Advocacy in Action: Envision Partnering with NIB to Expand Opportunities

Advocacy is a vital part of how Envision fulfills its mission. Beyond creating jobs locally, we stand alongside national partners to ensure people who are blind or have low vision have access to sustainable employment opportunities across the country. 

At the center of this effort is National Industries for the Blind (NIB), which coordinates advocacy across the country, bringing agencies like Envision together under a unified voice. Their work in Washington D.C. helps shape policies that strengthen the defense supply chain and create thousands of jobs for people who are blind or have low vision. 

Envision plays an active part in these conversations by engaging lawmakers, sharing the stories of our employees, and connecting federal policies to real lives in Wichita, Dallas and beyond. These advocacy moments are about more than a single official visit. They are how we ensure Envision’s voice is included in the national dialogue about workforce inclusion, procurement policy and economic opportunity. Recently, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall toured Envision’s Wichita facility to meet employees and hear firsthand how NIB’s priorities impact their jobs and futures. This visit is just one example of how advocacy comes to life, bridging the gap between legislation and lived experience. 

We also lead the way in building the next generation of advocates through NIB’s Advocates for Leadership and Employment program. Launched in 2012, this initiative equips employees with the tools to engage with congressional representatives, advocate for legislation that impacts AbilityOne and develop their leadership skills. The NIB advocate team meets quarterly, providing participants with direct opportunities to connect with federal leaders and shape policy. Envision is proud to have four advocates, the most of any organization nationwide, guided by Lou Celli, Vice President of Envision Dallas and Government Relations, and overseen by Michael Monteferrante, Envision President and CEO. Our advocates include Teresa Houston, Director of ECDC Wichita; Will Quist, Purchasing and Contracts Manager at Minot AFB Xpress; Andy Hoffman, Contact Center Manager; and MaryBeth Clare, BVI Advocacy and Training Specialist, each using their voice to expand opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. We also honor the legacy of Blake Lindsay, who led our advocacy efforts from the Dallas office for many years before his passing in 2024. 

Every conversation, every visit, and every voice raised in support of NIB’s mission protects and grows jobs for people who are blind or have low vision. Envision is proud to be part of this national movement, one that proves advocacy is not only about policy, but about people.