Rep. Dan Lungren Tours AbilityOne Program Facilities at Travis Air Force Base

Ever since U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren (R-3rd-CA) learned about the AbilityOne Program facilities at Travis Air Force Base, the congressman has taken a keen interest in how people who are blind are supporting the airmen and women at the base. On Thursday, August 12, Congressman Lungren toured the facilities – a new Call Center and a Base Supply Center (BSC), both of which are staffed by people who are blind.

“The new Call Center at Travis Air Force Base was extremely impressive,” Lungren said. “The ease of the adaptive technology was surprising, though it certainly requires tremendous skill on behalf of the people using it. This would be a great pilot program to show many other business and organizations across the country that people who are blind can do the job.”

Earlier this year, Travis was chosen by the Air Force to be the site of a consolidated Call Center that will serve 12 air bases by the end of the year. To plan for the mission, Travis worked closely with the NIB and NewView Oklahoma to consider staffing the center with employees who are blind.

Since early spring, NIB and other agencies have been recruiting employees who are blind for the Call Center. These employees are able to take the calls and route them to the proper destination using JAWS (Job Access With Speech) software.

Since 1998, South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind has supported Travis AFB with the AbilityOne: 1 Store Solutions BSC. Approximately 40 percent of the items stocked at the BSC are SKILCRAFT® or other products produced through the AbilityOne Program. This partnership is very valuable to base command and has been widely praised.

To learn more, read the news article and the attached press release. For more questions, contact Kelly Jamieson at 703-310-0324 or kjamieson@nib.org.
http://search.dailyrepublic.com/display.php?id=33211

Alphapointe Hosts AbilityOne Award Event for Seattle Lighthouse and the GSA Heartland Region on August 16

Seattle Lighthouse President and CEO Kirk Adams (pictured at right of Jason Klumb) presented a plaque to Jason Klumb, who accepted the award on behalf of the GSA Heartland Region for strengthening their commitment to the AbilityOne Program through the addition of the entrenching tool, or “e-tool,” to the Procurement List. The e-tool, also shown in the photo, is a lightweight, foldable shovel commonly used by the warfighter.

The team at Alphapointe Association for the Blind in Kansas City, Missouri, led by President and CEO Reinhard Mabry, hosted a special event at Alphapointe on Monday, August 16 for representatives from GSA Heartland Region, Seattle Lighthouse and NIB. The event provided the opportunity for the Seattle Lighthouse to present an award to the GSA Heartland Region. Attendees also met with Jason Klumb, the Regional Administrator for the GSA Heartland Region, to discuss future partnership opportunities, and the GSA team was treated to a tour of the agency.

Also attending the meeting were GSA Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) representatives Mike Brincks, FAS regional commissioner; Tom Brown, director, Customer Accounts and Research; Nathan Stewart, deputy director, Heartland Supply Operations Center; and Gary Jenkins, business management specialist; and from Seattle Lighthouse, Pat O’Hara, general manager of operations. I attended the meeting along with NIB colleagues Steve Heinecke, vice president, Product and Online Marketing; Shawn Spengler, director, Product Management Jan/San and MRO; and Ken Murphy, director, Communications.

For more information, contact Dan Carson at 703-310-0509 or dcarson@nib.org

2010 NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference in Cincinnati October 6-8

Register Today for 2010 NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference in Cincinnati October 6-8; Pre-Conference Communications Seminar October 5-6
Ken Murphy, Director, Communications, NIB

Registration is open for the 2010 NIB/NAEPB Annual Training Conference, scheduled for October 6-8 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, Ohio. The conference theme is “AbilityOne: People Make it Happen.”

This is an outstanding opportunity to develop new skills, learn new information and generate fundamental ideas from excellent featured speakers and informative training sessions.

We will also honor and recognize the accomplishments of the 2010 Employee of the Year associated agency nominees and national winners ­ because people make it happen and make all the difference!

This year, the NAEPB Communications Committee is planning a Pre-Conference Communications Seminar focusing on "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 Tuesday afternoon, October 5, through Wednesday morning, October 6, before the Annual Training Conference begins.

The co-chairs of the conference planning committee lead the two local NIB associated agencies: John Mitchell, executive director of Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CAVBI), and Robin Usalis, CEO of Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to tour both agencies and we look forward to celebrating CABVI’s 100th anniversary!

Click on the links below for more information about the conference and seminar:

Read the attached draft agenda

Register for the conference and seminar

Reserve hotel room


For more information, visit the Events page of the NIB website. If you have any questions, contact conferences@nib.org.

