Why we exist

For someone who is blind or visually impaired, his or her world is the same as anyone else's but with a few additional tools at their disposal. The most valuable thing is gaining independence and having the opportunity to be included. 

As one of the largest employers of people who are blind or visually impaired in the country, Envision’s Workforce Innovation Center is in the unique position to address inadequacies in workforce development. We are working to remove barriers to entry and drive employment innovation. Thus, creating a workforce for all people with all abilities. 

Lack of accommodation and accessibility in the workplace has created a rift between the demand for high-tech jobs and the availability of those opportunities. We are positioned to grow and develop the workforce of tomorrow – and to help reduce the 70% unemployment rate of people who are blind or visually impaired.  

The blind and visually impaired community has the highest rates for unemployment. It doesn't have to be this way. 

70%

The Federal Unemployment Rate for People Who are Blind—this rate has not changed in 30 Years

12 Million

The number of people aged 40 and older in the U.S. who are blind or visually impaired (BVI)

70,000

The number of people who are blind or visually impaired in Kansas alone

Our story

Through a partnership between Envision and William L. Hudson, CEO of the Durham, N.C.-based LCI, an icon who has been at the center of creating national employment opportunities for people with vision loss for more than 50 years, the William L. Hudson Envision Workforce Innovation Center was created. 

Mission

Our goal is to provide progressive career opportunities and create jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. We will achieve this through experiential training programs, empowerment of those we serve and the provision of advocacy at both the state and federal level. We dedicate our efforts to the development and delivery of a well-trained, skilled and competitive workforce in the global marketplace.

Vision

We desire to become the thought leader and catalyst for change through workforce innovation and inclusion for people who are blind or visually impaired. Through the development and implementation of upward mobility opportunities we will create an environment of self-sufficiency and inspiration for those we serve.
Two people who are visually impaired sitting at their computers with headsets on

How are we different?  

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the forefront of every business initiative today.  By providing relevant training directly connected with career pathways for high demand industries and preparing businesses with the added benefits of corporate accessibility training, digital accessibility, and workplace accessibility,  everyone succeeds.
 

The solutions we provide are smart and effective because we don’t use shortcuts. Bots, widgets and pre-packaged offerings aren’t solutions for digital or workplace accessibility. And automated scans only capture 25%-40% of accessibility errors on a website. Manual testing is essential to be fully inclusive.  

Our accessibility team is highly skilled and experienced – and they are blind or visually impaired. We bring the human touch to the accessibility industry. 

Our accessibility services

Services for Job Seekers

Jump start your career with us. We guide and support individuals who are blind or visually impaired to develop meaningful job skills and ultimately get hired.
For Job Seekers

Business Services

Accelerate your business through disability inclusion. We address inclusion from each area of your business: employee resources, on-campus accessibility, and inclusive recruitment and hiring.
For Employers

Partner with us

We're in the business of creating innovative solutions to challenging workforce problems. We're up for the challenge, so bring your ideas and let's get started. Contact us to get the conversation going. 

Want to know more?

Creating employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired is a priority for us. If you'd like to learn more about our initiatives or want to work with us to develop a workforce for all abilities, we want to know. Submit a contact form below and someone will be in touch with you soon.

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