Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) Employer Challenge

Work Without Limits created the MCB 2020 Employer Challenge that asked employers to “Do One More Thing” to reduce stigma and increase employment for people with vision impairments including, but not limited to, offering:

• interviews, internships, externships, and jobs to qualified candidates and Disability Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs)
• training and information on blindness and MCB’s services to their current workforce, including staff involved in hiring decisions
• accommodations and support for incumbent employees who disclose they are sight impaired

Work Without Limits collaborated with MCB to create the 2020 Employer Challenge through the actions listed below:

• Formed and engaged an Employer Advisory Group to provide ongoing input to the development of the 2020 Employer Challenge brand and brand assets, marketing and communications strategy, materials, messaging, and training.
• Surveyed employers and identified the top concerns, needs, and pre-conceived notions that employers have about employing people who are blind and legally blind. The survey included an invitation to become early adopters of the 2020 Employer Challenge and set the stage for other employers to sign up.
• Developed a marketing plan, toolkit, campaign brand and brand assets that incorporated a vision into the future state of employment for individuals who are blind and legally blind in Massachusetts thus providing MCB with the ability to sustain the initiative beyond 2020.
• Created an educational workshop for employers that focused on the abilities of blind and legally blind people in the workplace and the services, resources, and technologies that are available to support individuals and employers.

Special thanks to the Employer Advisory Group (EAG) that provided invaluable campaign feedback and direction: