Envision Leads Blind Employment Advocacy on Capitol Hill

When policies shape futures, advocacy becomes essential. Envision took its mission to the national stage as the lead sponsor of this year’s National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Legislative and Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., a powerful gathering where policy, purpose and lived experience intersect. 

The forum plays a critical role in protecting access to employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. Envision’s presence ensured these voices were not only heard—but prioritized. 

Representing Envision were two employee advocates: Marybeth Clare, BVI Advocacy and Training Specialist at Mountain Home Air Force Base, and Andy Hoffman, Manager of the Envision Contact Center. After in-depth legislative training session, they joined colleagues from NIB-affiliated agencies like Bosma Enterprises, East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind and Vibrant Works, formally Houston Lighthouse for the Blind. Together, they championed legislation to expand and protect employment opportunities for workers who are blind or visually impaired.  

“This conference gives us a national stage to speak up—not just for Envision, but for the entire community of people who rely on these programs to live, work and thrive,” said Lou Celli, Vice President, Envision Dallas, Government Relations and the Envision Research Institute. “If laws change or funding disappears, it directly impacts the livelihoods of hundreds of people we serve and employ. That’s why advocacy like this is essential.” 

Discussions focused on issues that shape the future of disability employment, including preserving Department of Defense purchasing commitments, improving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) rules and safeguarding the AbilityOne Program.  

Founded under the Wagner-O’Day Act, AbilityOne empowers nonprofit agencies like Envision to employ individuals who are blind or visually impaired through federal contracts. Envision is one of the program’s most active participants, reinvesting revenue from those contracts into mission-driven services—from early childhood development to college and workforce readiness. 

“Our profits don’t go to shareholders—they go right back into the mission,” Celli added. “Every product sold, every service delivered through this program creates a ripple effect that funds programs, empowers families and builds futures.” 

While the annual forum is a critical moment, Envision’s advocacy doesn’t stop there. Through year-round engagement with lawmakers, industry coalitions and federal agencies, Envision ensures that the voice of the BVI community continues to be heard where it matters most.

“It’s critically important that we remain vigilant at the federal level to ensure these programs and services are always there for the people who need them,” said Michael Monteferrante, President and CEO of Envision. “If policies change, the livelihoods of hundreds of employees and program participants are directly impacted.”