Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind Earns Prestigious Agency Achievement Award from National Industries for the Blind

    DALLAS, TX, October 29, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind Inc., a nonprofit organization focusing on improving and enhancing the lives and opportunities for individuals with visual impairments in North Texas, earned the Agency Achievement Award from National Industries for the Blind (NIB). The award recognizes efforts to increase employment growth, retention and upward mobility for people who are blind.

Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind is one of 91 nonprofit agencies throughout the country associated with NIB, the nation's largest employment resource for people who are blind. In fiscal year 2012, the Dallas Lighthouse had the highest increase in employment hours for people who are blind by any NIB associated agency. The Lighthouse achieved an increase of more than 42,000 direct labor hours for people who are blind, or 20 percent.

Nancy Perkins, president and CEO of the Dallas Lighthouse, accepted the award at NIB's 2013 National Conference and Expo. "We are proud to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind in the North Texas region," said Perkins. "Our team members who are blind are talented, dedicated and loyal employees. We are honored to serve as an example in the community of the capabilities of people who are blind. This is like receiving an Oscar!"

The Dallas Lighthouse grew employment hours for people who are blind through the sale of products to federal government customers through the AbilityOne Program. Employees who are blind working at the Dallas Lighthouse produce a variety of products for the U.S. military, including safety vests, helmet chin straps, and entrenching tool pouches. Additional employment opportunities include 508 Assurance Services in the Lighthouse's Business Services Division.

Since 1981, NIB has been recognizing its associated agencies on their achievements during the preceding fiscal year to increase employment for people who are blind. This year marks the 75th anniversary of NIB and the AbilityOne Program.

About the Dallas Lighthouse
Founded in 1931, the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind focuses on improving and enhancing the lives and opportunities of the blind and visually impaired in North Texas. The Dallas Lighthouse has assisted thousands of individuals in its more than 80 years of service, offering a solid foundation for enhancing visually impaired individuals' independence by providing jobs and job training. Our guiding principle is the belief that with knowledge, training and motivation, people who are visually impaired can succeed and thrive in any workplace, live productive and meaningful lives, and be important contributors to their communities. For more information, visit www.dallaslighthouse.org.

About National Industries for the Blind
For 75 years, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) has been focused on enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and its network of 91 associated nonprofit 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. For more information on NIB and its 75th anniversary, visit www.nib75years.org.

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