driver decided to introduce him to Horizon Industries, mistakenly believing it served as a transportation option for the blind.

Tillson quickly landed a technician job at Horizon, the industrial end of East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind.

Today, he serves as plant manager for the non profit Horizon, where the staffers, most of them blind or visually impaired, create products as part of a $24 million-a-year business.

Inside the cavernous plant at 500 N. Bois D'Arc Ave., 72 blind and visually impaired employees package napkins for the U.S. Navy, put together three-ply tissue paper and box tens of thousands of miles of parachute cord headed for Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Blind workers represent more than 80 percent of the 89-member staff.

"We're the best-kept secret in town, but we're on our way to changing that," said David Huffman, who has been president and CEO for almost a year.

Read the entire story at Tylerpaper.com

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October by sharing your story with NIB-AbilityOne's blog. Learn more about NIB and AbilityOne.


OVERCOMING AN OBSTACLE: Albert Logan stacks boxes of paper towels on a pallet at Horizon Lighthouse for the Blind. Logan is one of more than 80 blind or visually impaired employees.

Curlie Bailey takes spools of parachute cord off a winding machine.

A special thank you to Brian Pearson, Business Editor, Tyler Morning Telegraph for permission to use these photos, captions and story excerpt.

Defense Supply Center Richmond: AbilityOne Awareness

Awareness fair highlights products available from AbilityOne
By Amy T. Clement, DSCR Public Affairs (used with permission)

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Defense Supply Center Richmond hosted a National Disability Employment Awareness Month Fair Oct. 1 in the Lotts Conference Center.

Representatives from about 25 non-profit agencies participating in the AbilityOne Program took part in the fair and offered displays, informational materials and sample products.

The fair allowed center employees to learn more about the program. AbilityOne is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the United States. The program employs nearly 48,000 blind or severely disabled Americans, enabling them to lead more productive and independent lives. All of the contractors who participate in AbilityOne are non-profit agencies.

“The information I’ve gotten from this fair has been great,” said Sonora Brown, a DSCR contract administrator in Aviation Supplier Operations. “There are so many products that I didn’t know were available.”

LaCretia Rogers, DSCR’s AbilityOne Program manager, said AbilityOne also affords opportunities for the disabled to work on a contract basis for the federal government through their respective non-profit agencies. At DSCR, Rogers said these contractors “provide vital support services, including grounds
maintenance, custodial services, and emergency services dispatch.”

“The attendance was very good this year and we received positive feedback from the non-profit agencies and our employees who attended the event,” Rogers said. “It is important to have this event to bring awareness to the work force and hopefully an opportunity to bring more products to the AbilityOne Program.”

Learn more about the AbilityOne Program at www.abilityone.org. Learn more about NIB and SKILCRAFT products at NIB's website, www.nib.org

Lions VBI Employee Shares Her Positive Approach to Life

Gwendolyn McAllister, Lions Volunteer Blind Industries, Morristown, TN, is featured in an October 15, 2009 WINK magazine article. McAllister describes her "positive" attitude on life and how "setting and meeting daily goals" keeps her constantly moving forward in life.

McAllister has been employed at Volunteer Blind Industries for 20 years.

“I just enjoy life. It’s too short to not enjoy it,” she said in the article.

Her basic outlook is simple and never wavers. “I’ve got a lot to be thankful for,” she said.

Read her story online.

Georgia Industries for the Blind Celebrates NDEAM and Job Opportunities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year's theme, created by the Department of Labor, is Expectation Plus Opportunity Equals Full Participation.

Georgia Industries for the Blind (GIB), is one of 88 agencies across the country that provides employment and personal economic opportunities for people who are blind. This October, they are promoting the Department of Labor's National Disability Employment Awareness month theme: Expectation Plus Opportunity Equals Full Participation.
See the full story in the Bainbridge Georgia News (BainbridgeGA.com)


It's important to remind people that their expectations lead to success. Expectations with "opportunities" create even greater successes. People who are blind or have other severe disabilities are extremely capable workers and good employees. In today's market place, all they really need are opportunities, and equal access employment opportunities.

National Industries for the Blind is an AbilityOne Program agency. NIB and its 88 associated agencies are the single largest employers of people who are blind in the country. Find out more at NIB.org.

