One of the hallmarks of a truly inclusive work environment for us who are blind or low-vision is that the blindness perspective is woven throughout the fabric of everything that forwards the interactions and mission that company undertakes. Some places like the National Industries for the Blind’s Lighthouse campuses provide profitable manual labor for those who desire it, job preparedness, socializing opportunities, and other ways of coping.
But being inclusive of blind workers, management, customers, and onlookers goes farther than crossing the t’s and dotting the i”s. It flies way past Title IX regulations and the accomodations addressed in the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990).
Being truly a company whose pulse is all things blindness, raising awareness of our dignity among those who are not means that everyone stands on a level playing field, able to address each other as simply employees, managers, customers, and observers with no fear of reprisal.
It’s in view of these qualities that Bruce Sexton has come to be part of the American Printing House’s leadership. You can read his story here. He is truly what we who are boldly blind aspire to be when navigating the contours of the workplace while bringing awareness of our capabilities to others.
https://www.aph.org/bruce-sexton-joins-aph-team-as-director-of-access-and-belonging/
Boldly Blind 