Envision announced today that it has partnered with sister agency LC Industries and launched the William L. Hudson BVI Workforce Innovation Center, its most extensive employment-centered program to date. The program aims to train people who are blind or visually impaired, placing them into skilled positions and providing accessibility inclusion expertise to businesses around the United States. Appointed as executive director is Mike May, considered a pioneer and leader in the accessible technology sector.
Efforts have now begun to raise $1.5 million by December 1, 2018 to receive a $750,000 challenge grant from the Tulsa, Okla.-based J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. Funds will support the construction and ongoing operation of the new facility. Generous support of donors including LCI Foundation of Durham, N.C., and Carl and Gigi Allen of Allen Exploration, assisted Envision in qualifying for the Mabee Foundation challenge grant.
“With this initiative, we are honoring the ongoing legacy of William L. Hudson (CEO of the Durham, N.C.-based LC Industries), an icon in our industry who has been at the center of creating national employment opportunities for people with vision loss for the past 50 years,” said Michael Monteferrante, president and CEO of Envision. “Like Mr. Hudson, we believe that the time is right to place an unparalleled focus on creating equal opportunities for white collar, professional positions in the workplace for people who are blind or visually impaired.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growing demand in many industries in which people with disabilities have not been typically represented, including information technology, health care, scientific and green jobs. The BVI Workforce Innovation Center will employ experiential training programs to help individuals acquire and hone the skills they need and encourage organizations to regard trained individuals who are blind or visually impaired as a rich source of dedicated and highly qualified employees.
“With our 84-year history, Envision is uniquely positioned to address gaps in workforce development, remove barriers to entry and drive employment innovation for the people we serve,” said Heather Hogan, Senior Vice President of Foundation and Mission Services at Envision, who was instrumental in establishing the BVI Workforce Innovation Center. “People with disabilities must become part of the solution in fulfilling the need for skilled workers in the ever-changing economy. Youth programs, job training programs, collaboration with employers around the country to create accessible workplaces, consumer contact services and testing/evaluation of assistive technology are key components to the BVI Workforce Innovation Center’s success.”
See the full press release from Envision. Image courtesy of Envision.