Rep. Lamborn, Sen Udal, Sen Bennet Support AbilityOne BSC Program in Colorado

Airmen and women at Peterson AFB served at Envision Xpress AbilityOne Base Supply Center

Peterson Air Force Base Base Supply Store Celebrates Service to Military and Community

Colorado Springs, CO – Today, U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO-05), praised the work of the AbilityOne Program and the Envision Xpress Base Supply Center (BSC) in a letter of recognition presented at a 15th anniversary celebration at Peterson Air Force Base. The Envision Xpress BSC employs people who are blind or disabled who support the mission of airmen and women stationed at Peterson AFB.

Envision Xpress is one of 140 AbilityOne BSCs that provide mission support for ongoing base operations and outfitting for military deployments.

“On this 15th anniversary, I’m proud to recognize your part in AbilityOne’s invaluable efforts toward training and employment for more than 300 Americans who are blind across the country. I congratulate Envision Xpress for the good work they are doing not only on Peterson AFB, but throughout the country,” Rep. Lamborn said in a letter presented by John Herd, Rep. Lamborn’s regional director.

Colorado’s two U.S. Senators also had words of praise for the employees of the Envision Xpress BSC.

U.S. Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) also noted in a letter: “I am especially proud that Envision has effectively operated the AbilityOne Program here at Peterson Air Force Base, providing quality products to our service men and women and their families.”

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) emphasized the need for equal opportunities to jobs that the AbilityOne Program provides people who are blind: “The services that the Base Supply Center provides are invaluable tools for helping America’s visually impaired and severely disabled citizens find work.”

These employees produce and ship products, provide services and staff the BSCs. Additionally, service-disabled veterans and military dependents have the opportunity to join the AbilityOne team, where they continue to play a valuable role in the military communities that are significant to their lives.

“I know from meeting these employees that this isn’t just a job to them,” National Industries for the Blind President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch said. “Envision Xpress employees work every day to enhance their personal freedom, their economic freedom and America’s freedom as they support Peterson Air Force Base’s mission.”

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.

“It has been incredible to watch not only this location grow, but also the aspirations of the employees at the Peterson BSC. I am honored to be a part of this great program that provides employment opportunities for people who are blind,” said Envision, Inc. CEO Linda K. Merrill-Parman, who oversees the operations of 15 BSCs around the country.

Government customers support the employment of qualified professionals who are blind or have other severe disabilities with each purchase under the AbilityOne Program.

About the 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.

AbilityOne Base Supply Centers Mark 15 Years

140 locations across U.S. provide jobs for 45,000 employees who are blind or have disabilities

Alexandria, VA – National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is launching a nationwide celebration honoring the 15th anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Center (BSC) program which provides mission support at 140 U.S. military bases and federal agencies nationwide.

“BSC stores are directly responsible for the employment of more than 300 Americans who are blind or have other severe disabilities, which is what our mission is all about,” said Kevin A. Lynch, president and CEO, NIB. “BSC sales provide jobs and career advancement for the 45,000 people working as part of the AbilityOne procurement program to provide products and services to the federal government and our military.”

These employees produce and ship products, provide services and staff the BSCs. Additionally, service-disabled veterans and military dependents have the opportunity to join the AbilityOne team, where they continue to play a valuable role in the military communities that are significant to their lives.

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.

“On behalf of the AbilityOne Program, I congratulate National Industries for the Blind for 15 years of Base Supply Center excellence,” said Andrew D. Houghton, Chairperson of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the federal agency which administers the AbilityOne Program. “We are pleased to provide quality employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities while meeting federal customers' needs through onsite retail operations.”

Eight cornerstone 15th anniversary events will be held at Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force bases throughout the country. Other dozens of local events will be held at other BSC stores. The event sites include:
• August 18 – Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
• August 26 – Fort Knox, Kentucky
• August 31 – Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• September 1 – Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois
• September 8 – Fort Detrick, Maryland (tentative)
• September 24 – Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina
• October 14 – Fort Bragg, North Carolina
• October 20 – Travis Air Force Base, California

“The success of the AbilityOne BSC program has allowed agencies to re-invest profits back into job training programs and create more employment opportunities for people who are blind,” said Chuck Lange, Vice President for Base Supply Centers at IB Milwaukee.

Government customers support the employment of qualified professionals who are blind or have other severe disabilities through each purchase under the AbilityOne Program.

About the 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 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.

Contact:
Ken Murphy
Director, Communications
National Industries for the Blind
kmurphy@nib.org

Peterson AFB AbilityOne Base Supply Center Appreciation Day

Envision Xpress Celebrating Eight Years of Quality Service and Mission Support

COLORADO SPRINGS — The Envision Xpress Base Supply Center (BSC) will host a Community Appreciation Day Wednesday, August 18, at 10:00 a.m. on-base at the 725 West Paine Street location. Those gathered will be celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the AbilityOne Base Supply Centers and recognizing Envision Xpress’ 8-year contribution of mission critical support for base operations and the airmen and women serving Peterson AFB.

