Outlook Nebraska Earns Employment Growth Award From National Industries for the Blind

The National Industries for the Blind (NIB; www.nib.org) has recognized Outlook Nebraska, Inc. (ONI; www.outlooknebraska.org) for increasing employment opportunities for the blind with the 2015 Employment Growth Award. The award recognizes Outlook Nebraska’s efforts to increase employment retention, growth and upward mobility for people who are blind.

“The blind face a 70 percent national unemployment rate, and we are proud to be the largest employer of this population in Nebraska,” ONI CEO Eric Stueckrath said. “Not only are more than 70 percent of our associates working throughout our organization blind or visually impaired, but we offer free adaptive technology training to blind and visually impaired members of the community to enhance their employability.”

The recognition comes as Outlook Nebraska hires more people and expands training programs. In 2016, ONI will increase its workforce by 15 percent and expand outreach and training on adaptive technology for employed people who struggle with vision loss.

As an NIB associated nonprofit agency, ONI also will receive funds specially designated to recognize NIB agencies that grow or sustain employment for people who are blind.

“It is an honor for me to recognize Outlook Nebraska with a 2015 Employment Growth Award,” NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch said. “Outlook Nebraska continues to lead the way in creating employment and high-growth career opportunities for people who are blind.”