Heard & Empowered

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Heard & Empowered

Welcome to the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind.
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We champion the brilliance and resilience of people who are blind or low vision in every episode highlighting real-world success stories and work opportunities.

09/20/2024

🔍 Looking for a career that matches your unique skills and interests?

This week on the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind, Christopher Burke, Executive Director of the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP), shares how his organization is creating limitless career opportunities for people who are or have .

💬 “We try to be as broad as we can in our employment opportunities because people come to us with different skill levels, different interests, and different directions they want to go in,” he told our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this week’s episode:
🔹 A wide range of job opportunities—from providing safety products like gloves and blankets to work-from-home opportunities like digital accessibility testing services.
🔹 How NYSPSP’s social entrepreneurship approach creates upward mobility, helping people build solid careers and move into leadership roles or even pursue new fields.
🔹 The impact of self-sustaining programs that reinvest revenue into more services and support, ensuring continued job growth.

Whether you’re curious about how NYSPSP is creating real change for people with or just want to hear inspiring stories of career growth, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen now at https://heardandempowered.org/40 and discover how NYSPSP is making a difference, one opportunity at a time! ✨

09/18/2024

Did you know that a line worker could become a CEO? 🤯

It’s happening! And it’s all thanks to innovative programs like the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP).

Chris Burke, Executive Director of NYSPSP, is today's guest on the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind.

In conversation with our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., Chris shares how NYSPSP is creating real opportunities for career growth for people who are or have . From producing everyday essentials like blankets and work gloves 🧤 to providing cutting-edge services like digital accessibility testing 💻, this program helps people with build solid skills, meaningful careers, and empowering futures.

Whether you’re interested in hearing more about how NYSPSP helps clients in government or the private sector, or you’re curious about the wide range of available in New York State, this episode is for YOU. ✨

🎧 Don't miss out: the full episode of Heard & Empowered is out today! Listen at https://heardandempowered.org/40

09/16/2024

🌟 We’ve got something BIG coming your way this Wednesday! 🚀

How does creating hundreds of life-changing jobs for people with sound? Or turning challenges into real opportunities for people who are or have ? Well, that’s just a taste of what’s happening in New York—and our guest, Chris Burke, Executive Director of the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP) will be sharing all the details! 🙌✨

🎧 This week’s Heard & Empowered episode by National Industries for the Blind is packed with insights that will blow your mind. You’ll discover:

🙌 How New York State Preferred Source Program is transforming lives through employment!
💼 Real success stories of career growth and empowerment
📈 How this business-savvy nonprofit is making waves and helping the public sector!

Curious?

While you wait for the full episode to drop on Wednesday, why not dive into our library of groundbreaking conversations? Every episode has something for YOU! Start exploring now at https://heardandempowered.org/podcast/ 💥

Set your alarms so you don’t miss out on Wednesday. In the meantime, catch up on episodes you’ve missed or binge-listen to our whole library—you’ll be glad you did!

09/07/2024

If you're searching for a job in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, gives you the professional tools to succeed.

09/06/2024

🌟 “When people meet other people who are or that are in a career that they did not think they could succeed in…it just really gives them the roots and wings they need to move on.”
— Lori Scharff, Lead Content Contractor for Careers and Employment at APH Connect Center

In today’s episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind, we’re exploring the impact of training and in . Join our host, Hoby Wedler, as he chats with Lori Scharff and her colleague Richard Rueda, Assistant Director of the American Printing House for the Blind ( ) ConnectCenter, and Marianne Haegeli, Director of Learning and Leadership at NSITE .

They discuss how their partnership is helping people who are blind or have low vision find and thrive in careers they never thought possible…

And this is possible, in part, thanks to the Job Seeker’s Toolkit, a resource that is changing the game for people with or , by helping them craft standout resumes, make informed decisions on disclosing disabilities, and find the perfect career fit.

🎧 Tune in now and listen to the full episode at https://heardandempowered.org/39 Discover how you can use the Job Seeker’s Toolkit to make a difference in your !

