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DURHAM, N.C. – LCI’s disability inclusion and accessibility division, Ablr, in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Services for the Blind, is excited to announce the launch of the Ablr Works Futures Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program.
The program supports high school and early college students who are blind and/or low vision in preparing for the next steps in their personal and career development journeys.
This new and innovative program will provide students with visual impairments the opportunity to gain experience about up-and-coming trends in the modern workforce, build a personal brand on the foundation of self-advocacy, and work in diverse teams to solve real-world business problems. Graduates of the program will be prepared to tackle the demands and challenges of the future with the tools to advocate for themselves and their communities.
“Having worked with Ablr in the past, the NCDHHS Division of Services for the Blind has been appreciative of their success in delivering successful outcomes, so we were excited to see them design a program specifically for high school students who have visual impairments. I’m confident that their innovative approach to training will have a positive impact on our students,” said Cynthia Speight, director of NCDHHS DSB.
The program will begin with its first session for students in late April, which will focus on the future of work. Summer and fall sessions will also be available, centered on collaborative problem solving and career readiness, respectively. Ablr invites students to participate in all three sessions.
“There is a lot of talk about the ‘future of work’, but the future of the workforce will include a larger number of people with disabilities because of improving tech and AI. That’s why we aren’t just introducing students to the companies who are doing cutting-edge work, but equally as important, we are exposing those same organizations to the amazing talent who will make up their future workforce,” said Ablr Co-Founder and CEO John Samuel.
About AblrAblr is a mission-driven, non-profit, full-service Accessibility and Inclusion organization, dedicated to ensuring equality and access to all humankind through digital accessibility services, extensive real-world training and our Workforce Development Program, Ablr Works. Ablr, through its comprehensive 360-degree approach, is dedicated to ensuring absolute accessibility and usability for organizations of all sizes. Specializing in organization development and training, Ablr champions inclusion by strategically implementing processes, procedures, and policies. Committed to its mission, Ablr actively works towards creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. Ablr is unique in its unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive environments and promoting accessibility across organizations to maximize human capabilities, incorporate new and innovative thinking, and consult with organizations for betterment and universal experience. Want to learn more about the work we do? Visit www.ablr360.com.
About LCI
L C Industries, Inc. (LCI) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, in the business of creating meaningful employment for people who are blind. Founded in Durham, NC in 1936 as a manufacturer, our mission has propelled us to evolve and expand into third party logistics services, retail operations, and accessibility consulting. Today, we are one of the largest employers of Americans who are blind or visually impaired. LCI operates seven manufacturing facilities, three distribution centers, fifty-nine retail locations, e-commerce web properties and holds large government distribution contracts. While being an incredibly diverse organization, the common thread throughout all business units is our dedication to creating meaningful employment for the blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit www.lcindustries.com or www.buylci.com.