Americans with disabilities provide vital support to DLA Aviation

Excerpted from a story by Stephen J. Baker, DLA Aviation Public Affairs
Oct. 26, 2010 Read the full story online at DLA Aviation

Retired Army Brig. Gen. J.A. "Yogi" Mangual, a former commander of DLA Troop Support who is now executive vice president and president of Puerto Rico Operations for Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, talks with DLA Aviation Chief of Staff Marine Col. Robin Gentry about the aerial delivery products they produce for the military. (Photo by Jackie Girard)

Retired Army Brig. Gen. J.A. "Yogi" Mangual, a former commander of DLA Troop Support who is now executive vice president and president of Puerto Rico Operations for Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, talks with DLA Aviation Chief of Staff Marine Col. Robin Gentry about the aerial delivery products they produce for the military. (Photo by Jackie Girard)

Defense Logistics Agency Aviation hosted its third annual AbilityOne Fair at Defense Supply Center Richmond's Lotts Conference Center Oct. 19, allowing employees to learn more about support the agency and warfighters receive from Americans with disabilities.

"Americans with disabilities currently support DLA Aviation by providing vital support services such as the Base Supply Store, grounds maintenance, custodial services and emergency services dispatch," wrote DLA Aviation Commander Navy Rear Adm. Vince Griffith in a September memo to employees about the event. "AbilityOne sources also provide military unique items to DLA Aviation such as spill cleanup kits, aircraft safety belts, tie-down straps, insulation tape, F-15 explosion suppressant foam segments, and distress marker lights."

An aerial delivery section was the highlight of this year's event, featuring many items that DLA Aviation only recently acquired the responsibility for purchasing.

"About two-and-a-half years ago, we in the Marine Corps were talking about getting rid of our aerial delivery platoons, because the demand wasn't there. I will tell you that since that time, we've quadrupled the amount of aerial delivery in Afghanistan," DLA Aviation Chief of Staff Col. Robin Gentry told attendees during his opening remarks at the event.

He said America's military is using aerial delivery now more than it did in World War II, and that it's significant to DLA Aviation employees and AbilityOne because the program provides many of the related supplies.

"All those cargo straps, skid boards and high-velocity parachutes bring food, water and ammunition to Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen on the battlefield," he said. "That is your link to what we do every day to sustain the military."

Retired Army Brig. Gen. J.A. "Yogi" Mangual, who commanded DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia from 2000-2002, represented Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind at AbilityOne Day. He serves the North Carolina-based organization as both its executive vice president and president of Puerto Rico Operations.

About National Industries for the Blind
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 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. www.nib.org

Increased Internet Accessibility Improves Job Opportunities for Blind

National Industries for the Blind Calls for Increased Internet Accessibility at Department of Justice Public Hearing

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) called for websites and information services to become more accessible to people who are blind, noting this will broaden employment opportunities for a community that experiences 70 percent unemployment nationwide.

(pictured: Thomas Panek, Vice President of Relationship Management at NIB testifies at DOJ Internet Accessibility Hearing Dec 16, 2010)

Thomas Panek, Vice President of Relationship Management at NIBand a person who is blind, offered expert testimony at a public hearing convened by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., on Proposed Revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“As the largest employer of people who are blind, NIB and its associated agencies have demonstrated that with the necessary levels of accessibility and training, people who are blind are more than capable of succeeding in high-skill careers,” said Panek. “Anything that employers and business owners can do to increase access to websites and information services will not only create more jobs, but also help people who are blind to live more independent lives.”

“As technology rapidly develops, so must our solutions to improving access for people who are blind,” said Kevin A. Lynch, President and CEO of NIB. “NIB looks forward to working with the federal government and private sector businesses to identify ways to not only increase access, but to also leverage technology and the Internet to create career opportunities for people who are blind.”

(Pictured: DOJ hearing panel, left; Thomas Panek, NIB VP, testifying, right)

During his testimony, Panek noted NIB would like to act as a partner and a resource to the federal government for developing a workable framework for website access for people who are blind.