09/04/2024

📆 Today is Wednesday! Dive into the latest episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB). 🎧

This week, our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., sits down with three extraordinary leaders who are revolutionizing for people who are , have , or are through a powerful partnership between NSITE and the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) ConnectCenter.

Our esteemed guests are:
🤩 Marianne Haegeli, Director of Learning and Leadership at
🤩 Richard Rueda, Assistant Director of the Connect Center
🤩 Lori Scharff, APH ConnectCenter Lead Content Contractor for Careers and Employment

Together they discuss how the partnership helps link job seekers to open positions with employers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors through NSITE’s job board, NSITE Connect.

Also, this episode is a must-listen because you’ll discover how a resource derived from this partnership — the Job Seeker’s Toolkit — can help you:

💼 Create a resume that truly stands out and can be easily customized for any job you apply to.
💡 Navigate the complexities of disclosing your by learning when, how, and whether to do so, allowing you to make informed career decisions.
🎯 Target the right job opportunities by avoiding the common mistake of applying to lots and lots of positions with no response, ensuring you find the best fit for your skills and aspirations.
🤝 Enhance your networking abilities and develop effective communication strategies with potential employers...
🎉 ... and the best part? It’s all FREE!

👉 Don’t miss out—listen to the newly released episode now at https://heardandempowered.org/39 and take the first step toward a more empowered career!

09/02/2024

🎧 Celebrate Labor Day with empowerment and opportunity! 🌟

As we honor the hard work and dedication of workers across the nation this Labor Day 🇺🇸, what better way to celebrate than by tuning into a transformative episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast?

Catch up on any of our previous 38 episodes at https://heardandempowered.org/podcast/ to energize your aspirations. 🤩

And don’t forget to set your alarms and mark your calendars for this Wednesday — we’re bringing you an exceptional episode! 🎙️

Join our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. as he engages in a dynamic conversation with three trailblazers who are revolutionizing jobs and career development for people who are or have . They discuss a groundbreaking collaboration between American Printing House for the Blind (APH) ConnectCenter and NSITE , the talent management enterprise of National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll hear:

🔹 Marianne Haegeli, Director of Learning and Leadership at NSITE, shares her vision for building career skills training that not only gets people into their first jobs but also supports their growth throughout their professional lives. She reveals how strategic partnerships — like the one with — are key to making this happen.

🔹 Richard Rueda, Assistant Director of the APH ConnectCenter discusses his lifelong passion for workforce development and the innovative resources available to support job seekers in finding meaningful, fulfilling careers.

🔹 Lori Scharff, APH ConnectCenter Lead Content Contractor for Careers and Employment, takes us behind the scenes of the Job Seekers Toolkit, explaining how this powerful tool helps individuals prepare for employment, maintain their jobs, and thrive in the workplace, regardless of the challenges they may face.

This episode is packed with insights, practical tips, and great stories that will motivate you to take the next step in your career journey. Don’t miss out!

👉 Be on the lookout this Wednesday when the episode drops! In the meantime, while you’re enjoying your day off, fuel your motivation by listening to our previous episodes at https://heardandempowered.org/podcast/

08/23/2024

Diversity is strength. 💪

“Hiring somebody from the community who has different life perspectives, who brings different skills and experiences to the table, only strengthens the organization.” — Maurice Crittendon

This powerful insight from Maurice Crittendon, senior specialist for talent acquisition at NSITE , on the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind highlights why inclusive hiring isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart business decision.

Ready to learn more?

🎧 Tune in to this week’s episode to hear how NSITE Connect —a unique job board tailored to people who are blind or have low vision — is reshaping the future of employment for candidates with blindness seeking employment, and discover how your company can tap into this extraordinary talent pool.

Click here to listen: https://heardandempowered.org/38

08/22/2024

🌟 Looking for your dream job? 🌟

If you’re or have , finding the right job can feel like a challenge... But with NSITE Connect — a job board tailored specifically for people with blindness or low vision — you have a powerful resource at your fingertips!

Check out these five tips to make your job search easier and more effective:

🔍 Use filter options to narrow jobs.
🔔 Create alerts for new postings.
🌍 Explore roles with remote options.
📚 Get the free Jobseeker's Toolkit.
💼 Use NSITE’s job prep resources.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, NSITE Connect has the tools to help you succeed.

