(NAPSA)—Manyare surprised when they learn ofthe contributions that people who are blind make to both this country’s economy and armedforces. For example, when the United States entered World WarII, the American industrial base was in manycases staffed by people who were blind. They produced millions of the products used by the military both during the war and since then. National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s leading employmentresource for people who areblind, understands the capabilities of people whoare blind and hashelped thousandsactively participate in the workforce, advance their careers and lead independentlives. This mission is important because 70 percent of working-age Americans who are blind, some of whom are military veterans, are not employed. ‘A cornerstone of NIB’s success with creating jobs for people who are blind has beenits relationship with federal customers, including the U.S. military. People whoareblind working at NIB and its nationwide network of nonprofit agencies have equipped membersof the military with mission-critical supplies and equipment for generations. They have also delivered a variety of mission support services to enhance military operations. During World WarII, people who are blind manufactured 21 million mops, 41 million pillow- it For over 75 years, people who are blind have been producing products that meet the exacting specifications of the U.S. military. cases and 17 million mailbags for the military. Today, people who are blind manufacture high-quality gear for the military including helmet covers, helmet pads, hydration systems, ammunition pouches and combatuniforms. ‘Additionally, military customers canfind a varietyofother products made by people who are blind, includingoffice supplies, computer accessories and hardware, at 150 Base Supply Center stores located on federalor military installations across the country. “People whoareblind have been meeting the exactingspecifications of the U.S. military for 75 years and counting,” said Kevin Lynch, NIBpresident and CEO.“There's no strongerevidenceof the impressive skills and abilities of this largely untappedtalent pool.” To learn more, visit www.nib. org.