In particular, Panek detailed NIB’s support for enhancing website accessibility for people who are blind, while recognizing that regulation should only be enacted where self-regulation is insufficient.

Specific recommendations supported by NIB and offered by Panek include:

* Business owners must work with members of the blind community to identify what access areas could be improved upon, and the potential solutions that exist.
• To the extent that it is possible, and reasonable, the public and private sector should use the latest accessibility standards.
• The Department should adopt requirements that revise the ADA Title II regulation to establish accessibility requirements for making the services, programs, or activities offered by state and local governments to the public via the Internet accessible.
• The Department should adopt the technical standard of WCAG 2.0 double A standard for website accessibility for public accommodations, namely entities covered by Titles II and III of the ADA.
• The Department should maintain and provide a list of resources for technical assistance to assist public entities in complying with proposed rules.

NIB believes these recommendations will help increase website accessibility and career opportunities for people who are blind.

“Seven out of 10 persons who are blind are unemployed. Every step we take to improve accessibility is a step toward lowering that unemployment rate,” Panek concluded. “As NIB has clearly demonstrated, with the necessary technology and training resources in place, people who are blind are capable of completing the job.”

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About National Industries for the Blind
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 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. www.nib.org

Decorated Veteran Helping People Who Are Blind Find Employment

2010 “Oz” Day AbilityOne Award Presented to Master Sgt. Jeffrey Mittman

Alexandria, VA – Army Master Sergeant Jeffrey Mittman, a native of Indianapolis, received national recognition for his commitment to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. The Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled presented Sgt. Mittman with the 2010 Osborne A. “Oz” Day AbilityOne Awareness Award October 27, 2010.

The prestigious “Oz Day” award is presented to federal employee or member of the military, who demonstrates exceptional service in promoting employment opportunities for people who are blind or severely disabled through the AbilityOne Program.

MSG Mittman, who was blinded and suffered other devastating injuries in Iraq from an improvised explosive device (IED) in 2005, is involved in a training program with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) through the Warrior in Transition Program; in this role he supports a critical mission of employment for people with disabilities. This program allows him to prepare to transition into a civilian career upon retirement from the Army.

“I decided long ago – I can either own [my experiences] and learn from these experiences or I can let them own me. I chose the former,” said MSG Mittman. “I am humbled and proud to receive this honor, and I am eager to continue to be an example to our wounded warriors and other individuals with disabilities, showing them what is possible.”

“Master Sergeant Mittman is a remarkable individual who has faithfully served our country for more than 20 years, overcome tremendous adversity and now serves as an ambassador to other individuals with disabilities,” said Kevin Lynch, President and CEO of NIB. “NIB is committed to making a difference in the lives of our wounded warriors, so when we had the opportunity to have him on the NIB staff, we jumped at the chance. It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Jeff that he deserves this recognition.”

The award is named in honor of Osborne A. “Oz” Day, who served as a private citizen member of the Committee from 2005 to 2008. Day provided critical leadership in communicating the AbilityOne message to federal customers and the general public. His service was the culmination of a lifelong career of advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.

About National Industries for the Blind
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 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. For more information regarding how NIB and NIB associated agencies continue to provide opportunities to Americans who are blind, please visit: www.NIB.org

1 Store Solutions 15th Anniversary Event for Travis Air Force Base AbilityOne Store

1 Store Solutions blind employees proud to serve their community and America’s military.

Fairfield, CA – For the past 12 years, the employees at 1 Store Solutions Base Supply Center (BSC) at Travis Air Force Base have been providing on-base mission critical support and outfitting the servicemen and women stationed there. Today, these employees, and South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, reached out to thank the community at Travis for their support and to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center Program.

U.S. Representatives George Miller (D-CA-07) and John Garamendi (D-CA-10) praised the work of the AbilityOne Program and the 1 Store Solutions BSC.

