Dan Kelly: Life-changing experiences for the blind

Posted on November 3, 2016November 3, 2016 by Seth

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an opportunity to highlight the challenges of finding of job for people with disabilities. If you are blind, as I am, the unemployment rate is shockingly high — 70 percent. Imagine: Seven of every 10 persons who are blind cannot find a job.

In my case, I’ve been blind since childhood. I share a hereditary eye disease with my grandfather, father and now my young son. Both my grandfather and my father worked, and they instilled in me their same drive to pursue an education, build a career and raise a family. In many respects, I was fortunate to have their genes, because I never thought about what wasn’t possible. My focus was always on what I could accomplish.

Today, I am chief operating officer at IFB Solutions, previously known as Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind. We are the largest employer of people who are blind in the country, with a mission that impacts even more people through our community programs and services available to the public.

Our new name — IFB Solutions — suits our organization perfectly as we strive to create innovative solutions for people who are blind or visually impaired. We offer employment opportunities in our three manufacturing facilities, in our optical lab and at dozens of customer locations across the United States. We’re also finding jobs for people that enable them to work from home — a tremendous opportunity for people without access to transportation.

Throughout my career, I’ve been focused on creating opportunities for people who are blind. It started in high school when I responded to a job posting with a local human resources and recruiting firm. After graduating from college, I took a full-time position with that same company before joining National Industries for the Blind in 2001, where I had an opportunity to focus on employment for people with vision challenges. After earning my MBA from George Mason University, I moved to the Triad to join Greensboro Industries of the Blind before coming to my current workplace in 2007.

Like me, some of our employees at IFB Solutions come with work experience, but for the majority, we are their first job and their first opportunity to experience personal and financial independence since losing their sight. We build on this first job by providing additional solutions — training and services — to help our employees acquire new skills and pursue outside interests.

Guest columnist: Grateful for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Posted on October 7, 2016October 30, 2016 by Seth

“Although my visual impairment kept me from pursuing the career I wanted as a golf pro, it’s given me the most satisfying career I could ever ask for and I am grateful.” Read more about Grant Weathers, Low Vision Technician at our Asheville Community Low Vision Center and his thoughts about October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Asheville Citizen-Times.

Industries for the Blind faces legal challenge for VA optical contracts

Posted on September 11, 2016October 30, 2016 by Seth

“Since (the agency) was established as a nonprofit agency in the AbilityOne program nearly 80 years ago, there has never been a more real threat to the work we do in providing employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired,’ said Danny Kelly, the agency’s chief operating officer.”

Much appreciation to The Winston-Salem Journal for highlighting a legal case that could prevent our ability to continue serving US Veterans with eyeglasses made by people who are blind or visually impaired.

Link to Article: http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/industries-for-the-blind-faces-legal-challenge-for-va-optical/article_7121024a-23b9-5c56-8738-cbebe15cb491.html

IFB Successfully Intervenes to Support the U.S. Government in Preserving Jobs for People who are Blind

Posted on August 31, 2016November 1, 2016 by Seth

Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB) successfully filed a motion to intervene in support of the U.S. Government, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the AbilityOne Program in response to a complaint filed by a veteran-owned business regarding IFB’s contracts to supply eyeglasses made by people who are blind to VA facilities in five states. The complaint requests an injunction on IFB’s contracts with the VA which would essentially shut down IFB’s Optical Lab operations. The result would be the loss of 45 jobs for people who are blind and seven jobs for veterans, with additional risk to other IFB operations and positions.

“Since IFB was established as a nonprofit agency in the AbilityOne Program nearly 80 years ago, there has never been a more real threat to the work we do in providing employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired,” said Danny Kelly, IFB chief operating officer. “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the VA to protect the charge of the AbilityOne Program in creating employment for people who are blind or have severe disabilities. There is enough business with the VA for everyone, veteran-owned businesses as well as AbilityOne agencies like IFB, to be successful. In fact, many of our IFB employees are veterans – some having lost their sight after leaving the military, and others with service-connected disabilities.”

More than 45,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities, of which approximately 3,000 are veterans, have found employment through nonprofit agencies like IFB participating in the AbilityOne Program. Established by the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (JWOD) in 1938, the AbilityOne Program, through its network of nonprofit agencies, supplies the Federal Government with products and services, like IFB’s contracts to manufacture eyeglasses for the VA.