Also, listen to this week’s episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind to hear Maurice Crittendon, senior specialist for talent acquisition at NSITE, discuss how NSITE is transforming job opportunities for people with .

🎧 Get started by listening here: https://heardandempowered.org/38 then, explore the job board at NSITE Connect (jobs.nsite.org) to find your perfect match!

And if you need help at any point, reach out to the awesome team at NSITE.org — they’re ready to support you every step of the way.

08/21/2024

Ready to supercharge your job search or career growth? 🚀

Have you heard about NSITE Connect, the that’s exclusively created for people who are or have ? 🌟

This week on the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., sits down with Maurice Crittendon, senior specialist for talent acquisition at NSITE .

Among other things, Maurice reveals just how easy it is to create a profile and explore curated job opportunities tailored to your unique skills.

And if you need a hand? 🖐

Maurice and the NSITE team are right there to offer personalized assistance every step of the way.

But that’s not all. NSITE goes beyond the job board and offers the key to your professional success.

Whether you’re looking to polish your LinkedIn profile, earn industry certifications, or gain the skills needed for a job promotion, NSITE offers a full suite of stackable training programs designed to get you job-ready or help you climb the career ladder. And when you’re ready to take that next big step in your professional journey, NSITE is there to help with job placements too. 💼

🎧 Click on the video for a quick snippet of the conversation, or better yet, dive into the full episode now at https://heardandempowered.org/38. You won’t want to miss the insights and opportunities Maurice has to share!

08/19/2024

Looking for the ultimate job resource tailored for people with blindness or low vision?

This Wednesday, clear your schedule and set your alarms ⏰ for a powerhouse episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind.

🎙️ Join us as our host, Hoby Wedler, sits down with Maurice Crittendon, the senior specialist for talent acquisition at NSITE , to dive into how his role is shaping opportunities for people who are or have .

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll hear:

🎯 How Maurice connects talent with the right employers through NSITE Connect, the job board curated exclusively for people who are blind or have low vision.

💼 The inside scoop on what it takes to thrive in today's job market and how bridges that gap with professional training, industry certificate programs, personalized assistance, and job placement.

🔗 How NSITE helps job seekers create or improve their LinkedIn profiles to showcase their strengths, experiences, and aspirations in the best possible light.

Get ready to be energized and informed by Maurice’s expertise and passion. This episode is packed with resources and insights that many people don’t even know exist. Whether you're on the job hunt or know someone who is, this is essential information you can't afford to miss!

🎧 So now you know: be on the lookout this Wednesday when the episode airs. In the meantime, fuel your passion by listening to any of our previous 37 episodes at https://heardandempowered.org/podcast/. You’ll be glad you did!

08/09/2024

Are you blind or low vision and looking for a job? NSITE Connect is here to help! 🌟

NSITE Connect is a job board exclusively for people with or created by NSITE — the talent management enterprise of National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

With numerous specifically people who are blind or low vision, plus personalized support, this unique job platform is your gateway to a successful career! 💼✨

The best part?

It's super easy to get started: all you need to do is visit https://jobs.nsite.org/

You will find:
🎯 A specialized job board linking job seekers with inclusive employers
💼 Personalized assistance with accessibility needs, onboarding, and training
🌐 Ongoing support to ensure successful job placements and career growth

With NSITE Connect you couldn't be in better hands. 🙌

🚀 Your new career is just a few clicks away, visit NSITE Connect today! 🚀

👉Alt Text: Animated slides promoting NSITE Connect, featuring the following messages: "Blind or low vision?", "Looking for a job?", and then "jobs.nsite.org" appears on the screen as if typed out, followed by a cursor arrow clicking on it and the next (and last) slide takes the viewer inside the job board. The slides use simple, bold text alternating between light blue and black backgrounds, guiding users to the NSITE Connect platform for job opportunities.

08/07/2024

🎉 The wait is over! Our latest episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is out today and features Jonathan Lucus, Director of NSITE. 🎉

is NIB's talent management enterprise, and in this episode you'll find out why Jonathan and his team are “ambassadors of hope,” working tirelessly to create career opportunities for people who are or .