“The services provided by the employees at the 1 Store Solutions Base Supply Center at Travis Air Force Base play an important role at Travis and for our service men and women,” said Rep. Miller in a statement released to National Industries for the Blind. “Their work is win-win – individuals who are blind are given employment opportunities and 140 government installations receive quality, full service and flexible operations. I look forward to their continued success.”

“On this 15th Anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center program, we are pleased to congratulate 1 Store Solutions at Travis Air Force Base for their hard work, both on the base, as well as in our communities – and we wish you many years of continued success,” wrote Reps. Miller and Garamendi in a letter presented during a program at the event.

There are 140 AbilityOne BSC facilities located at federal and military installations throughout the United States that provide employment to 300 Americans who are blind or severely disabled. More than 40,000 blind or disabled people are employed through the sale of products and services through the AbilityOne Program.

“1 Store Solutions supports the mission and the service men and women of Travis. It also supports the livelihood of the men and women who, through civilian service support our military,” said Steve Heinecke, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Vice President of Marketing. “1 Store Solutions and NIB personnel are proud to be included in supporting America’s Armed Forces.”

Also attending today’s event were Col. Robert Eatman, Commander, 60th Mission Support Group, Travis AFB, and Regis Barber, President, South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind.

“We opened our first AbilityOne Base Supply Center in 1997, and have expanded to six different locations since that time,” said Barber. “Working with Travis has been an incredible partnership, and we are extremely proud and honored to be able to serve our servicemen and women in this way.”

About National Industries for the Blind
NIB’s (www.NIB.org) mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.

Rep. George Miller Supports 1Store Solutions, AbilityOne Base Supply Center at Travis Air Force Base

In celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center Program, 1Store Solutions is presented with a congratulatory plaque for quaility, mission support on Travis Air Force Base. (pictured left to right) Congressman George Miller (D-CA-07) representative Janel Lea; Regis Barber, President and CEO, South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind (STLB); Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-10) representative Elise Amaya; Dave Marshall, Vice President of Retail and Government Services, STLB; Brad Husted, Manager of Retail Operations, STLB; Samantha Mueller, Manager, 1Store Solutions, STLB; Steve Heinecke, Vice President of Products and Online Marketing, National Industries for the Blind; and Mission Support Group Commander, Colonel Robert Eatman.

Defense Supply Center Richmond VA Hosts 3rd Annual Aviation AbilityOne Day

The Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) is hosting the 3rd Annual AbilityOne Day on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 in support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The event will be held at the DSCR Conference Center in Richmond, Virginia, from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

DSCR has invited all nonprofit agencies (NPAs) that have the capability to manufacture or supply the following commodities:

• Aviation Engine Accessories
• Airframe Structural Components
• Aviation Hardware
• Metalwork Machinery
• Chain and Wire Rope
• Airborne Radar and Radio Equipment
• Electrical Insulators and Hardware
• Communication Cable, Cord and Wire Assemblies
• Electrical Wire and Power Distribution Equipment
• Instrumentation
• Chemicals and Packaged Petroleum Products

DSCR anticipates approximately 500 Acquisition Specialists, Technical Specialists, and Quality (Product) Specialists to attend the event. All DSCR employees and Heads of Tenant Activities will be notified about the event and encouraged to visit the NPA exhibits to identify opportunities to add items to the Procurement List.

About National Industries for the Blind
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 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. For more information regarding how NIB and NIB associated agencies continue to provide opportunities to Americans who are blind, please visit: www.NIB.org

New Contract Management Services Web Page on NIB.org

The federal government needs contract administration and closeout services. For example, the U.S. Army has 300,000+ contracts that require closing. To meet this need, NIB provides services such as:

Research and analysis to ensure all requirements for closing contracts are complete.

We present “ready-to-close” contracts to government contracting officers.

Contract close-out document preparation

Contract document imaging and indexing

Contract document destruction

In June 2010, NIB, as the prime contractor and CMS program manager for the AbilityOne Program, executed an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the Department of the Army for provision of CMS contract closeout support services for all of the Department of Defense (DoD). CMS closeout services were added to the mandatory AbilityOne Procurement List concurrently with the DoD-wide IDIQ contract. With these essential building blocks in place, individual task orders from across DoD will flow to the AbilityOne Program via NIB.