NIB TEAM COMPLETES ARMY 10 MILER

Good Afternoon – let me first state that I was personally humbled to be in the company of all who showed up and ran the 25th anniversary of the Army Ten Miler on Sunday, October 4 – it was an awesome day and one that hopefully none of us will ever forget. When looking back on the ATM each of us has to take pause and realize what went into that day – the training, the dedication and the determination to make it all happen.

It is not easy to go out and run 10 miles however it is even more difficult to train for all those months leading up to it – what this shows is a desire to win on each individuals part – running is not a team sport – it is inherently an individual effort that moves you to the starting line and carries you across the finish line - HOWEVER the group dynamic that was established with our team of runners and supporters ensured that we all crossed the finish line as a member of NIB.

As a runner I have entered many races and logged many miles and never was I more awe-inspired during a race event as I was watching and Kathy Gallagher (who is blind) and Judy Zabo cross the finish line. Dedication and determination are truly two words that capture the essence of what they accomplished! It was an honor to stand with them on the bridge before the start of the race when the cannon went off and an even bigger privilege to see them at the end! As many of you have come to realize and what others never will is that it takes commitment to get out of bed at 0400 or 0500 to make it to NIB each Friday for “team training” and why it is so important to quite simply….run! In the end you have heard me say that “this is what separates the Rock Stars from the Groupies” – and so now you know!

We all have our special memories of both the race and the training leading up to it. Suffice to say we all shared some great laughs, some pain and several “why the heck am I doing this” moments along the way! Running with Matt Klovas and Banton Brooks at the start of the race and seeing these individuals on Independence Ave making there way to the finish line as Team NIB brought the months of training into perspective for me. Fantastic run gentlemen! Now, all that said I need to recognize some very special folks who made this event possible. Special thanks go out to the following NIB persons: To the NIB Leadership: Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to participate in this great event. It was a fantastic day that will remembered by all who were there for years to come.

To Jennifer King: For coming up with the whole running team concept and for taking the initiative and then being a personal pain in my backside to make sure people stayed motivated, shirts were done, restaurant selected and personnel boarded the METRO on time….what would I do without you? Seriously though… Jennifer came up with the idea to form the two teams and put it all together. Add to that the countless hours of coordination both inside NIB as well as external and you quickly realize it was more for Jennifer then just lacing up the running shoes on Sunday morning! Again, thanks does not do what she did justice…however I will say it…Thank You!

Heather McKenzie: Even though I did not attend I heard it was a great dinner and even better company the night before the big race – thank you for putting that together and more importantly bringing everyone together for a great evening. To the Runners: We will always remember the Friday morning runs at 0600 and think back to when it first began (in June); quite a bit of humor as we went from running .5 miles up to completing the actual 10 miler. Know that what you did is a significant accomplishment and one that you should always take pride in – that said DON’T rest on your laurels. We have all made significant increases in our physical fitness levels so keep it up! I remember Michelle Grant last year in a lot of pain. I saw here 10 minutes after she finished running this year and she was in the best of spirits!.

To Robert Pope and Catherine Schultz: You took a sketch of a t-shirt (an idea we had) and turned it into a great looking piece of running gear in record time - when we ran we represented NIB and AbilityOne and I can’t tell you how many people along the route were yelling “go NIB” especially along Independence Ave in DC and in the “Hooah Area” – thank you both for taking this effort on and audaciously bringing it to fruition!

So now what? Well for starters I have to drop off “SOCKO the Motivation Mascot” for safe keeping till the next ATM. He will be rotated between the NIB Cheerleading Section (IT Shop: Reggie Winston/Steve Herriott) and also with DDC (Debutante of DC) Stephanie Hood as they will now start preparations for the 2010 ATM with such tasks as “alarm clock setting, actual running and training activities” I cant wait to see them on the course next year! For the rest of Team NIB…don’t stop running! So there you have it…the final Runner Alert for 2009! In closing I think the quote of the year goes to Kara Penny who after the race walked over and said…”I want to die peacefully…not like this!” Congratulations to all cheerleaders, runners and casual observers! Without you it would not have happened!

