Blind workers in New York state are making textiles for the U.S. military, MTA and beyond.
Soraya Correa, the president and CEO of the National Industries for the Blind, is embarking on a statewide tour of New York’s facilities.
“They can’t join the military. They can’t go work in federal service for whatever reasons, right? This is an opportunity to serve,” Correa said.
They are serving the nation by making parts of the uniforms for the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and now the newest partnership is making ties for the U.S. Space Force.
These workers are constructing things you see every day, whether it be military uniforms or thousands of MTA vests.
“I know that I love to work with my hands,” Linette Stevens said.
Maybe the most incredible part, Lynette, Amanda Reed and nearly half of the employees here are blind.
Reed has been with the Northeast Association for the Blind in Albany for years.
“I started in 2019, so just over six years,” she said. “This is my first, like, full-time job.”
“It’s really important that they have these jobs because it is about their independence, their economic independence, the confidence that they build as they’re working, but also the opportunity to be a part of the taxpaying society,” said Correa.
Correa is embarking on a statewide tour of facilities that employ blind workers — hearing from them firsthand.
“You’ve got to have self-confidence in yourself. Know that you can do it because that’s the important part, is knowing you can do it and going for it and doing, you know, there’s been an experience here where I’ve been told, well, somebody else who’s blind couldn’t do it,” Stevens added that she knows other blind and visually impaired people can do this work and other jobs if given the chance.
Stevens has been working here at the Northeast Association of the Blind at Albany since 2003. Reed, who graduated from college with a business degree, as we told you, is in her sixth year here.
“I think now it’s a good thing. It helps people who are blind and visually impaired get employment so that we can pay our bills and live life the same as everybody else,” Reed said.
Laura Zeliger is the executive director of the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, where all this work is happening. She says it’s more than just a job.
“In addition to earning a living, it’s a real social environment,” she said. “So, you’re working with people who otherwise may be isolated at home, not connecting with peers. And our environment, they’re working together collaboratively, having a good time.”