About National Industries for the Blind
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 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. For more information regarding how NIB and NIB associated agencies continue to provide opportunities to Americans who are blind, please visit: www.NIB.org

Navy Task Order for Pilot Contract Closeout Services Provided by NIB through AbilityOne Program

Rear Admiral Mark Heinrich, commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers (COMFISCS), a Naval Supply Systems Command Echelon III command, approved the first Navy task order to pilot contract closeout services provided by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and the AbilityOne Program at a signing ceremony September 17, 2010 at NIB. (Picture: Adml Heinrich (front/left), John Qua, VP Services, NIB at signing ceremony. Rear left to Right: Kim Zeich, Deputy Executive Director, The Committee For Purchase; Kevin Lynch, President & CEO, NIB; Scottie Knott, COO, NIB)

Contract closeout services demonstrate the value of strategic sourcing and the resulting mutually beneficial relationships between government agencies and the AbilityOne Program.

This task order will assist the U.S. Navy in reducing a backlog of contracts requiring closeout actions and facilitate the return of unused obligated contract funds to the government. At the same time, the task order will create seven job opportunities for people who are blind in upwardly mobile, career-oriented positions.

On June 29, 2010, NIB, as the prime contractor and contract closeout program manager for the AbilityOne Program, executed an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with the Department of the Army for provision of contract closeout support services for all of the Department of Defense (DoD). Closeout services were added to the mandatory AbilityOne Procurement List concurrently with the DoD-wide IDIQ contract. With these essential building blocks in place, individual task orders such as this first Navy order from COMFISCS will flow to the AbilityOne Program via NIB.

The NIB point of contact for Contract Management Support (CMS) services is John Coney, who may be reached at 703-310-0564 or jconey@nib.org.

NIB/NAEPB Pre-Conference Communications Seminar: "AbilityOne: Telling our Story"

All NIB associated agency employees, especially agency communications team members, are invited to attend.

The Pre-Conference Communications Seminar is scheduled for:

• 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 5;
  
• Dinner and speaker from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 5;
  
• Crisis Communications, Best Practices, Social Media Panels - 8:00 a.m. to noon Wednesday, October 6, before the Annual Training Conference begins.

Hotel Reservations
Annual Training Conference & Communications Seminar Registration
More information: conferences@nib.org

Office Eagle AbilityOne Base Supply Center Holds 15th Anniversary Event at Ft. Knox

Office Eagle marks five years of service to Ft. Knox's mission and soldiers with Deputy Garrison Commander Emmitt Holly presenting a plaque to store employees (pictured left)

Fort Knox, KY – Today, U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie (R-KY-02), praised the work of the AbilityOne Program and the Office Eagle Base Supply Center (BSC) in a letter of recognition presented at a 15th anniversary celebration at Fort Knox. The Office Eagle BSC employs people who are blind or disabled who support the mission of American servicemen and women stationed at Fort Knox.

Office Eagle, operated by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), is one of 140 AbilityOne BSC facilities that provide mission-critical support for ongoing base operations and outfitting for military deployments.

“I want to congratulate the folks at the Office Eagle AbilityOne Base Supply Center for providing 5 years of quality service to Fort Knox,” Rep. Guthrie said. “I greatly appreciate their hard work and tireless support of the service men and women, and their families, who bravely serve our country.”

U.S. Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) also had words of praise for the employees of the Office Eagle BSC.

"I am pleased to congratulate the Fort Knox Office Eagle BSC for doing good work on the base and in our communities,” Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) said in a letter presented at today's ceremony by Bunning field representative John Salyers. "Through the AbilityOne Program, Fort Knox BSC provides full-service and flexible on-site operations and works hand in hand with the Base Command and military personnel to provide quality service, supplies and support to those on the Base. I am proud to represent you in Congress."

