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

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

3. Associated Agencies Nationwide 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 Services Switchboards, multi-channel inbound/outbound
Contract Management Contract administration and closeout
Supply Chain Management Inventory control, warehousing, distribution, packing and sorting, labeling and addressing
Section 508 Assurance Usability testing, validation, remediation
Administrative Support Mail and copy room operations, duplication, other administrative support
Information Assurance System/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. Contact Billy Parker Program Director, Employment Support Services