“IFB has been a strong partner with the VA for more than 16 years, and we have an outstanding record for quality and service,” said Kelly. “Our employees are immensely proud of our track record of

producing close to 1,000 pairs of eyeglasses each day in service to the more than 830 veterans seen daily at VA locations. In the last 10 months, our team has provided eyeglasses to nearly 175,000 veterans with 97% of those orders meeting or exceeding the delivery window. We are, by all accounts, an exceptional service provider to the VA, and I don’t believe any organization can match our employees’ pride and patriotism.”

A key foundation of the AbilityOne Program is that all products and services are vigorously vetted by its administering body, the Committee for Purchase, to ensure no adverse effect on small business before those items can be added to the federal Procurement List. Thus, the AbilityOne Program is considered a priority program pursuant to the JWOD Act, the Competition in Contracting Act, and implementing guidance in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and all contracts are considered “other than competitive.”

According to Kelly, this “other than competitive” foundation of the AbilityOne Program is at the crux of IFB’s response to the complaint which references a recent Supreme Court ruling in favor of another veteran-owned business, Kingdomware. The Kingdomware ruling “extends to all competitive VA acquisitions, without exception, as long as those businesses can meet the ‘rule of two’ – a reasonable expectation at least two such businesses will bid on a VA contract and can do the work at a fair and reasonable price.” IFB’s contracts with the VA do not fall under this requirement because those contracts were added to the Procurement List by the AbilityOne Commission under the JWOD Act and are considered “other than competitive.”

“The recent Kingdomware ruling clarified that veteran-owned businesses receive priority for contracts with the VA in a competitive environment, but the AbilityOne Program was specifically and purposefully created almost 80 years ago to create and protect jobs for people who are blind or severely disabled outside of this competitive environment and with the vigilant oversight of the Committee for Purchase to ensure equity and access for all,” said Kelly. “I don’t believe it was the intent of the Supreme Court justices in making the Kingdomware ruling to deny the rights of people who are blind or disabled from finding employment.”

Kelly, blind since childhood, points to the success of the AbilityOne Program and the Committee for Purchase in creating jobs while also ensuring that those contracts do not harm small business. “I think the AbilityOne Program should be commended for balancing the needs and rights of all parties – those who are blind, those who are severely disabled, and those who have so ably served our country.”

Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB) is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to more than 40 office supply stores and optical centers across the country. IFB also provides outreach through A Brighter Path Foundation, which operates Community Low Vision Centers across North Carolina and Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse based in Winston-Salem

Two Winston-Salem Executives Named to Leadership Roles for N.C. State Commission for the Blind

Posted on August 19, 2016November 1, 2016 by Seth

David Barnwell, president of A Brighter Path Foundation, and David Horton, president/CEO of Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB), were recently elected to leadership roles for the N.C. State Commission for the Blind. Barnwell will serve as the commission’s chairman, and Horton will serve as vice chairman. Members of the commission are appointed by the governor. The N.C. State Commission for the Blind works jointly with the N.C. State Rehabilitation Council to foster greater employment opportunities and independent living skills for people who are blind or visually impaired.

As president of A Brighter Path Foundation, IFB’s supporting organization, Barnwell oversees the funding of numerous statewide activities and training to build personal independence and job skills, including IFB Community Low Vision Centers in Winston-Salem, Asheville and Chapel Hill, and the Student Enrichment Experience (SEE) program for youth with programs in Winston-Salem and Asheville.

Horton has served as IFB’s executive director and now president/CEO for nearly a decade as the organization has grown to being the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country. He is a strong advocate of IFB’s mission to provide employment, training and services for its employees and in the larger community.

“The N.C. State Commission for the Blind plays an important role in ensuring that all state agencies involved with serving people who are blind are aligned so that we maximize our resources and funding,” said Barnwell. “I’m looking forward to leading this group of talented and passionate advocates as we pursue innovative ways to enhance training, employment and quality of life opportunities statewide.”

Piedmont man continues passion of running despite losing leg, most of eyesight

Posted on July 7, 2016October 30, 2016 by Seth

Thanks to FOX8 for highlighting Dawson’s story and the A Brighter Path Foundation Race held on June 18 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds & Annex. Special thanks to Fleet Feet Sports Winston-Salem and On the Mark Sports for making this event possible!

