At IBVI, we believe in empowering the blind and visually impaired, especially those who are also employed as a part of our workforce. We’re constantly looking for new ways to help these employees, and we’re committed to searching for innovative technologies and solutions to provide upward-mobility opportunities and greater accessibility in the workplace. If we want the world to follow in our footsteps, we have to lead by example so others can do the same.
It was recently announced that our president and CEO CJ Lange has been named as a 2023 Titan 100 Honoree. This program recognizes Wisconsin’s most accomplished business leaders in their respective industries using criteria that demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. CJ was named as an honoree because of his dedication to our mission of providing new and meaningful employment to the blind and visually impaired.
Creating new career opportunities
After successfully launching our first online shopping experience, CJ realized our work wasn’t finished. Working alongside a blind individual with experience in using JAWS—a screen-reading technology for the blind and visually impaired—we tirelessly went page by page testing to see if someone who was blind could navigate our web pages with this technology. So with that initiative, we were able to develop JAWS-compatible templates which ultimately allowed blind professionals to manage all customer service processes related to our website.
An accessible e-commerce website managed by a blind customer service team was a first for our industry. It was a truly remarkable achievement that motivated us to create additional opportunities. We also built out a new sales and marketing team with blind and visually impaired staff, and because these jobs were paid at higher pay levels, they offered workers upward mobility that wasn’t previously available. These were jobs with long-term career paths where passion and drive could lead them to greater and better futures.
Looking for new technologies
A lifelong advocate for inclusion and accessibility, CJ keeps his eyes open for new devices and software developments that can give those with various disabilities more autonomy—and that spirit has become a part of the entire IBVI team. We’re optimistic about future innovations and recent advances in technology, and we believe these technologies will deliver additional opportunities for those with disabilities. That’s why when an IBVI employee asked if we could purchase a new, innovative assistive tool to help their professional development, our team jumped on the chance.
The tool in question? The OrCam MyEye, a revolutionary voice activated device that allows the visually impaired to work more efficiently and live a more independent life. In the words of our employee, it’s a tool that helps level the playing field for those who are visually impaired or blind—helping him do things he never thought possible.
Be a part of something bigger
Are you interested in helping empower those who are blind and visually impaired in their jobs and careers, or maybe you’ve heard of a new technological tool that could help our mission? Perfect, then we’d love to connect with you! Fill out the Contact Us form on our website, and we’ll have someone reach out to you to provide more resources. Thank you for being a part of our mission!
