National Industries for the Blind Launches First Annual Grassroots Forum "Building Relationships at Home!"

Nationwide, coordinated effort will raise awareness of local capabilities with Members of Congress.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and its nationwide network of associated nonprofit agencies launched the first annual NIB/NAEPB Grassroots Forum. During the week-long effort, NIB's associated agencies will engage Members of Congress, state and local leaders, and customers in a nationwide effort called, "Building Relationships at Home!"

"The Grassroots Forum creates a timely opportunity for our associated agencies to connect with elected officials, local leaders and members of the community," stated Kevin Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer for National Industries for the Blind. "Not only do we want to raise awareness about the high-quality products and services NIB offers, but we also want elected officials to meet our high-skilled workforce – their constituents – while also showcasing the unlimited capabilities of people who are blind."   

A cooperative effort, the NIB/NAEPB Grassroots Forum is taking many forms including visits by Members of Congress to associated agency facilities, as well as meetings with Congressional staff in District Offices. A complete list of activities occurring over the week-long event can be found on the NIB website at http://www.nib.org/content/events-grassroots-forum. NIB will also be using Facebook and Twitter to promote all of the activities happening around the country.

"August is a great time for us to connect with Members of Congress," said Angela Hartley, Executive Vice President at NIB. "We couldn't be more pleased with the response we've received from elected officials eager to visit with our employees. Everyone is looking forward to a great and productive week."

As the largest employer of people who are blind in the country, NIB and its 90 associated agencies have helped thousands actively participate in the workforce, advance their careers and lead independent lives. Through the production and distribution of high-quality products and services to federal, military and commercial customers, NIB's associated agencies provide career training and employment opportunities.

NIB's associated agencies also provide rehabilitative services such as early childhood intervention, adult literacy, low vision examinations and aids, Braille literacy, nutritional/health services, occupational/physical therapy, personal and career counseling, recreation, transportation, mobility, and daily living skills.

About National Industries for the Blind (NIB) www.nib.org  
NIB is a nonprofit organization focused on its mission to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment.  NIB and its network of 90 nonprofit associated agencies nationwide serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® and other products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. 

SOURCE National Industries for the Blind