Regards Brian Hayes

Department of Defense to Honor Outstanding Contributions by Employees with Disabilities

The Secretary of Defense will recognize the superior contributions by Department of Defense (DoD) employees who are blind or have other disabilities. The Department will also honor DoD components with outstanding affirmative employment programs for people with disabilities. These recognitions are part of the DoD recognition of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"I urge each of you to renew your commitment to the employment and advancement of Americans with disabilities," Gail McGinn, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Plans), who is performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) said in a September 30, 2009 statement.

Winners will be recognized on December 8, 2009 as a pre-conference event for the Perspectives on Employment of People with Disabilities Conference which begins December 9, 2009.

The Department of Defense is the largest customer of products and services produced by NIB and NISH and sold through AbilityOne and under the SKILCRAFT brand name.

AbilityOne Program on YouTube - National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The AbilityOne Program is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the United States.

More than 600 nonprofit organizations employ these individuals and provide quality goods and services to the federal government at a fair market price. The Program is administered by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, an independent federal agency, with assistance from National Industries for the Blind (NIB), and NISH-Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Severe Disabilities.

Learn how people in the AbilityOne Program, who are blind or have other severe disabilities, feel about the work they do and their contribution to the U.S. economy.



Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Share your stories and experiences here. Listen to and view more AbilityOne Program videos on the AbilityOne Program Channel on YouTube.

Click here for more information about AbilityOne, SKILCRAFT products and services; and Base Supply Center stores; or to order products through the AbilityOne Program.

President Obama Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

President Barack Obama renewed his commitment to promoting positive change for people with disabilities in a proclamation issued September 30, 2009 in recognition of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

President Obama's Proclamation states:

“Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation. Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or colleague. We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families through productive work. This month, we rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees.

My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed.”

Read President Obama's entire NDEAM proclamation at the White House Briefing Room press site.

Throughout October, NIB, NISH and The Committee for Purchase, along with dozens of federal agencies and the Department of Defense, will be honoring the contributions made by people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

Every celebration in the 31 days of October brings recognition of the success of the AbilityOne Program and all NIB associated agencies along with the people who make SKILCRAFT® products. Thank you for helping to raise awareness and show support for our dedicated employees.

NIB would like to hear from you. Tell us your story. Blog about your event(s)and comment here!

Learn more about AbilityOne at www.abilityone.org. New ideas on how to promote NDEAM? Click here.

For more information, contact Ken Murphy at 703-310-0500 or kmurphy@nib.org.

“I Can” Public Service Announcement for the Office of

The Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy has produced a Public Service Announcement for the Campaign for Disability Employment’s What Can YOU Do? campaign.

This video celebrates the "can do" abilities of real people with disabilities and captures the message that is the main focus of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

View the video on this site or click here to view it on YouTube:

National Disability Employment AwarenessMonth (NDEAM)

October 2009 is National Disability Employment AwarenessMonth.

In an effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment, Congress designated October as National Disability Employment AwarenessMonth (NDEAM).

What is NDEAM all about. It's about educating and informing the world that people who are blind or have other severe disabilities are capable of participating in today's competitive economy.

DID YOUR KNOW:

• Employment is the key to economic security and personal independence of all Americans, especially those with disabilities.

• According to a national survey, 92 percent of consumers feel more favorably toward companies that hire individuals with disabilities.

• To stay competitive, both public and private employers must seek quality employees from non-traditional employee pools, including the 54million Americans who have disabilities.

• People who are blind or have other severe disabilities remain one of America’s greatest untapped labor resources, with more than 60 percent of this population not employed.

Learn more about AbilityOne online at www.abilityone.org or contact communications@nib.org.

Annual Training Conference: Registration Up, Don't Miss This Exciting Event!

Registration for “AbilityOne: Generation Next, Strategies for the Future” is expected to exceed 2008 levels with more than 400 participants. NIB’s hotel block is quickly filling up so please register soon for the conference and hotel. The NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference is scheduled for October 21-24 in Kansas City.

Register your hotel room by close of business on Monday, September 27 to take advantage of the lower conference rate of $149/night (single or double). A limited number of government rate rooms are also available. Make your hotel reservations online or call 816-421-1234. No paper forms are needed.

Conference registration fees are $350 for NIB/NISH associated agency representatives or guests, and $249 for government agency representatives.

NIB has planned three informative and interactive days of meetings, presentations and networking. Download the current agenda to read about the exciting line-up of speakers and programs.

