Ep #27: How BVI Advocates Can Make a Bigger Impact with NIB’s VP of Public Policy, Rick Webster
Release Date: 05/15/2024
Building Accessible Career Pathways for People With Disabilities With Kevin Webb
Heard & Empowered
Kevin Webb is Head of Sustainability and Social Impact for Mitsubishi Electric in the Americas and Executive Director of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. He leads the foundation’s mission to empower young people with disabilities through corporate philanthropy, celebrating its 35th anniversary and supporting initiatives across 45 states. With a background in international relations and public administration, Kevin focuses on building inclusive communities and expanding access to technology and trade careers for young people. In this episode… Creating accessible career pathways...
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Navigating Career Transitions and Resilience in the Face of Vision Loss With Joannah Harris
Heard & Empowered
Joannah Harris is a digital accessibility specialist working with Level Access and Dell, where she helps ensure technology and online platforms are usable for people with disabilities. With a background that includes a master’s degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University and experience teaching high school math while visually impaired, Joannah has overcome significant personal and professional challenges to excel in her field. She leverages her expertise in computer science, mathematics, and assistive technology to break down digital barriers, and her...
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Reclaiming Creativity and Independence After Sudden Vision Loss, With Heather Bergerson
Heard & Empowered
Heather Bergerson is a New Mexico-based visual artist and entrepreneur whose work focuses on tactile and accessible art experiences, particularly for blind and visually impaired audiences. After a traumatic brain injury and vision loss in 2020, Heather rebuilt her artistic career and co-founded two businesses — The Meandering Artisan LLC and Sticky Murals — thanks to skills she learned through NSITE coursework, while also exhibiting her large-scale, touchable artworks to enthusiastic audiences. Heather has collaborated with organizations such as the New Mexico Commission for the Blind to...
info_outline![[Mission Driven Series] Using Data to Tell NIB’s Story with Brian Osborne show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/196380945?height=50&width=50)
[Mission Driven Series] Using Data to Tell NIB’s Story with Brian Osborne
Heard & Empowered
Brian Osborne is the senior vice president of The Strategy Group Company, a national advertising agency specializing in direct marketing and strategic communications for political campaigns, advocacy groups, governments, universities, and corporations. Under his leadership, Brian has executed hundreds of successful marketing strategies, and his team's research and outreach have contributed to the company’s reputation for data-driven results and broad impact. Brian is known for his expertise in public opinion research and for developing innovative approaches to survey design and message...
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Overcoming Vision Loss and Building Empowering Careers for People Who Are Blind With Matthew Koch
Heard & Empowered
Matt Koch is the general manager of Virginia Industries for the Blind (VIB). This self-supporting Virginia state agency provides direct employment and career pathways for people who are blind or visually impaired through manufacturing, retail, and service contracts. Under Matt’s leadership, VIB has grown to employ around 160 people — including 80 individuals who are blind — with an annual budget close to $60 million, and boasts a 94% employee satisfaction rate. Despite losing most of his vision in his early 30s, Matt has held senior leadership roles in both government and...
info_outline![[Mission Driven Series] From Mentorship to Mission: Lessons in Leadership and Advocacy With Dennis Steiner show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/194243770?height=50&width=50)
[Mission Driven Series] From Mentorship to Mission: Lessons in Leadership and Advocacy With Dennis Steiner
Heard & Empowered
Dennis Steiner is the president and CEO of VisionCorps, a nonprofit that provides rehabilitation services and employment opportunities for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. Dennis joined VisionCorps in 1983 and held a variety of roles with the agency before becoming CEO in 2008. Under his guidance, the organization expanded its facilities across multiple Pennsylvania counties and merged with a sister agency to further its reach. Dennis has led initiatives to strengthen workforce development, expand community partnerships, and advance employment opportunities...
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Breaking Barriers: No Limits, Only Possibilities with Charles Ansley
Heard & Empowered
Charles Ansley is an IT professional who turned a life-changing vision loss into a story of resilience and ambition. After losing his sight in 2019 due to complications from high blood pressure and glaucoma, Charles refused to let his disability define his future. Through NSITE’s vocational programs, he completed the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) training and is preparing for certification to launch a career in network engineering and cybersecurity. He now inspires others who are blind, proving that with determination and hard work, there are no limits to what can be achieved. In...
info_outline![[Mission Driven Series] Mary Jane Surrago’s 50-Year Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Storytelling show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/193132910?height=50&width=50)
[Mission Driven Series] Mary Jane Surrago’s 50-Year Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Storytelling
Heard & Empowered
Mary Jane Surrago is assistant secretary emeritus of the Board of Directors for National Industries for the Blind (NIB), a nonprofit that creates and sustains employment for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. She retired in February 2025 after 50 years of service and received NIB’s highest honor, the R.B. Irwin Award. Over her career, Mary Jane held leadership roles in administration, governance, communications, and rehabilitation services. She also authored Empowering People: The Story of National Industries for the Blind, in honor of the organization’s 75th...
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From San Francisco to Capitol Hill: Alexis Flores on Advocacy
Heard & Empowered
Alexis Flores is the chemical production line lead at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco, a nonprofit that empowers people who are blind or visually impaired through training, education, and resources. He manages production operations while also taking part in the hands-on manufacturing process. Starting as a production assistant, Alexis learned to operate machinery and adapt processes for accessibility, which led him to a leadership role. Through community support and advocacy groups, he has been inspired to achieve success both professionally and personally. In...
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Rebecca Martin on How Partnering With NSITE Helps Her VR Clients Succeed
Heard & Empowered
Rebecca Martin is a Certified Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation Services, a state agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. She provides counseling, guidance, and access to assistive technology to support her clients in securing employment. In this episode… Securing meaningful employment is often a steep climb for people with vision loss or other disabilities, especially when access to resources and opportunities is limited. However, with the right training, adaptive tools, and support...
info_outlineToday, National Industries for the Blind (NIB)’s Spring Conference and Public Policy Forum wraps up with the annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, so it's very fitting that this week Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by NIB’s Vice President of Public Policy, Rick Webster. Rick brings a unique perspective to the podcast as a sighted person passionately committed to creating employment opportunities for BVI individuals.
Rick’s affinity for government and policy change began during his time at Hope College where he studied political science. Even then, Rick’s sights were set on Washington D.C., as he cultivated a deep interest in advocacy. His journey led him through various roles before finding his calling in the nonprofit sector.
Join Dr. Hoby and Rick as they discuss Rick’s pivotal role at NIB where he channels his passion for policy and creating change into initiatives aimed at empowering individuals with visual impairments. From advocating for employment opportunities to spearheading transformative programs, you’ll hear how Rick’s commitment to inclusivity and equity shines through everything he does. You’ll also hear about some of the future initiatives Rick and his team will be working on, what this year’s NIB’s Spring Conference covered, and how you can channel your own passion for BVI equity and equality to produce real change.
For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/27