In this conversation, Jonathan shares with our host, Hoby Wedler, how provides stackable training and , helping folks break into Corporate America or even start their own businesses.

Here are some key highlights you won't want to miss:

🎯 NSITE's exclusive job board tailored for people who are blind or low vision
💡 How NSITE works with inclusive employers to open doors for people with
🛠️ NSITE's training programs and certifications to move up in the ladder
📈 Entrepreneurial support to launch successful businesses
🤝 Tips for employers on inclusive hiring practices.. and so much more!

Click on the video for a quick snippet of this riveting conversation, or better yet, listen to the entire episode at https://heardandempowered.org/37 to gain all the insights and inspiration Jonathan has to offer!

08/05/2024

This Wednesday, we're thrilled to welcome back Jonathan Lucus, director of NSITE, to the Heard & Empowered podcast!

NSITE is National Industries for the Blind's (NIB) talent management enterprise. It is a national organization focused on providing and upward mobility for people who are or .

NSITE's goal is to create opportunities through accessible, state-of-the-art training in a variety of fields. Once people receive this training, NSITE also helps them enter the job market.

But that's not all — NSITE also helps employers understand how to access and hire people who are blind or low vision.

🎧 This week Jonathan will share how he and his team are helping people with , low vision, or find fantastic in Corporate America or even start their own businesses! 💼

You won’t want to miss Jonathan’s insights about making the workplace more and empowering for both, employers and employees. 🌠

Want a sneak peek? 🤫

Here are some highlights you can look forward to:

🎯 The one and only job board tailored to people who are blind or low vision
💡 How NSITE can help you break into Corporate America
🛠️ Key training programs and certifications to ensure your continuous success
📈 Entrepreneurial assistance if you want to start your own business
🤝 How NSITE partners with employers with the goal of inclusive hiring

And between now and Wednesday, head over to episode 2 of our podcast to hear Jonathan’s first appearance on the show, when he shared his professional journey in detail and talked about NSITE's work in supporting job seekers through NIB's associated nonprofit agencies. 🎙️ https://heardandempowered.org/2

07/26/2024

Inclusive and empowered futures with NSITE! 🎉

In this week's episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind, join Doug Goist, program manager for workforce development at NSITE, and our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., as they delve into the transformative power of ( ). 🚀

Discover how is reshaping the world for people who are or , from daily life to the workplace and beyond! 🌐✨

Doug shares, “We have a job board called NSITE Connect to find opportunities, and employers are posting jobs on there too.”

Find out how NSITE is paving the way for inclusive and making a real difference for employees and employers alike!

🎧 Don't miss this enlightening conversation! Listen to this week's episode with Doug now at: https://heardandempowered.org/36

07/24/2024

From expensive to everyday, this is how is transforming accessibility! 🌟

Join us on the latest episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind where Doug Goist, program manager for workforce development at NSITE, and Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. discuss the incredible journey of technology and or AI.

Remember when tech was a luxury? Today, it's a game-changer in the workplace for people who are blind or visually impaired! 📱💡

Listen as Doug shares how:

📉 Moore's law has made technology more affordable and accessible
📊 People who are blind or visually impaired can create visual content with AI
👀 Apps can now look into your fridge, tell you what's there, and even suggest recipes 🍅🍝
🌟 Accessibility is becoming a daily reality and making things that once seemed impossible possible!

Don't miss this fascinating conversation, especially because Doug dives deep and analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of for people with ! Tune in now: https://heardandempowered.org/36

What tech advancement has made the biggest difference in your life? Share with us in the comments! 👇

07/22/2024

Ever wondered how AI can transform lives? 🤔

Tune in this Wednesday to the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind for an enlightening and fun conversation as Doug Goist, program manager for workforce development at NSITE, and our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., geek out on all things and .

Discover how AI is revolutionizing opportunities for people who are or , making what was seemingly impossible possible! ✨

In this episode, Doug will share:
🌟 The incredible advancements in AI that are opening new doors
💡 How technology is helping to bridge the gap in
📖 Personal stories that highlight the transformative power of AI..and so much more!