Our “future focused” agenda includes sessions on technology; government and defense procurement opportunities; and managing changing employee and customer demographics. On Friday, October 23 join us as we honor our Employees of the Year!

A general session on Friday morning will feature senior procurement executives from key organizations within the federal government, who will provide information about the future direction of their organizations and how these emerging trends may impact the AbilityOne Program.

The “Sourcing with the AbilityOne Program” panel, moderated by Scottie Knott, NIB Vice President, Operations, will include these panelists:

• 
  Elliott B. Branch, Executive Director, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (DASN), Department of the Navy



• David Drabkin, Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer, Senior Procurement Executive, General Services Administration, Office of the Chief Acquisition Officer



• Nancy M. Heimbaugh, Executive Director, Contracting and Acquisition Management, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia



• Ben McCarter, Assistant Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Procurement) Iraq/Afghanistan, Headquarters Department of the Army, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology)



• Iris B. Cooper, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Acquisition and Logistics.
  

Visit the Events page on the NIB website or use these links for Conference Registration; Hotel Reservations; and the Current Agenda. Bookmark this page to visit regularly for agenda updates or other new conference information.

For more information, contact conferences@nib.org.

NIB Annual Training Conference: Oct 21-23 Kansas CIty

Join more than 300 of your NIB and agency colleagues who have already registered to attend the 2009 NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference, scheduled for October 21-24 in Kansas City, Missouri. The theme for this year’s meeting is “AbilityOne: Generation Next, Strategies for the Future.”

Register by September 23 for $275 to save more than 20 percent off the full conference rate of $350. Book your hotel reservations online or by telephone by September 27 to ensure you receive our low conference rate of $149/night (single or double).

Get ready to spend three interesting days with NIB’s exciting speakers and programs where you’ll “get a glimpse of the future” including technology; government and defense procurement opportunities; and managing changing employee and customer demographics. You won’t want to miss the annual banquet on Friday where we honor our Employees of the Year, and networking at the most exciting post-dinner reception ever!

Register by close of business on Wednesday, September 23 to take advantage of lower rates, as shown below:

NIB/NISH Associated Agency Rep
· Discounted Fee: $275
· Conference Fee after September 23: $350
Government Agency Rep
· Discounted Fee: $199
· Conference Fee after September 23: $249
Guest
· Discounted Fee: $275
· Conference Fee after September 23: $350

Note that our group rate for hotel reservations is guaranteed only through Sunday, September 27. Any hotel reservation requests after that date will be based on availability at the group rate.
To register to attend the conference, visit the Events page on the NIB website, where you can also view the current agenda. Bookmark this page to visit regularly for updates about the conference.
To make your hotel reservations, visit the Hyatt Regency Crown Center’s website at http://crowncenter.hyatt.com/groupbooking/mkcrkniba2009.
For more information, contact conferences@nib.org.

NIB Participates in United We Serve

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NIB is encouraging 100% participation in the United We Serve initiative. We would like all of our associated agencies to submit volunteer opportunities and events online at www.serve.gov/. We're under 1 month away from the September 11th deadline; it's time to show full support.

Download easy to follow directions on how to log on and register your volunteer effort under NIB at serve.gov.

For more information on how to register your volunteer events and opportunities contact kjamieson@nib.org.

National Industries for the Blind Jump-Starts Reading Program with Local Community Center

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a non-profit organization benefiting those who are blind or visually impaired by helping them gain economic and personal independence through employment opportunites from the AbilityOne program, so when we heard about United We Serve, we knew our employees would be eager to get involved.

In our efforts to contribute, we have joined with the local Charles Houston Community Center in Alexandria, Virginia to initiate a summer reading program designed to encourage kids to read and to help improve literacy rates during the summer months. NIB kick-started this reading program Monday, July 27 through Thursday, July 30, and dubbed it “Education Week”. NIB employees, both blind and sighted, took the time to volunteer with the children at the center.

Throughout the week, they read to children of different ages, ranging from five to 12 years-old. They also took some time to teach the children about what it is like being blind or visually impaired.

Some of the week’s activities included Elizabeth Shelby and Rebecca Bridges, an NIB employee who is blind, reading a twin vision, Braille and print, version of “Helen Keller and the Big Storm” to the kids.

