THE VOICE
Vision · Opportunities · Innovation · Choices · Expertise .
Oregon Commission for the Blind, February 2020
Photo of Dacia Johnson OCB Executive Director
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

This year we will celebrate the 100 th anniversary of the national public vocational rehabilitation program! It is a great opportunity to celebrate the work that is being done around the nation to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Over the past 100 years, public policy has shifted to ensure all of our citizens, including individuals with disabilities, have access to the many opportunities available to live a full and productive life. Having a career of their choosing affords them an opportunity to support themselves and their families, and to pursue personal interests and aspirations. Through programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, our agency connects job seekers who are blind with businesses who are searching for talented employees. 

Governor Brown's vision for Oregon is inclusive of all our citizens and supports a government that represents the communities we serve. The agency’s recently developed vision statement, "Blindness without barriers: A state of inclusion for Oregonians with vision loss," expresses how we are doing our part to build an Oregon that works for all of our citizens.  

This edition of The Voice features entrepreneurs who are blind working in the agency’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP). I hope you enjoy reading about some of the many exciting developments in this program taking place in 2020!
DACIA JOHNSON, OCB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM UPDATES
MODERNIZATION EFFORTS UNDERWAY!
2020 will bring a number of changes to the OCB Business Enterprise Program. The BEP mission is to promote independence by providing business opportunities in food concessions to Oregonians who are legally blind. In addition to updating physical vending locations, the Commission is working hard to fully implement the provisions outlined by 2017’s HB 3253. Below are some of BEP's current projects.
New North Mall Espresso Stand - Salem
Photo of new espresso stand in North Mall building - Salem
In early January 2020, an extensive remodel of the North Mall espresso stand wrapped up. The remodel was the result of a unique collaboration between three State agencies: State Surplus acquired a new espresso stand and reached out to OCB, after which DAS provided their expertise to ensure proper installation. The result is a significantly modernized opportunity for an Oregonian who is blind. The cost savings by acquiring the stand through surplus was approximately $40,000 - $50,000.
New Labor & Industries Micro Market - Salem
Photo of kiosk at new micro market in Labor & Industries building in Salem
Photo of soup and coffee stand at new micro market in labor & Industries building in Salem
One of BEP's newest Vending Facility Managers recently opened a micro market at the Labor and Industries Building in Salem. With this modern design, customers can purchase both handmade foods and traditional vending items using a self-service kiosk. The micro market had a soft opening in mid-January and plans to expand its fresh food offerings and variety over time.
Oregon State Capitol Café  - Salem
Last year, a new BE Vending Facility Manager took over the café at the Capitol. The new manager provided an updated menu with a large assortment of healthy options as well as the popular Build-A-Burger! The Commission has been working closely with Capitol staff to update the commercial kitchen equipment in order to decrease customer wait times and increase profitability.  
Self-Service Vending Initiative
As OCB works hard to fully implement the provisions outlined by 2017's HB 3253, vending machines are being readied for installation. Vending Facility Managers who operate vending routes will each receive 50 vending machines that will allow them to directly serve their customers and receive all of the proceeds without relying on privately owned vending companies.
COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND GETS NEW VISION STATEMENT
Thank you to all who provided input into the development of the agency’s vision statement! Our Commission has approved the following vision statement to guide the work of the agency:

Blindness without barriers: 
A state of inclusion for Oregonians with vision loss.  
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 100 YEARS LATER
Logo for federal recognition of 100 years of vocational rehabilitation. It says VR 100 in stylized red white and blue lettering.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first federally funded program to assist people with disabilities who did not acquire their disabilities as a result of serving in the military.

President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Fess Act of 1920, also known as the Industrial Rehabilitation Act and referred to as "The National Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act," into law on June 2, 1920.
AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AWARENESS MONTH
Illustration of a cross section of a human eye showing the location of the macula at the rear of the retina at the back of the eye.
February is a month for awareness of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness among older Americans. It is a problem with your retina . It happens when a part of the retina called the macula  is damaged (illustration at right).

New treatments have dramatically changed the course of this disease over the last 10 years, making AMD more manageable than ever before. But early detection is a critical first step.

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