Link to article: http://myfox8.com/2016/07/07/piedmont-man-continues-passion-of-running-despite-losing-leg-most-of-eyesight/

A large, diverse cast tackles the two worlds of ‘The Little Mermaid’

Posted on June 19, 2016October 30, 2016 by Seth

Be sure to catch Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance’s production of “The Little Mermaid!” Four of our SEE (Student Enrichment Experience) students will be starring as sea creatures, and a Blind Idol finalist, Charity Hampton, will star as Sebastian.

Link to article: http://www.journalnow.com/relishnow/the_arts/performing_arts/a-large-diverse-cast-tackles-the-two-worlds-of-the/article_f7e77afb-2d95-5880-8a8a-9ca63c838c83.html?mode=jqm

IFB Names Employees and Volunteers of the Year, Recognizes Years of Service

Posted on June 9, 2016November 1, 2016 by Seth

Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB) recently honored its employees and volunteers for their commitment to helping IFB provide jobs, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. In addition to recognizing five individuals with organization-wide awards, IFB celebrated numerous service milestones. Twenty-seven employees received service awards for 15, 20 and 25 years, and 33 employees were recognized for 10 years of service. IFB, with manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, Asheville and Little Rock, Ark., is the nation’s largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Rick Gaefe of Kernersville was named IFB Employee of the Year. After having served in the U.S. Army, Gaefe began losing vision and became homebound for 12 years. He then moved to Winston-Salem to be closer to family where he learned of Industries for the Blind. He joined IFB in 2005 and has worked in a variety of departments, including serving as IFB’s first Assistive Technology Instructor to help others learn valuable computer and technology skills. Recognized as a mentor by many employees, Gaefe is always looking to make a difference. He sits on the IFB Safety and Guide Dog committees in addition to being a member of the IFB Blind Veterans Support Group and the Guide Dogs Support Group.

Pablo Morales of Lewisville was awarded the IFB Career Achiever Award. As IFB’s Training/Accessibility Coordinator, he supports all employees in building their computer skills and taking advantage of the latest assistive technology tools. Since taking on this role in 2015, Morales has helped 82 IFB employees complete a specially-designed curriculum that he developed covering unique assistive tools such as screen reading software and smart devices. A native of Venezuela, Morales earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and began working at IFB in 2004.

Tina Jolly of Roaring River received the IFB Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award. Jolly is a Supervisor for IFB’s Scissors, Military Resale and Markers Departments in the Winston-Salem facility. Jolly is known for the special care she takes with every new employee to ensure that person feels

welcome and comfortable. An IFB employee for 12 years, she values the importance of building community and camaraderie, especially for people who have not had an opportunity to work prior to joining IFB. According to National Industries for the Blind, more than 70 percent of working-age Americans who are blind are not employed.

Jerry Mintz of Winston-Salem received the Kathryn W. Garner Volunteer of the Year Award for his leadership with the Forsyth Blind Bowlers. His tenure with the organization spans an astonishing 36 years, and he has worked tirelessly to help the group evolve from a small core to a strong team of more than 30 individuals who are blind. In addition to serving as the team secretary, Mintz coordinates all team transportation to both practices and tournaments and manages the necessary equipment such as the rails that make the game accessible for people who are blind. Mintz is statewide advocate for blind bowling as an active member of the Carolina Blind Bowling Association and the American Blind Bowlers Association. He was instrumental in establishing a statewide blind bowling tournament, sponsored by IFB, and works with other communities to create their own blind bowling teams.

Karen Carey of Winston-Salem received the IFB Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award. A retired attorney with Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice, Carey’s service to IFB over the course of more than 11 years has come in many forms. She served as a member, and later chair, of the IFB Board of Directors, a board member of IFB’s supporting A Brighter Path Foundation, and a volunteer with Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse and the SEE (Student Enrichment Experience) program. In addition, she trains guide dogs on behalf of the Southeastern Guide Dog Association, and has brought her dogs for classroom visits and the annual SEE Summer Camps. During her board service, Carey was instrumental in assisting IFB with the acquisition and integration of The Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind completed in 2013.

