Buncombe County – IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the U.S., recognized Maximus and Guidant Global as its 2024 Partner of the Year for their commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. This acknowledgment highlighted the companies’ efforts to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired, particularly through their collaborative initiatives.
Creating Meaningful Employment Opportunities
Based in North Carolina, IFB Solutions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing employment, training, and support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Its Manufacturing division employs nearly 300 individuals, many of whom work at the Asheville facility on Sardis Road. The Workforce Services division, which partners with Maximus and Guidant Global, acts as a staffing agency for various roles across the country, including customer service and data analysis.
Maximus, a leading provider of customer support for government services, teamed up with Guidant Global and IFB Solutions in 2022 to integrate employees who are blind or visually impaired into its workforce. The partnership has already created life-changing job opportunities for 30 individuals who are blind, with plans for further expansion. Michelle Link, chief human resources officer at Maximus, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We value individual differences and strive to provide a work setting and experience where all employees can thrive.”
The partnership has proven essential in addressing the unique challenges faced by employees with visual impairments. Many screen-based jobs remain inaccessible due to compatibility issues with assistive devices. Kevin Fowler, a customer service representative employed through this partnership, shared his experience: “I’m just so thankful for the opportunity to work and to provide for my family — and to work for a company that understands we still do the same job a sighted person can do.”
Advancements in Technology and Support
The integration of technology has played a significant role in ensuring accessibility for employees. Anastasia Powell, IFB’s Communications Manager, noted that modern software programs often come equipped with robust accessibility features. “There are also accessibility aids such as JAWS (Job Access With Speech), ZoomText and Microsoft Narrator that can easily integrate into most computer systems,” she explained.
Fowler emphasized the importance of support within the workplace: “At Maximus, if we need help, we have a network of support from people who understand what it’s like to problem-solve while a computer is talking to you in one ear and a customer is talking to you in the other.” This understanding fosters an environment where employees can thrive despite their challenges.
Marvin Pearson, another employee at Maximus’s San Antonio call center who is both blind and deaf, expressed pride in his work: “Earning a living alongside my sighted peers proves to the world that I’m just as capable as anybody else.” He acknowledged the efforts of Maximus and Guidant Global in creating a level playing field for employees with disabilities.
The long-term impact of this partnership extends beyond immediate employment opportunities. Dan Kelly, CEO of IFB Solutions, highlighted the importance of eliminating barriers to employment: “It should not be a struggle to get a job; that’s why we eliminate barriers to employment. We create the opportunities and employees create their own growth path.” This approach aims to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to develop their skills and advance in their careers.
As IFB Solutions continues to expand its model of employment across various industries, it faces challenges related to perceptions about hiring individuals with disabilities. To address these challenges, IFB has recently appointed Katie Hall Nicolas as manager of business development to cultivate partnerships with other companies.
In the coming weeks, IFB Solutions, Maximus, and Guidant Global plan to celebrate their partnership by welcoming a new group of customer service trainees who are blind or visually impaired into their Texas teams. Shannon Satterfield, director of professional services at IFB Solutions, stated, “Maximus and Guidant Global have proven themselves as leaders in this area by joining our efforts to provide employment for individuals who deserve an opportunity to succeed.”
Through their collaboration, these organizations have not only created meaningful employment opportunities but also set an example of how businesses can drive lasting change by investing in an inclusive workforce.