“It’s a little cliché,” Bridges said jokingly, but the children enjoyed listening and learning about the life of Helen Keller. After they finished reading, Bridges passed the Braille book around for the children to see and feel.

During another session at the center, Catherine Schultz and Stephanie Perry took some time after reading to explain to the children what it means to have impaired vision. They gave each child a card that enabled them to visualize the difference stages of vision loss when you hold the card up to your eyes.

The last two days at the center, NIB employees interacted with older age groups and organized activities where the kids were blindfolded to get a glimpse of what it might be like to be blind. “This is really hard,” said one young girl from the center when she tried to stand up.

The kids had a great time with our employees and asked us to come back soon. There’s even a possibility of a field trip to the NIB office to show them what we do and introduce them to technologies that enable people who are blind or visually impaired to hold jobs.
With funds decreasing for the Charles Houston Community Center, we hope to continue our reading program throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall, while also making ourselves available to kids for tutoring.

What we love about the United We Serve initiative is the domino effect that occurs when you do something for the better and help in the community. We are happy to say that we have already inspired others and hope it continues. Two 11-year-old girls from the community center approached Connie Wilson and Derrick Draughn at the end of their reading session hoping to get advice about where they could read to younger children, too.

NIB extends a special thanks to Rebecca Bridges, Elizabeth Shelby, Catherine Schultz, Stephanie Perry, Michelle Hobby, Sarah Schraven, Connie Wilson and Derrick Draughn for volunteering at the Charles Houston Community Center.

Written by: Kelly Jamieson. Kelly helped to coordinate all the readers and gets photo credits for all the pictures during Education Week.

My Day As a Volunteer with Local Kids - "What a gift!"

Wednesday was an overcast and somewhat dreary day. The stories flew about previous experiences so we were walking in with our preconceived notions and unease already. 10 year olds are intimidating. 25 10 year olds are downright daunting…or so we thought. We heard them coming down the hall with their teacher emphasizing her instructions on their behavior specifically what NOT to do. We looked at each other and smiled with trepidation realizing we had to show no fear. We decided to take our cue from their instructor and went to work having the kids set up the chairs. Our first success, they listened and followed our instructions to the letter.

We sat the kids across from each other in 2 rows, one row with blindfolds and one without. We were going to have them step into the shoes of a person who was blind and a person who would guide. They donned their blindfolds and we handed out the Braille cards to their guides. They were instructed to had the cards to their person who was “blind”. The kids who were “blind” had to ask yes or no questions to figure out what was in their hands. Their guides could only answer accordingly. Once they figured out what was in their hands, they were to raise their hands. The clamor of discussions to unravel the mystery in their hands went on for 5 minutes. Those that discovered it beamed with pride. Those that didn’t were impressed with what they didn’t figure out and even more so when they realized they got to keep it.

We demonstrated the different degrees of blindness and the light in the room that became the kids realization of this could have lit up the building. It’s a true wonder when you are lucky enough to share something with someone they sincerely didn’t know and truly appreciate learning. We furthered our enlightenment with little tidbits of wonder at what the blind community is capable of. We expanded the kids world to realize they experience similar interactions at stop lights with the beeping sound to signal safety crossing the street, at elevators when they see and can feel the Braille used to determine the direction of the elevator or gender of the bathroom.

They realized they knew more than they thought and the “click” of that light of realization going on was music to their minds! They were enraptured by Helen Keller’s life and stepped into her darkness when we read about her climbing a tree for her pleasure at nature and a sudden storm trapping her there. Her rescue by her friend Annie was a relief to the faces that listened. We asked them questions to guess at her life’s timeline and they hollered their responses desperate to be heard if their answer was right.

We could have stayed for hours with the questions they had. I could have sat on that floor and continued delving into their world for the rest of the day. I thought so proudly of how I was going to educate these kids in a creative way about the blind community. That may have happened to a couple of the kids but I walked away wanting more. Their thirst for knowledge and bright minds with all the different ways to look and ask their questions allowing us to draw them out was a true honor. I think they had more of an impact on me than I on them. What a gift! When can I do this again?