“The Envision Xpress Base Supply Center provides an important operational and mission support service to the airmen and soldiers serving their country at Peterson Air Force Base and Ft. Carson. I’m proud to recognize the contribution to the base operations the Envision Xpress employees make daily,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn of Colorado Springs, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Congratulations to Envision Xpress for eight years of quality service and for creating and sustaining local jobs under the AbilityOne Program for people who are blind or severely disabled.”

Since 2002, Envision Xpress has provided a full-service and flexible on-site operation at Peterson AFB. This BSC is one of 140 stores nationwide that employs people who are blind and supports the work of nearly 45,000 Americans who provide products and services through the production of SKILCRAFT® products sold through the AbilityOne Program.

Invited and confirmed VIP attendees include base officials, Congressional and community leaders.

For press credentials and clearance, please contact Rob Vernon at 703-741-7536.

WHAT: Envision Xpress BSC Community Appreciate Day

WHO: Peterson Air Force Base officials
Staff from U.S. Senator Mark Udall (D-CO)
Staff from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Col. John F. Hurd (USAF Retired), military advisor to U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (D-CO-05)
NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch
Envision Xpress BSC Store Manager Jerry Fordham
Colorado Springs City Councilman William “Bernie” Herpin
Mark Lucas, Executive Director, US Association of Blind Athletes

WHEN: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 – 10:00 AM
*** NOTE: Media wishing to attend the event should arrive no later than 9:15 AM ***

WHERE: 725 West Paine Street
Building 666
Peterson AFB, CO

###
Contact: Rob Vernon
Phone: 703-741-7536
Email: rvernon@golinharris.com

NIB Supporting Power & Pride ADA Gala July 26, 2010

National Industries for the Blind is helping the Committee on Disability Power & Pride celebrate the 20th anniversary of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with a Gala celebration on July 26, 2010 at the National Press Club (529 14th St., NW), 7 to 11 p.m.

"We are proud to support Disability Power & Pride, including its e-Commerce website, which helps to create jobs for people who are blind or have other significant disabilities," said NIB President and CEO Kevin A. Lynch. "This dovetails with NIB's mission to enhance opportunities for economic and personal independence primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment."

This event follows a White House ceremony commemorating the ADA's enactment. Disability community leaders, champions, advocates and supporters in government, business, the arts, service organizations, academia and the grassroots will join together to celebrate the past and reinvigorate a movement to change the future. This Gala is the capstone event for the anniversary day.

Tony Coelho, Power & Pride Chair, and former Congressman who authored the ADA, said in a news release, "The words in our name -- Disability Power & Pride -- distill decades of dreams and struggles, progress and challenges, and reflect the life work of countless leaders, legislators, advocates, and individuals of all ages, abilities and political affiliations. Difficult work lies ahead to deliver on the ADA's promise, but to succeed we must come together, celebrate who we are, and build our political power."

"Each of our nation's civil rights movements have celebrated and built on hard-won legislative victories by reclaiming its identity and the power of 'differentness.' The same holds true with the disability rights movement. Same Struggle. Different Difference. Power & Pride reflects a coming of age for the disability community," says Jonathan Young, Vice Chair of Power & Pride and Chairman of the National Council on Disability, an independent federal agency that makes policy recommendations to the President and Congress.

Disability Power & Pride is a movement (more than a non-profit organization) that mobilizes all Americans with disabilities, their families, friends and allies, to speak (and sign) with one powerful voice. Information is available at www.mypowerandpride.org. Power & Pride's identity campaign, made possible through the support of National Industries for the Blind (NIB), is being launched in connection with the ADA 20th Anniversary. Visit www.mypowerandpride.com.

Power & Pride is grateful for generous support from its sponsors, led by AT&T. "We are pleased to support a leader in the disability community like Disability Power & Pride," said Cindy Brinkley, AT&T Senior Vice President, Talent Development & Chief Diversity Officer. "Throughout our history, AT&T has operated with the understanding that accessibility is more than a word; it is a commitment – to connecting all people with their worlds. That commitment drives innovation at AT&T; it reminds us to rethink possible — and it will continue to define our company and culture for decades to come."

Other Disability Power & Pride Gala sponsors include Esquire Bank, Unifund, NISH, Wounded Warrior Project, CSC, Bender Consulting, United Cerebral Palsy, Disability Opportunity Fund, Intel, The Arc of the United States, American Association of People with Disabilities and VSA.