Improving Employment Outcomes E2
In this episode, host David Steinmetz and AIB President/CEO Chris LaFollette talked about the importance of recognizing the abilities of candidates who are blind or visually impaired, especially in a tight labor market.
Chris stated that Corporate America in partnership with nonprofit organizations can move the needle on the 70% unemployment rate among people who are blind or have other disabilities.
While small business and fortune 500 companies struggle to find qualified candidates to fill vacancies, they should look to the disability community. People who are blind or have other disabilities have diverse backgrounds, talents and abilities that help drive an organization forward.
Arizona Industries for the Blind is an enterprise nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind to achieve their highest goals and aspiration through dignified employment while providing quality products and services to all its customers.
Chris LaFollette is the President/CEO of Arizona Industries for the Blind in Phoenix, Arizona. He currently has over twenty-one years working with National Industries for the Blind and a total of 25 years working with Department of Defense.
Chris worked with a NISH (National Industries for the Severely Handicap) organization for many years before he created a company that worked with National Industries for the blind and SourceAmerica organizations to better source commercial products for the federal government.
Chris is a graduate of Fayetteville State University and has spent most of his adult years being an advocate for the disabled and blind communities.
About Your Host
As the manager of Community and Public Relations, David Steinmetz uses his expertise, education, and personal experiences to “change the perception of blindness.”
Diagnosed with RP, a blinding retinal disease, at the age of 19, David uses his personal story to drive change that leads to improved employment outcomes and community integration for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Mr. Steinmetz graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics. Additionally, Steinmetz has continued his education by graduating from the Business Management Training (BMT) program provided by Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.
In 2008, David was the national recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.
David Steinmetz is a member of the Governors’ Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments, is a Board Member at the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and serves his community through the Chandler Lions Club.
Connect with David on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the Show
Changing the Perception of Blindness; One Conversation at a Time is dedicated to breaking down barriers, de-mystifying blindness and promoting real world solutions that empower people who are blind to live a full and inclusive life.
Host, David Steinmetz connects with organizations, industry professionals and thought leaders who are working to bridge the gap that creates a world accessible for all.
About Arizona Industries for the Blind
Arizona Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military bases under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor’s AbilityOne program.
