Defining Good Jobs EP30
Explore the evolving definition of a “good job” through the lens of inclusivity and personal fulfillment with Chris LaFollette, President and CEO of Arizona Industries for the Blind.
This episode of “Changing the Perspective of Blindness” with host, David Steinmetz delves into how modern career paths shift from traditional stability to opportunities that embrace individual creativity and satisfaction.
Discover how people who are blind or visually impaired are breaking barriers, redefining workforce norms, and achieving happiness and success in unconventional ways.
Through personal stories and dialogue, we challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more inclusive workforce. Learn how organizations like Arizona Industries for the Blind foster talent, promote vocational training and empower employees to pursue fulfilling career paths that reflect their strengths and interests. Highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, informed choice, and open conversation, we showcase how attitude, training, and technology transform perceptions and create opportunities for all.
Tune in now to hear how inclusion and innovation are shaping the future of work!
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.