More than 40,000 blind or severely disabled Americans produceSKILCRAFT® products and provide services that are sold to the government and U.S. military through the AbilityOne Program. Service-disabled veterans are actively recruited by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) for employment opportunities within the AbilityOne Program.

(Scottie Knott, COO at NIB pictured left)“Just as the mission of Fort Knox extends beyond the perimeter of this important military installation, the contribution of Office Eagle to the people and economy of the surrounding area is also an important story to tell,” said Claudine “Scottie” Knott, Chief Operating Officer, National Industries for the Blind. “Office Eagle supports the mission and service men and woman of Fort Knox. It also supports the livelihood of the men and women who, through civilian service, support our military.”

“BISM is proud to employ over 400 exceptional associates at our eleven facilities in three states and the District of Columbia. And that includes the remarkable men and women we are lucky to have here at Fort Knox, supporting our servicemen and women at the Office Eagle BSC,” said BISM President Fred Puente, who oversees the operations of six BSCs on military installations in Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky and the District of Columbia.

With every purchase, government and U.S. military customers support the employment of qualified professionals who are blind or have other severe disabilities with each purchase under the AbilityOne Program.

The first BSC was opened in October 1995, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, by LC Industries, an NIB associated agency. Now there are 140 locations on military bases and in federal buildings in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

About National Industries for the Blind
NIB’s (www.NIB.org) mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.

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Navy Exchange Service Command Signs Memorandum of Understanding with National Industries for the Blind

Photo caption: NIB President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch with Kimberly Zeich, deputy executive director, Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled and Rear Admiral Steven J. Romano, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy Commander, NEXCOM.

Alexandria, VA) National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) signed a memorandum of understanding June 21, 2010, with the intent to generate mutually beneficial business development initiatives through strategic sourcing of existing and new operational supplies, retail products, services, and contract management support.

“In just a few months we [NEXCOM and NIB] were able to come together to produce this memorandum of understand that will provide a strong framework for our partnership for collaboration and working together to identify opportunities for mutual success,” said Rear Admiral Steven J. Romano, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, Commander, NEXCOM.

NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch added: “NEXCOM is an important part of our military retail program. The Navy has always been a very strong supporter of the AbilityOne Program (JWOD) and this is a wonderful starting point for the future of our partnership.”

Next steps for both NIB and NEXCOM include site visits to some of NIB’s nonprofit agencies associated with the AbilityOne Program where thousands of people who are blind produce products that are sold through Navy Exchanges (NEX) and overseas NEX Depots.

About National Industries for the Blind
At NIB (www.NIB.org), our mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 88 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program (Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program).

About Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM)
Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), Virginia Beach, Va. NEXCOM is a non-appropriated organization employing 14,000 associates worldwide that provides management oversight for 104 Navy Exchanges, 42 Navy Lodges, 157 Navy Ship’s Stores, Military Sealift Command Ship’s Stores, Uniform Program Management Office, worldwide telecommunications services afloat and ashore, and the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility. Average annual revenue are $2.5 billion providing an estimated $450 million savings to Sailors and their families and $51.1 million in profit contribution to Navy’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation quality of life programs.

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Contact: Ken Murphy
Director of Communications
National Industries for the Blind
703-310-0500
kmurphy@nib.org

FEDERAL NEWS RADIO INTERVIEWS NIB CEO KEVIN LYNCH

Washington, DC, June 22, 2010
This week, host Larry Allen talks with Kevin Lynch, President and CEO, National Industries for the Blind. NIB’s mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind.

Larry and Kevin discuss:
* An update on traditional NIB product offerings through the AbilityOne Program.
* How NIB is partnering with private sector partners
* Why NIB feels that they need to expand into services and what type of services they're exploring
* And federal contract support services being offered by NIB to the federal government and Department of Defense

Download or listen to Kevin Lynch’s interview with Larry Allen

Coalition for Government Procurement provides a voice for commercial service and product companies selling in the federal market. The Coalition has 29 years of working with decision makers in and out of government on acquisition rules and procurement issues and provides a unique perspective from their members that is shared whenever procurement policy is debated.

