National Industries for the Blind

1. National Industries for the Blind Billy Parker Program Director Employment Support Services

2. Meet NIB • 5,800+ employees who are blind • $800M+ in annual sales • 7,000+products/services • 102associated agencies • 250+locations nationwide • 152Base Supply Centers • 78years of experience • Nation’s largest employer of people who are blind • Mission: create jobs for people who are blind • Service delivery • Hundreds of government and commercial service contracts • Contact centers, supply chain management, contract closeout

3. Associated AgenciesNationwide Network of Nonprofit Agencies

4. Our Workforce • Highly skilled and educated workforce • Dedicated employees with a proven track record of… • Meeting surge requirements • Responding to natural disasters • Adapting to rapidly changing demands • Low turnover rate reduces recruiting, vacancy and training costs • Accessible technology opens doors to projects and positions previously considered un-doable • Contract closeout, warehousing and distribution, and much more

5. Services Capabilities Contact Center ServicesSwitchboards, multi-channel inbound/outbound Contract ManagementContract administration and closeout Supply Chain ManagementInventory control, warehousing, distribution, packing and sorting, labeling and addressing Section 508 AssuranceUsability testing, validation, remediation Administrative SupportMail and copy room operations, duplication, other administrative support Information AssuranceSystem/network configuration, treat assessment, troubleshooting and support

6. Employment Support Services

7. Employment Support Services Overview • Partnerships create employment opportunities for people who are blind • NIB’s associated agencies • External federal and commercial customers • Resources – Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and other Federal and commercial training providers • Identify, develop and facilitate appropriate training courses • Internal NIB resources ensure accessibility (materials and curriculum) • Support: three training programs that help with recruitment, training and placement • Contract Management Support (CMS) Program • ProMOTE Program • Cyber Security • Sourcing Certification Training Pilot

8. Contract Management Support (CMS) Program Objective Assist in the development of high-growth career opportunities for people who are legally and totally blind by providing high level training in the field of contract management.

9. Contract Management Support (CMS), con’t. Benefits • Increase employment opportunities for people who are blind • Provide professionals who are blind with high-level skills • Provide free federal government training to develop new skills • Reduce contracting burden for federal government agencies

10. Contract Management Support (CMS), con’t. Recruitment: • Collaborate with NIB associated agencies • Collaborate with State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies to develop ongoing pipeline of candidates • Partner with the VA, BVA, Wounded Warrior, etc. to identify and recruit qualified veterans • Work with college Disability Services Offices • Work with national organizations (e.g., NFB, ACB and AFB)

11. Contract Management Support (CMS), con’t. Success • Over 600 CMS Training Program participants • Nearly 200 employed as a direct result of the program • NPA’s: Contract Close Out Specialist • Army and Navy: Contract Specialist • Northrop Grumman: Contract Specialist • Norfolk Naval Hospital: Contract Administrator • Health and Human Services: Public Relations

12. ProMOTE Pilot Objective Train students who have intermediate level of Assistive Technology and need additional skills to compete in modern office settings • All topics taught from the ground up to close learning gaps • Emulates the pace of a day in the office through fully immersive learning

13. ProMOTE Pilot, con’t Benefits • Simulates rigor and collaboration of the modern workplace through hands-on activities and projects • Allows students to learn from and support one another in teaching environment with using the same technology • Provides the opportunity to fill gaps in learning through a “from the ground up” approach to teaching • Enhances a student’s computer efficiency and effectiveness • Shaping a program that will change lives nationwide • Template for those seeking to enter / re-enter the workforce plus those transitioning to higher education

14. Cyber Security Pilot Program Objective • Train approved candidates to complete certification • Qualifying them to be placed in entry-level cyber security services jobs • 25 individuals participated • Web-based training (no geographical restrictions) • Online training platform for specialized education • Pearson-Vue managed testing centers • CompTIAA+ certification

15. Cyber Security Pilot, con’t. Success • 15 participants • Received CompTIA A+ certification • One recently hired

16. Sourcing Certification Pilot • Partnership with Orion and the Sourcing Foundation • Launched April 29 • It is a virtual on-line training that last thirteen weeks • A quickly expanding career field

17. Sourcing Certification Training Program

18. Sourcing Certification Training Program • National Industries for the Blind has partnered with the Sourcing Institute Foundation and Orion Global Talent to launch a Sourcing Certification Training Pilot to provide the education and training needed to enter a career in sourcing for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

19. Sourcing Certification Training Program • Launched May 2 • It is a virtual on-line training that last thirteen weeks • Opportunity to work remote • A quickly expanding career field • There are six legally blind participants from across the country • Complete the program at the National Industries for the Blind headquarters in Alexandria, VA in August • Place with companies seeking talented professionals in sourcing

20. Questions?

21. Billy Parker Program Director, Employment Support Services 703-310-0560 bparker@nib.org Contact