So set your alarms for Wednesday and be on the lookout for the podcast, this is an episode for the books!

In the meantime, listen to Doug's previous interview to hear his story on shame about , hitting rock bottom, and how he turned that around and is now helping others succeed: https://heardandempowered.org/5

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Videos

New York’s Approach to Employing People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision with NYSPSP’s Chris Burke

Did you know that a line worker could become a CEO? 🤯 It’s happening! And it’s all thanks to innovative programs like the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP). Chris Burke, Executive Director of NYSPSP, is today's guest on the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind. In conversation with our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., Chris shares how NYSPSP is creating real opportunities for career growth for people who are #blind or have #LowVision. From producing everyday essentials like blankets and work gloves 🧤 to providing cutting-edge services like digital accessibility testing 💻, this program helps people with #blindness build solid skills, meaningful careers, and empowering futures. Whether you’re interested in hearing more about how NYSPSP helps clients in government or the private sector, or you’re curious about the wide range of #jobs available in New York State, this episode is for YOU. ✨ 🎧 Don't miss out: the full episode of Heard & Empowered is out today! Listen at https://heardandempowered.org/40

Free Resources and Tools for Job Seekers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

📆 Today is Wednesday! Dive into the latest episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB). 🎧 This week, our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., sits down with three extraordinary leaders who are revolutionizing #careerdevelopment for people who are #blind, have #lowvision, or are #neurodiverse through a powerful partnership between NSITE and the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) ConnectCenter. Our esteemed guests are: 🤩 Marianne Haegeli, Director of Learning and Leadership at #NSITE 🤩 Richard Rueda, Assistant Director of the #APH Connect Center 🤩 Lori Scharff, APH ConnectCenter Lead Content Contractor for Careers and Employment Together they discuss how the partnership helps link job seekers to open positions with employers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors through NSITE’s job board, NSITE Connect. Also, this episode is a must-listen because you’ll discover how a resource derived from this partnership — the Job Seeker’s Toolkit — can help you: 💼 Create a resume that truly stands out and can be easily customized for any job you apply to. 💡 Navigate the complexities of disclosing your #disability by learning when, how, and whether to do so, allowing you to make informed career decisions. 🎯 Target the right job opportunities by avoiding the common mistake of applying to lots and lots of positions with no response, ensuring you find the best fit for your skills and aspirations. 🤝 Enhance your networking abilities and develop effective communication strategies with potential employers... 🎉 ... and the best part? It’s all FREE! 👉 Don’t miss out—listen to the newly released episode now at https://heardandempowered.org/39 and take the first step toward a more empowered career! #jobseekerstoolkit #CareerDevelopment #InclusiveWorkforce

Resumes and Recruiting for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision with NSITE’s Maurice Crittendon

Ready to supercharge your job search or career growth? 🚀 Have you heard about NSITE Connect, the #jobboard that’s exclusively created for people who are #blind or have #LowVision ? 🌟 This week on the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), our host, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., sits down with Maurice Crittendon, senior specialist for talent acquisition at NSITE . Among other things, Maurice reveals just how easy it is to create a profile and explore curated job opportunities tailored to your unique skills. And if you need a hand? 🖐 Maurice and the NSITE team are right there to offer personalized assistance every step of the way. But that’s not all. NSITE goes beyond the job board and offers the key to your professional success. Whether you’re looking to polish your LinkedIn profile, earn industry certifications, or gain the skills needed for a job promotion, NSITE offers a full suite of stackable training programs designed to get you job-ready or help you climb the career ladder. And when you’re ready to take that next big step in your professional journey, NSITE is there to help with job placements too. 💼 🎧 Click on the video for a quick snippet of the conversation, or better yet, dive into the full episode now at https://heardandempowered.org/38. You won’t want to miss the insights and opportunities Maurice has to share! #CareerGrowth #JobOpportunities #ProfessionalDevelopment #NSITEConnect

Discover Your Dream Job with NSITE Connect: Career Opportunities for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision

Are you blind or low vision and looking for a job? NSITE Connect is here to help! 🌟 NSITE Connect is a job board exclusively for people with #blindness or #lowvision created by NSITE — the talent management enterprise of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). With numerous #jobs #nowhiring specifically people who are blind or low vision, plus personalized support, this unique job platform is your gateway to a successful career! 💼✨ The best part? It's super easy to get started: all you need to do is visit https://jobs.nsite.org/ You will find: 🎯 A specialized job board linking job seekers with inclusive employers 💼 Personalized assistance with accessibility needs, onboarding, and training 🌐 Ongoing support to ensure successful job placements and career growth With NSITE Connect you couldn't be in better hands. 🙌 🚀 Your new career is just a few clicks away, visit NSITE Connect today! 🚀 👉Alt Text: Animated slides promoting NSITE Connect, featuring the following messages: "Blind or low vision?", "Looking for a job?", and then "jobs.nsite.org" appears on the screen as if typed out, followed by a cursor arrow clicking on it and the next (and last) slide takes the viewer inside the job board. The slides use simple, bold text alternating between light blue and black backgrounds, guiding users to the NSITE Connect platform for job opportunities. #JobOpportunities #CareerDevelopment #NSITEConnect

NSITE and Corporate America: Creating Job Opportunities for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision

🎉 The wait is over! Our latest episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is out today and features Jonathan Lucus, Director of NSITE. 🎉 #NSITE is NIB's talent management enterprise, and in this episode you'll find out why Jonathan and his team are “ambassadors of hope,” working tirelessly to create career opportunities for people who are #blind or #lowvision. In this conversation, Jonathan shares with our host, Hoby Wedler, how #NSITE provides stackable training and #CertificationPrograms, helping folks break into Corporate America or even start their own businesses. Here are some key highlights you won't want to miss: 🎯 NSITE's exclusive job board tailored for people who are blind or low vision 💡 How NSITE works with inclusive employers to open doors for people with #blindness 🛠️ NSITE's training programs and certifications to move up in the ladder 📈 Entrepreneurial support to launch successful businesses 🤝 Tips for employers on inclusive hiring practices ... and so much more! Click on the video for a quick snippet of this riveting conversation, or better yet, listen to the entire episode at https://heardandempowered.org/37 to gain all the insights and inspiration Jonathan has to offer! #NSITE #InclusiveWorkforce #Jobs #CareerDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #jobtraining

How AI is Changing Jobs and Creating Opportunities for People Who Are Blind with NSITE’s Doug Goist

From expensive to everyday, this is how #technology is transforming accessibility! 🌟 Join us on the latest episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind where Doug Goist, program manager for workforce development at NSITE, and Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. discuss the incredible journey of technology and #ArtificialIntelligence or AI. Remember when tech was a luxury? Today, it's a game-changer in the workplace for people who are blind or visually impaired! 📱💡 Listen as Doug shares how: 📉 Moore's law has made technology more affordable and accessible 📊 People who are blind or visually impaired can create visual content with AI 👀 Apps can now look into your fridge, tell you what's there, and even suggest recipes 🍅🍝 🌟 Accessibility is becoming a daily reality and making things that once seemed impossible possible! Don't miss this fascinating conversation, especially because Doug dives deep and analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of #AI for people with #blindness! Tune in now: https://heardandempowered.org/36 What tech advancement has made the biggest difference in your life? Share with us in the comments! 👇 #NSITE #NationalIndustriesfortheBlind #ChampionEmploymentGrowth

Communications, Impacting Public Policy, and Creating Jobs with Austin Lighthouse’s Brandye Lacy