Sarah Schraven
Services Manager, Projects
National Industries for the Blind

First-person account of her volunteer experience through United We Serve and NIB

United We Serve Volunteer Experiences Personal Growth By Reading With Kids

First reading service experience today at the Charles Houston Recreation Center here in Alexandria. Arrived a bit early to a beautiful new community center that was spacious and inviting. Somewhat apprehensive as to the size of the group of 7-8 year olds-the larger the group the more chance of that certain restlessness that comes with a large group of kids in the summertime. Especially nervous when I saw that the center’s swimming pool was visible from our designated space in the reading room!

All of my worries melted away however when the kids walked into the room. I could feel their peaceful and inquisitive energy and knew we were on the right track when they seemed happy that Stephanie and I sat cross-legged on the floor with them for the storytelling. This was a great way to start the reading! The group actually moved in closer to us as we began our introductions and we explained a bit about ourselves. They were quiet, attentive and excited by the choice of reading material.

Stephanie explained how she would be reading a large print book and described her visual limitations. We stopped after each page for interactive comments and even corrections in the reading of the material! These kids were avid readers and didn’t miss a beat!
We critiqued the story after reading it which lent another layer of interest to the experience. There were insights into the personality of the main character and also comments about his motivation.

Next, the Braille alphabet was explained as Braille explanation cards were distributed. Types of visual impairments were briefly explained as the children held up the vision simulator cards. Everyone participated! The group was still asking questions and were reticent to leave us. I felt like staying longer myself and was especially moved when one young girl who had been sitting next to me sweetly asked me if I would come back and teach an art class. How could I refuse?

Next time, we will brush up on our fact sheets concerning the history of Braille and Helen Keller. Many of the children seemed interested in the process of Braille. Others knew of Helen Keller and knowing details of her life story would have added spice to the conversations.

I feel grateful to have been able to participate however briefly in the United We Serve initiative and richer for the experience of being with a curious and bright group of children. There was a sense of fun and isn’t that the way to keep our interest going in any endeavor? Children bring this to our lives and they become the teachers and we the students.

Journal account written by: Catherine Schultz, NIB reading volunteer

Education Week Brings Volunteer Readers & Children Together

Blind, Visually Impaired and Sighted Readers Start Reading Program at Local Recreation Center

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is continuing its efforts to promote participation in President and Mrs. Obama's United We Serve: Summer of Service program. This week is featured as "Education Week" under the Unite We Serve (www.serve.gov).

Eight volunteers from NIB are reading to children ages 5 to 12. In setting up Education Week, NIB discovered a need for ongoing tutoring for children who attend the Charles Houston Recreation Center after school. NIB is now working on a sustained program to meet this need.

5 Presidents Promote Volunteering, Serve.gov

Major League Baseball Supports United We Serve; NIB Reading Program Set for Education Week July 27-Aug 2, 2009.

The United We Serve – Summer of Service program was a prime time hit during the Major League Baseball All-Star game this week. A six minute film on volunteerism featured at President Obama and five former Presidents: Bush, Clinton, Bush and Carter to highlight the importance of community service and ask all Americans to find a volunteer opportunity at Serve.gov.

Nearly a dozen NIB are actively participating in the United We Serve program and NIB is encouraging 100 percent participation from its associated agencies. You can register your agency or yourself as a volunteer at www.serve.gov. Download easy to follow directions on how to log on and register your volunteer effort under NIB at serve.gov.

Education Week is July 27-August 2. NIB is providing readers for children age 5 to 12 at a local recreation center that provides summer programs for 140 mostly low-income and homeless children.
Share what you, your friends or your agency is doing at NIB’s Blog: www.nib-abilityone.blogspot.com. Upload pictures, write about your experience. Share your feels. Tweet with us at www.twitter.com/nibabilityone.

MENTOR A CHILD DURING EDUCATION WEEK JULY 27-AUG 2

SIGN UP YOUR AGENCY’S VOLUNTEER PROJECTS AT SERVE.GOV A SUMMER OF SERVICE

NIB is participating in the Obama Administration-led UNITED WE SERVE – SUMMER OF SERVICE campaign now through September 11, 2009 by promoting participation in volunteerism and public service at all of our associated agencies. NIB is specifically focused on reading programs for children, especially low-income or underprivileged children.

NIB is partnering with local groups and Reading Is Fundamental for events throughout the summer with the goal of having volunteers sustain their community involvement beyond the United We Serve campaign period.

