Ep #30: A Lasting Legacy of Employment Opportunities for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Kevin Lynch

06/05/24 • 43 min

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler has the distinct pleasure of welcoming to the podcast Kevin Lynch, president and CEO emeritus of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). He retired April 30, 2023, from a 44-year career working and serving for the blind and visually impaired community in various capacities.

Kevin, a visionary leader, shares his inspiring journey from working with the Association for the Blind in Rochester, New York, to leading NIB in its mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

They discuss the challenges and triumphs of his career, including expanding the AbilityOne® Program to Base Supply Centers all over the nation, how the Contract Management Services program was created to solve a giant headache for the government, how NSITE trains BVI individuals—at no cost—for the highest executive roles in corporate America and other pioneering initiatives that promote economic independence for the BVI community.

Kevin reflects on his experiences in various leadership roles, highlighting the importance of persistence, respect, and high expectations for persons with disabilities.

Tune in to hear Kevin’s motivating insights on leadership, advocacy, and the transformative power of inclusive employment. Discover how his dedication has revolutionized NIB and how his vision and legacy will continue to inspire positive change in the BVI workforce for a long time to come.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/30

Kevin reflects on his experiences in various leadership roles, highlighting the importance of persistence, respect, and high expectations for persons with disabilities.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/30

Previous Episode

Ep #29: From Unemployed to Employee of the Year with Envision’s MaryBeth Clare

The human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity is strong, especially in today’s guest, MaryBeth Clare. She sits down with Dr. Hoby Wedler to discuss the setbacks she faced after losing her vision, and how those were replaced by the determination and desire to grow that have kept her going in her role as lead cashier and stocker for the military Base Supply Center at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. She describes how her commitment led her to flourish in her job, winning Employee of the Year at Envision Xpress and the Peter J. Salmon Award from National Industries for the Blind in 2023.

MaryBeth’s dedication to learning, adapting, and embracing new skills, such as mastering Braille and pursuing higher education, reflects her unwavering commitment to personal growth and self-improvement. Through her perseverance, she not only transformed her own life but also became an advocate for inclusivity and empowerment in the workplace. Listen in to hear why finding purpose in your work is so important, and how you can implement MaryBeth’s optimistic mindset in your own career journey.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/29

Next Episode

Ep #31: Strategic Advocacy: Influencing Public Policy on Capitol Hill with Dan Kelly

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Dan Kelly, the Vice President of Public Policy for the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) and President and CEO of IFB Solutions. Dan is a dedicated advocate for the blind and visually impaired community, whose unwavering dedication shines through every aspect of his work. He discusses his experience with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that has affected three generations of his family, and how it has shaped his path.

As you’ll hear, Dan’s strategic leadership and passionate advocacy are focused this year on one simple, uncomplicated ask on Capitol Hill. He details ongoing efforts to expand the AbilityOne® Program, aiming to increase employment opportunities for BVI individuals. The key initiative includes urging Congress to mandate the Department of Defense’s allocation of 1% of their procurement budget to this program. If successful, this push would double current employment opportunities and create a significant impact in the community. Tune in this week to learn about the intricate process of legislative advocacy and the importance of personal stories in driving policy change.

For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/31