NDEAM and "Empower" Focuses of 2023 NIB/NAEPB Conference Expo

NDEAM and "Empower" Focuses of 2023 NIB/NAEPB Conference Expo

By Beth Walker • Oct 25, 2023
All four employees of the year, plus ones and Envision leaders standing on stage smiling.

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This year's National Industries for the Blind (NIB)/NAEPB Training Conference and Expo was all about empowerment. At Envision, we are honored to be able to provide meaningful programs, services and employment to help empower people who are blind or visually impaired to live their best lives. We are one of the largest NIB-associated agencies that employs hundreds of people who are blind or visually impaired to manufacture and sell products through the AbilityOne Program. Every October honors National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which was another focus of this year’s conference. Observed annually, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of employees with disabilities both past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.  

All four of our Employees of the Year, Marybeth Clare, Jennifer St. Louis, Lisa Dixon and Jenny Wood attended this year’s conference expo. Managers/Supervisors, plus ones and other team leaders with Envision were also in attendance, which allowed for networking with many other NIB-associated agency members. The conference included a plethora of panel discussions and presentations on topics such as public policy and opportunities for growth, program updates, accessible technology trends, and inspiring stories from leaders in the NIB community on why empowerment for people who are blind or visually impaired in the workforce is important. An expo was held for NIB-associated agency members to sell their SKILCRAFT products made by employees who are blind or visually impaired through the AbilityOne Program, with opportunities for networking with other vendors. John Bramblitt, world-renowned blind artist from Texas, was also at the conference and hosted an art activity for the employees of the year.  

We want to say a special congratulations to Marybeth Clare, Jennifer St. Louis, Lisa Dixon and Jenny Wood for being nominated as our employees of the year, and to Marybeth for being selected for the NIB winner of the Peter J Salmon Employee of the Year Award! We are overjoyed at everyone's many accomplishments, successes, and advocacy for other people who are blind or visually impaired.