Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month Now and Every Month

By Holly Herring • Oct 10, 2023

Throughout October, we have been reflecting on the importance of an inclusive workplace in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). As one of the largest employers of people who are blind or visually impaired in the United States, Envision benefits daily from the contributions of people of all abilities. Observed annually, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of employees with disabilities both past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

Through crucial services and meaningful programs that bring together people who are typically sighted and blind or visually impaired to encourage, inspire and learn from each other, Envision aims to change perceptions about people with disabilities. Through adaptive and assistive technology, sighted peers witness every day at Envision that colleagues who are blind or visually impaired are intellectual, independent and can accomplish more than most of society believes to be true.

When talking with someone who is blind or visually impaired, it doesn’t take long to realize they are just as driven as anyone else to reach their goals and function at the highest level possible. Read testimonials from several Envision/Envision Dallas employees below who are blind or visually impaired to better understand their perspective.

“Before I came to Envision I had applied for over 70 jobs. Sadly, none were accepting of my disability. Envision ensures that I have all the assistive technology I need to do my job. Every day I love coming to work and I feel like I have a purpose. Each day I leave knowing that I helped our military in one way or another. That fills me with an abundance of joy.” - Marybeth Clare, Cashier/Stocker, Envision Xpress

“I’m a true example of upward mobility. If you strive forward and keep trying, there are definitely opportunities within Envision. I love what the organization stands for and I feel like I have grown here. I started out quiet and timid, but not anymore. I love the opportunity to grow and build.” - Laridda Williams-Murphy, Customer Care Specialist, Envision

“So many people before told me, ‘You’re blind – you can’t do this or do that, you can only do certain jobs.’ Envision Dallas doesn't do that. There are many opportunities and a variety of jobs at Envision Dallas.” - Keela Alonzo, Sewing Machine Operator, Envision Dallas

"I don’t have to justify what I am capable of at Envision Dallas, because people here just get me. I don’t have to take on the role of ‘the blind person.’ I blend and fit right in, and everyone accepts me for who I am.”” – Jenny Wood, Customer Campaign Representative, Envision Dallas

Beyond employment, Envision’s Workforce Innovation Center is putting a greater spotlight on digital and workplace accessibility, challenging companies to embrace inclusivity by creating websites, spaces, enterprise systems, etc. that are accessible for all customers and job seekers, including those with disabilities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 56.7 million people, or 19 percent of the population, have a disability. They are a large group that shouldn’t be overlooked.

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