“Our goal is to have all of our associated agencies participate in the United We Serve campaign,” Kevin Lynch, CEO, NIB said in a message to staff July 10, 2009. “We are especially interested in having people who are blind participating in the program to demonstrate how we give back to our communities.”

Most associated agencies and their employees participate in a number of volunteer or charitable activities. For the United We Serve campaign, it is important that these activities are chronicled through the United We Serve web site at http://www.serve.gov/.

Help us reach 100% participation from all associated agencies. Share your activities, pictures and experiences on our Blog site.

NIB Reading Mentor Kathy Gallagher Kicks Off Summer of Service in Alexandria, VA

Kathy Gallagher is serving as a reading mentor under the United We Serve volunteer program to help children maintain and improve their reading skills during summer vacation. Kathy uses books with one page printed in braille and the other in traditional lettering to read with her students. She also uses an electronic reader that is built into her mobile phone.

On Monday, June 22, 2009, as a kick-off to the United We Serve program (http://www.serve.gov/), Kathy introduced two boys to braille and learned more about the kinds of books and stories they like to read.

Kathy works in the human resources department at the National Industries for the Blind (http://www.nib.org/). She also spoke with 140 Girl Scouts at a day camp in Alexandria, VA on June 23, 2009 discussing how she lives a productive and active life as a person who is blind.

NIB is supporting the President's call to community service by encouraging employees at their headquarters office and more than 85 related agencies nationwide to participate in the United We Serve volunteer program. The program runs from June 22 to September 11, 2009.

Volunteer. Share your experience. Be part of a Summer of Service through United We Serve!

First Lady Michele Obama Kicks Off "United We Serve"

NIB is supporting "United We Serve" a summer of community-based volunteer service from June 22 to September 11, 2009. Listen to First Lady Michele Obama's comments about "United We Serve" and learn how to get involved. For more information, log on to http://www.serve.org.

NIB is encouraging all member agencies to participate in this wonderful volunteer program in any capacity that they can. Our goal is 100 percent participation!

Our focus is on providing reading mentors to children in local communities. Consider being a reading tutor at the library, schools or with neighborhood children.

Any kind of service or volunteer help you can do is worthwhile. Follow your heart and convictions.

You don't have to do this alone. Gather a group of friends or co-workers. Talk about a one-time event or plan something that will carry you through the next three months on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Share what you're doing with NIB through this blog or Twitter, http://twitter.com/nibabilityone.

Learn more about NIB and the AbilityOne program at http://www.nib.org

JOIN “UNITED WE SERVE” READ TO CHILDREN IN YOUR COMMUNITY

On Monday, June 22, 2009, “United We Serve” will launch a volunteer program focused on community service. NIB is leading an effort to encourage employees and staff at all of our agencies to participate in reading programs through your local community libraries, schools, neighborhoods or social groups.

Our goal is 100 percent agency participation between now and September 11, 2009. Hear what President Obama has to say about UNITED WE SERVE.

Here’s how your agency can sign up to participate in the United We Serve volunteer initiative:

1. 
   Visit http://www.serve.gov/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to the box that says “Register your event or project” and click on this box.
2. 
   Click on “Get started now” and fill out the form to create an organization account with a description of your existing volunteer opportunities.

GETTING STARTED: follow this program or start your own. All volunteering is good!

Identify Local Partners e.g. NIB is working with local libraries to bring in staff to read to children throughout the summer. Your local library probably has a Summer Reading Program with group reading sessions throughout summer vacation. Contact them today!

Build a Team: Put together a group of reading volunteers. It’s a great way to share the fun and reach out to your community.

Set Goals: Think about reading to children once a week, every other week or once a month. Make your goal fun and obtainable.

Serve Your Community: Inspire a child with your favorite story or by reading their favorite story to them. As a person who is blind, you bring a special “can do” perspective to children who are learning to read. Read to children in your neighborhood, at schools or libraries. Invite groups to your agency. They’ll love listening to and learning from you!

Celebrate Success: Track your progress, take pictures, do a video and share your experiences with NIB and other volunteers. Post your comments and experiences HERE! Log on to http://www.serve.gov/too.

For more details, assistance in getting started or registering your NIB-agency program or publicizing your event contact: Ken Murphy, director of Communications, NIB kmurphy@nib.org 703-310-0333.