We're beyond excited to bring you our latest Heard & Empowered podcast episode featuring the phenomenal Brandye Lacy from Austin Lighthouse, one of the associated nonprofit agencies in the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) network. 🌟 Brandye's journey—from not wanting to disclose losing her vision to becoming a trailblazing advocate for people who are #blind and #visuallyimpaired—is filled with passion, determination, and a dash of serendipity. 🪄✨ 👀 Curious? Catch a little snippet by clicking on the video, or better yet, click on this link https://heardandempowered.org/35 to listen to the full episode and immerse yourself in Brandye's inspiring story: 🌆 Life growing up in Lake Jackson, Texas 🏃‍♀️ How she turned her biggest challenge into her greatest strength 💼 The ins and outs of her dynamic role as a marketing coordinator 🗣️ Her groundbreaking #advocacy efforts to reshape public policy for people with #blindness, visual impairments, or significant #disabilities. In a lively chat with our host Hoby Wedler, Brandye gives you a behind-the-scenes-tour of NIB’s 2024 Public Policy Forum, and she even role-plays a conversation with a congressman to demonstrate the advocacy techniques she learned as part of the Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program. Let's celebrate resilience, empowerment, and advocacy with Brandye Lacy! Have you ever done advocacy work or would you like to do it? Share with us in the comments! 👇 #podcast #nib #publicpolicy #leadership #Empowerment #jobs #NowHiring #AbilityOne #disability #nationalindustriesfortheblind

Blind for a Purpose with Envision Dallas’ Blake Lindsay

🌟 The amazing power of relationships 🌟 In the latest episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by (NIB), sits down with from Dallas, who has an inspiring tale to tell. Blake's journey showcases how the strength of relationships and unwavering support from loved ones can lead to extraordinary achievements. 💪❤️ From overcoming retinoblastoma as a child to becoming a radio personality, motivational speaker, and author, Blake's story is a testament to the impact of a strong support system and relentless positivity. ✨ 🎥 Click on the video for a snippet of this heartwarming conversation and dive into the full episode at https://heardandempowered.org/34. Wheter you are #blind, #visuallyimpaired, or sighted, this episode will surely inspire you! How have relationships in your life empowered you to overcome challenges? Who has been your greatest support system? Tell us in the comments! 💬 #championemploymentgrowth #heardandempowered #podcast #relationshipsmatter #inspiration #blindness #Envision #careeropportunities #jobs #nowhiring #nationalindustriesfortheblind

Blind for a Purpose with Envision Dallas’ Blake Lindsay

🌟 The amazing power of relationships 🌟 In the latest episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. sits down with Blake Lindsay from Envision Dallas, who has an inspiring tale to tell. Blake's journey showcases how the strength of relationships and unwavering support from loved ones can lead to extraordinary achievements. 💪❤️ From overcoming retinoblastoma as a child to becoming a radio personality, motivational speaker, and author, Blake's story is a testament to the impact of a strong support system and relentless positivity. ✨ 🎥 Click on the video for a snippet of this heartwarming conversation and dive into the full episode at https://heardandempowered.org/34. Wheter you are #blind, #visuallyimpaired, or sighted, this episode will surely inspire you! How have relationships in your life empowered you to overcome challenges? Who has been your greatest support system? Tell us in the comments! 💬 #championemploymentgrowth #heardandempowered #podcast #relationshipsmatter #inspiration #blindness #Envision #careeropportunities #jobs #nowhiring #nationalindustriesfortheblind

Advocacy, Public Policy, and the 1% Ask with Bosma Enterprises’ Lise Pace

Advice for aspiring advocates! 🎙️ In today's episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D. sits down with Lise Pace, Executive Vice President at Bosma Enterprises , at National Industries for the Blind's 2024 Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 Lise shares some profound advice for people who are #blind or #visuallyimpaired and interested in #advocacy. Reflecting on her own journey, she emphasizes the importance of starting small and being patient. Her story, from uncertainty when faced with #blindness to a successful executive career —with a big component of advocacy—is a testament to the power of determination and support. Who would have thought one day she'd be advocating in Congress to hire more folks who are blind or visually impaired for #jobs at Bosma and other nonprofit agencies under the AbilityOne® Program? 🎧 Click on the video for a brief snippet, or better yet, listen to the full episode to get inspired by Lise’s "superpowers"! She shares her extraordinary journey and lots of invaluable insights. 🌟 👉 Listen to the full episode here: https://heardandempowered.org/33 What’s a superpower you’ve gained from advocating for a cause you’re passionate about? Share your story with us in the comments! 💬👇 #podcast #NIB #publicpolicy #leadership #empowerment #jobs #nowhiring