NIB AD in Washington Examiner GI Film Festival Guide

NIB is building awareness for SKILCRAFT® and the AbilityOne Program by supporting the GI Film Festival with an ad in the special insert of today’s Washington Examiner (distributed on the metro) and in a special Sunday edition that will be distributed at the GI Film Festival.

View our ad in the special Washington Examiner insert online (page two):

NIB has a similar ad in the official program. The Festival runs May 11-16. We have a shared booth with the Examiner on Saturday May 15 (Armed Forces Day and the largest film day of the Festival) and Sunday, May 16. We are also providing SKILCRAFT government pens in the VIP gift bags. About 4,000 attendees are expected.

Hollywood stars conducting seminars include: Glenn Close, Gary Sinese (CSI and Forest Gump fame), Ricky Schroeder. The event also features VIP receptions with Members of Congress, the Administration and Department of Defense, along with film makers.

The GI film festival will have significant media coverage and has an impressive list of sponsors (see them online – link below).

GI Film Festival site

Tim Sanders Keynote Speaker at Opportunity Forum June 14, 2010

Tim Sanders believes that social responsibility and sustainability are hotbeds for business innovation. Companies that focus on these areas will attract new customers as well as boost the morale of employees and partners. Along the way, they’ll save money too!

Tim has deep experience in cutting-edge businesses and marketing. He’s weathered the quality movement as well as the dotcom crash and emerged with precious insight. He was the Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo! and later its Leadership Coach. Prior to his senior positions at Yahoo!, Tim created and led the Yahoo! ValueLab, an in-house “think tank” that delivered futuristic insight on technology and human behavior.

View/listen to one of Tim's speeches.

Tim Sanders: Mojo Rising Keynote from Tim Sanders on Vimeo.

2010 NIB/NAEPB Opportunity Forum
June 13-15, 2010
Westin Kierland
Scottsdale, Arizona

Join us at the 2010 NIB/NAEPB Opportunity Forum in Arizona! Focused on the theme, “A New Decade: Get Ready to Engage,” the event will provide excellent networking opportunities among NIB associated agencies, customers, suppliers and contractors with the goal of increasing business that creates more jobs for people who are blind.

The forum will include a spacious indoor supplier exhibit area, informative and motivational speakers including: Susan Brita, Deputy Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and Rear Admiral Mark F. Heinrich, Supply Corps, United States Navy Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers, and practical skill-development sessions from Tom Cross, University of Virginia Darden School of Business faculty.

Click on the following links for more information:
View the draft agenda
Register for the Opportunity Forum
Make hotel reservations

Note: NIB’s conference rate expires May 21 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time -- so make your reservation now!

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA)authorized under the Javits Wagner O’Day Act (JWOD) – now called AbilityOne by The Committee For Purchase from People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled. NISH is another CNA that operates under the AbilityOne Program. SKILCRAFT products are produced and sold through the AbilityOne Program by people who are blind or severely disabled.

U.S. Census Using Bags Made by Industries for the Blind Milwaukee

Read the entire story online: American Chronicle – 05/02/2010
By Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

On Saturday, May 2, some 635,000 census takers in Wisconsin and across the nation will begin the task of going door to door to contact around 48 million households that did not return 2010 census forms.

"The bag serves multiple purposes," said Chuck Lange, president of the Industries for the Blind [Milwaukee]. "The census takers keep their papers, pens and pencils in there. And the bag identifies the census takers."

The organization also produced the binders that census takers will use. Those binders were manufactured in West Allis and in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Contact: U.S. Census Bureau

Industries for the Blind in Milwaukee and Kalamazoo, Michigan are members of the National Industries for the Blind. They produce SKILCRAFT and other products sold to the U.S. Federal Government and Department of Defense through the AbilityOne Program.

