Heard & Empowered

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Heard & Empowered

Welcome to the Heard & Empowered podcast by National Industries for the Blind.

We champion the brilliance and resilience of people who are blind or low vision in every episode highlighting real-world success stories and work opportunities.

09/09/2026

In case you missed it last week, Everette Bacon (Aira, NFB) sat down with Dean Thompson to discuss what it takes to build a career as a blind professional.
He talks travel skills, screen readers, mentorship, and why trying new things, even something as small as learning to cook, builds the confidence to handle whatever comes next.

"It also helps to be around other blind people and hear their stories and hear how they overcame and adapted." - Everette Bacon

Still haven't listened? Now's the time. https://hubs.la/Q04wgYgJ0

09/03/2026

NEW EPISODE: Building Independence as a Blind Professional

This week on Heard & Empowered, host Dean Thompson chats with Everette Bacon, Chief of Blindness Initiatives at Aira, Second VP of the National Federation of the Blind, and a guy who once got a store manager job offer and a lawsuit settlement out of the same career.

Everette opens up about losing a retail management job after requesting basic accommodations, transforming airport travel for blind and low-vision users through Aira, and what it takes to build confidence as a blind professional.
"I think taking away a person's independence is probably one of the worst things you can do to them."- Everette Bacon

Listen now https://hubs.la/Q04wfFgK0

08/21/2026

Pulled from the archives: Heard & Empowered

In 2019, Charles Ansley lost his sight overnight due to a stroke behind the eyes and glaucoma, as a single father raising a teenage son. Instead of giving up on his IT dreams, he found NSITE, mastered tools like JAWS and NVDA, and completed the Cisco CCNA program to launch a new career in network engineering.

"I have no limitations. My only limitations are the limitations that I place on myself."

Hear his full story on Heard & Empowered, presented by National Industries for the Blind. https://hubs.la/Q04rH0XR0

08/10/2026

From the Archives: Partnering with NSITE Helps Vocational Rehabilitation Clients Succeed https://hubs.la/Q04rKnxg0

Revisit this Heard & Empowered classic! In this episode from our archives, we sit down with vocational rehabilitation counselor Rebecca Martin to explore how her partnership with NSITE has transformed the way she supports clients who are blind or low vision.

Rebecca shares why this collaboration has been a gamechanger for her practice, and how it continues to lead to real, lasting career outcomes for her clients.

Listen to the full story!

08/05/2026

Don’t forget to listen to the newest episode of Heard & Empowered!

Host Dean Thompson sits down with Michael Phillips, Training Supervisor at Austin Lighthouse, and NIB's recipient of the 2026 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award.

At 26, Michael lost his sight to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Today, he's the one training and mentoring the next generation of blind and visually impaired employees, helping them build the confidence, skills, and independence he once had to find for himself.

In this episode, Michael opens up about rebuilding his life and career after sudden vision loss, learning orientation & mobility skills, the mentors who helped him grow from trainee to supervisor, why patience, communication, and persistence are everything, and what he'd tell someone who just lost their vision.
Listen now to Michael's story of resilience, mentorship, and purpose. https://hubs.la/Q04rF_Jn0

07/30/2026

This week, host Dean Thompson sits down with Michael Phillips, Training Supervisor at Austin Lighthouse for the Blind, and NIB's recipient of the 2026 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award.

At 26, Michael lost his sight to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Today, he's the one training and mentoring the next generation of blind and visually impaired employees, helping them build the confidence, skills, and independence he once had to find for himself.

In this episode, Michael opens up about rebuilding his life and career after sudden vision loss, learning orientation & mobility skills, the mentors who helped him grow from trainee to supervisor, why patience, communication, and persistence are everything, and what he'd tell someone who just lost their vision.

Listen now to Michael's story of resilience, mentorship, and purpose. https://hubs.la/Q04rntZK0

07/17/2026

Change starts with opportunity and grows through employment and advocacy.

From the archives of *Heard & Empowered*, we’re highlighting a conversation with Joe Spicer of Mississippi Industries for the Blind.

Joe shares how building and managing a contact center staffed by blind and visually impaired professionals is transforming lives. Because, with the right tools and access, talent can thrive. He also advocates on Capitol Hill for stronger investment in the AbilityOne Program, including a proposed 1% Department of Defense procurement goal to expand job opportunities, and calls for SSDI reforms that better support people who want to work without penalty.

Backed by the mission of the National Industries for the Blind and NSITE, Joe’s story highlights what’s possible when employment systems are built for access, dignity, and opportunity.

Listen now! https://hubs.la/Q04p1T6z0

07/15/2026

"Just because we have a disability, that doesn't mean that we are not capable of being somebody in life."

The newest episode of the Heard & Empowered Podcast, which came out last week, connects with Israel Bolivar, the 2025 Peter J. Salmon National Employee of the Year winner and a standout member of the Vibrant Works team.

After losing both his sight and his hands as a child, Israel refused to let adversity define his future. Today, he shares his remarkable journey of resilience, meaningful employment and what workplace accommodation can unlock, and the power of believing in your abilities.

Listen now: https://hubs.la/Q04pGgLQ0

07/09/2026

"It's not the end of the world, it's the beginning of a new journey."

The latest episode of the Heard & Empowered Podcast connects with Israel Bolivar, the 2025 Peter J. Salmon National Employee of the Year winner and a standout member of the Vibrant Works team.

After losing both his sight and his hands as a child, Israel refused to let adversity define his future. Today, he shares his remarkable journey of resilience, meaningful employment and what workplace accommodations can unlock, and the power of believing in your abilities.

Listen now: https://hubs.la/Q04p3dH70

06/18/2026

“More agencies and organizations should take a chance on their people, because we’re out here, and we can do it.”

We’re so excited to share this new episode of Heard & Empowered! https://hubs.la/Q04l-2SR0

What does it mean to turn uncertainty into leadership? In this episode, Dean Thompson sits down with Jennifer Parrish, Manager of Business Services at The Lighthouse of Houston, advocate, and host of Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential.

Jennifer shares how she stepped into leadership, advocacy, and podcasting while navigating blindness, cancer, and life’s unexpected turns.

Listen now to Heard & Empowered!

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