Local Schoolchildren Have New Bus Transportation to Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse at IFB

Posted on February 14, 2016November 1, 2016 by Seth

Funding For New Buses Provided by Miracles In Sight Eye Bank.

In 2012, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind opened Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse as a unique after-school and summer camp resource for children who are blind or visually impaired. Nearly 100 local children in grades K-12 are visually impaired, but regular school bus routes can take more than an hour and families are hard-pressed to coordinate alternative transportation. Now, with funding provided by Winston-Salem-based Miracles In Sight, the second-largest eye bank in the U.S., IFB purchased two buses that will ensure all students can take full advantage of the Schoolhouse’s specialized educational and recreational programs. IFB will officially unveil the new buses featuring custom graphics along with leaders from Miracles In Sight during a special celebration event.

Shareff Stewart, a junior at R.J. Reynolds High School and a 9-year participant in the Student Enrichment Experience (SEE) programs at Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse, will speak about how he has benefited from the programs. Shareff now serves as a mentor to younger students.

Dean Vavra, Executive Director of Miracles In Sight Eye Bank, will present a check for $150,000 to David Horton, Chief Executive Officer of IFB, and David Barnwell, President of IFB’s supporting A Brighter Path Foundation. The donation reflects a long-standing relationship between IFB and Miracles In Sight and brings the eye bank’s total support to IFB to more than $1 million. Miracles In Sight is committed to helping all people with vision challenges, not just those whose sight can be restored through corneal transplants.
The non-profit A Brighter Path Foundation encourages activities and training that bolsters confidence, supports independence and increases the life and job skills of people who are blind or visually impaired. Resources funded through the Foundation include IFB’s Community Low Vision Centers in Winston-Salem, Asheville and Chapel Hill, Mobile Low Vision Care, Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse, and the Eye Care Education Center.

WHEN:
Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse on the campus of Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, 7730 North Point Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Following the check presentation event, IFB will offer brief media tours of Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse, IFB Community Low Vision Center and the IFB manufacturing facility, including the Optical Lab where employees manufacture eyeglasses for military veterans.

IFB Opens Base Supply Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Creating New Jobs for People who are Blind

Posted on January 27, 2016November 1, 2016 by Seth

With the recent opening of its 21st AbilityOne Base Supply Center (BSC) at Tyndall Air Force Base outside Panama City, Florida, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB) creates new jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. The new store, which officially opened Jan. 13, will employ two people who are blind or visually impaired at the Panama City location, as well as generate additional employment opportunities at other IFB sites. IFB employees are involved in all facets of store operations from on-site staffing and customer service, to manufacturing and distribution of items sold at AbilityOne stores nationwide.

Like other AbilityOne BSCs, the Tyndall AFB location is a marketplace for AbilityOne products, which are manufactured by people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. The portfolio of AbilityOne items includes SKILCRAFT® branded products made by people who are blind or visually impaired at agencies like IFB. Nearly 45,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities are employed by AbilityOne agencies nationwide.

“For every new AbilityOne BSC we open, we are creating new employment opportunities across the spectrum of our business for people who are blind or visually impaired,” said Silas Martin, IFB Vice President of Base Supply Centers and IT. “From office supplies to mattresses to eyeglasses, our IFB employees manufacture a phenomenal portfolio of products needed on base and beyond.”

The new Tyndall AFB AbilityOne BSC will stock 900 highest-demand products, with additional access to more than 100,000 items available at IFB’s eCommerce platform, www.bscsource.com and a virtually unlimited number of special-order items. “At our BSC stores, we provide everything from common office supplies and janitorial products to items like golf carts and kitchen sinks,” said Martin. “Our in-house procurement specialists are experts at tracking down any item that a customer may need and getting that ordered, shipped and billed within a matter of days. Simply put, we get you what you need, when you need it.”

Customer service and in-house procurement are handled by IFB employees in the Winston-Salem location. Manufacturing of a diverse number of AbilityOne products runs across IFB’s locations in Winston-Salem, Asheville and Little Rock, Arkansas, and each of those facilities manages its own distribution network.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Tyndall AbilityOne BSC was attended by leaders from Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, National Industries for the Blind and Tyndall Air Force Base. Anastasia Powell, a long-time IFB employee and community advocate, was the event’s keynote speaker.