Envision Employees Advocate for BVI Employment Growth with National Industries for the Blind | Envision Blog

Envision Employees Advocate for BVI Employment Growth with National Industries for the Blind

By Beth Walker • Jul 29, 2024
Marybeth Clare standing with Idaho Senator.

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MaryBeth Clare, Cashier/Stocker for Envision Xpress, Blake Lindsay, Envision Dallas Outreach Manager, Teresa Houston, Director of Envision’s Early Child Development Center, and William Quist, Manager of Envision Xpress Base Supply Center in North Dakota, are passionate advocates for increasing employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI). All are a part of the National Industries for the Blind’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program, which aims to urge Congress to adopt a 1% AbilityOne Program utilization goal for the Department of Defense. If this 1% goal is met, it would open the door for thousands of people who are BVI to have more employment opportunities through the National Industries for the Blind and its affiliated agencies, like Envision. 

Clare was recently spotlighted in a National Industries for the Blind news article for her advocacy efforts, which included a visit to the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. During her visit, she met with U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson and Idaho Senator James Risch to discuss the importance of supporting the 1% utilization goal. 

Reflecting on her advocacy work, Clare shares, “It’s so important to advocate for yourself and for others. It’s what we need to be able to keep our jobs. We are so vital, and I just don’t think that people see it. And I want to be the voice that just shouts out, ‘Let us keep our jobs. We’re such a vital part.’” 

Similarly, Lindsay has made numerous visits to the Capitol over the years and has participated in several virtual meetings with representatives to promote the 1% utilization goal. Lindsay remarks, “For 15 years, I have valued working with Envision on so many levels. Getting to communicate directly with our legislators for 12 years as an NIB advocate has been rewarding. I get to share with people how they can help us in specific areas which support employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. I’m totally blind, and certainly relate to the need to increase employment.” 

Beyond both Lindsay and Clare’s advocacy work, they have been featured in episodes of "Heard and Empowered," a podcast by National Industries for the Blind that provides job and career insights, inspiration, and insider tips for the blind and visually impaired community.  

We are immensely proud of our employees for their advocacy and passion, which aim to positively impact the lives of thousands of people with vision loss who are in need of employment opportunities.  

To learn more about the 1% utilization goal for AbilityOne, visit this link.