National Impact, Personal Progress: Celebrating Our NIB Award Honorees

As we celebrate February as Low Vision Awareness Month, we are turning our spotlight toward the upcoming National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Training Conference and Expo. This annual gathering is a cornerstone of our partnership with NIB and the AbilityOne Program. For the team members we send each year, it represents more than just a trip, a milestone for professional growth, and a chance to represent the power of inclusive employment on a national stage. 

For our 2025 and 2026 Employee of the Year honorees, attending the NIB Conference in Washington, D.C. this spring is an opportunity to carry their leadership beyond our local community and into national conversations.. When our team members walk the halls of the U.S. Capitol, they aren't just representing Envision; they are sharing their stories and showing firsthand what inclusive employment makes possible. Whether they are advocating for expanded inclusive federal procurement opportunities or sharing their own career paths, their presence reinforces what we see every day: people who are blind or low vision (BVI) are essential contributors to our economy and workforce. As past winners have noted, there is a profound power in being seen and appreciated on such a grand scale. 

The awards we celebrate, the Peter J. Salmon Award for direct labor and the Milton J. Samuelson Award for professional achievement, highlight the upward mobility that drives our work. At Envision, manufacturing and service roles are more than just jobs; they are the foundation for clear career paths and personal independence. 

We see this progress in leaders like Madison Kester, who grew from an educator to a home-based specialist, and in team members who master complex technologies like JAWS to ensure access is standard for their colleagues. This year's trip to the capital, including tours of the White House and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, is a a recognition of their expertise, and a launch point for the next chapter of their careers. 

Celebrating Our 2026 Honorees 

We are proud to announce the individuals representing Envision in Wichita and Dallas at the national level this year. These professionals exemplify the energy, reliability, and innovative spirit that help our mission thrive: 

• Gregory Larson – Direct Labor Winner, Wichita 

• Sam McKinzey – Direct Labor Winner, Dallas 

• Nick Gasaway – Indirect Labor Winner, Wichita 

• Alma Smith – Indirect Labor Winner, Dallas 

These four winners, alongside our 2025 honorees, Francisco Padilla, Madison Kester, and Kimberly Bunch, will carry the Envision legacy to Washington. While we remember the late Blake Lindsay, whose posthumous 2025 recognition reminds us of the lasting impact of passionate advocacy, we look forward to the stories our current team will bring back. 

By celebrating these outcomes, we aren't just recognizing a job well done; we are reaffirming what guides our work every day: with the right tools, training, and opportunity, people thrive.