Paul Begala Speaks at NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum

Political strategist and CNN contributor Paul Begala entertained the Public Policy Forum dinner crowd Monday, March 8 with humorous stories about partisan politics in Washington, D.C.

Begala started with the code of conduct for today's politics: always attack, never defend.

The dedicated Democrat acknowledged that the November 2010 mid-term elections will see losses for Democrats in both the Senate and the House based on both historical trends and the plunge in popularity of President Barack Obama.

Begala reminded the crowd that during the Clinton Administration, first-term losses to the Democratic Party in the House and Senate were more than double the historical average. Yet, two years later Clinton was re-elected.

His pragmatic outlook is that bipartisanship is rampant because it works in today's political environment. Begala also said America's bipartisanship still produces a better government and political system than any other country in the world.

"Only in America" could a man whose grandfather was a Kenyan goat herder become president. He added that America is also the only country in the world that will give people a chance to improve their lives, which includes people who are blind.

NIB 2009 Annual Report

Read NIB's recently-released FY 2009 Annual Report, available on the NIB website. The report focuses on NIB's initiatives to build relationships with people, communities, customers, Congress, federal partners and the blindness community, as well as efforts to protect the environment. Online formats: PDF and MS WORD

NIB/NAEPB Update from the Public Policy Forum

The 2010 NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum agenda for Tuesday, March 9 features top political strategists who will provide insight into how to move your message, engage various constituent groups and build partnerships. RSA Commissioner Lynnae Ruttledge from the Department of Education is the featured luncheon speaker. Click here for the full agenda; speaker bios and more details.
The Public Policy Forum kicked-off with a pre-conference lesson on how to Amplify Your Message on Capitol Hill.

Paul Begala, former advisor to President Clinton and a CNN political commentator, delivered a politically insightful and humorous after-dinner speech to help prepare the Public Policy Forum attendees for the realities of politics in Washington.

We're looking forward to a successful event where we will Make a Difference!

Blind Industries uses grant to buy high-tech equipment

2/10/10: Blind Industries and Services of Maryland will utilize a $24,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation to purchase new adaptive technology, such as Braille displays, scanning software and Braille keyboards for blind and low-vision adults and seniors participating in BISM's rehabilitation programs.

"With this new technology, we can better teach real-world skills to blind adults, seniors and youth all while helping to build their self-confidence," said Christina Davis, senior director of the organization on 3345 Washington Blvd. in Lansdowne.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland currently offers its Seniors Achieving Independent Living (SAIL) program in its Cumberland, Salisbury and Lansdowne locations.

The organization also offers CORE, an intensive eight-month residential training program for adults, at its Lansdowne location.

Both curriculums provide comprehensive instruction in Braille, adaptive computer technology, cane travel and independent home living.

Both programs area also are free of charge for Maryland residents.

Next year, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland's Youth services division will offer "Independence 2010," a summer residential program aimed at providing blind teens with the life skills to succeed in college, the workplace and at home.

For information, call 410-737-2600 or go to www.bism.org.

Binghamton Lions Club Supports Scholarships for People Who are Visually Impaired

“Binghamton Lions Club President Douglas Shaver presents A.V.R.E. CEO Robert Hanye with $500 check to support Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship”


Binghamton, NY, 27 January 2010 - The Binghamton Lions Club (We Serve) and the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc (A.V.R.E.) jointly support scholarships for people who are visually impaired. The Lions recently made an additional donation of $500 to the scholarship fund at A.V.R.E. At least one Charles V. Costello memorial scholarship is given each year to a person who is visually impaired who attends an accredited post high school academic or technical institution. Since its inception, 11 scholarships have been awarded to legally blind individuals in programs ranging from business certifications through post graduate study.

The Scholarships are awarded in honor and memory of Mr. Charles Costello, a well known community leader, long time Lion and dedicated A.V.R.E. Board member who experienced sustained vision loss later in life. Applicants must have a severe vision impairment and either reside or attend school in the Twin Tiers service area of A.V.R.E.

For more information, contact Jenn Cubic at (607)724-2428.