Executive Director’s Message March 2026
Our Work is Good for Business
Businesses thrive when they invest in talented, capable employees, and inclusive hiring plays an important role in building a strong workforce. Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) partners with businesses across Oregon to help employers discover the value that skilled professionals who are blind bring to the workplace.
OCB understands that a company’s workforce is one of its most valuable resources and a key driver of success. Through our Business Relations Coordinators, OCB supports employers in meeting their hiring and workforce development goals. By connecting businesses with qualified job seekers who are blind, OCB helps organizations expand their talent pool while building more inclusive and innovative teams.
Hiring and retaining employees who are blind simply makes good business sense. When experienced employees develop vision loss, OCB works directly with both the employee and the employer to ensure a smooth transition. The agency provides training, assistive technology guidance, and accessibility consultations so that valued team members can remain productive and continue contributing to the organization’s success.
Hiring people who are blind is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart business decision. For businesses that seek to recruit and retain talented staff, including individuals who are blind in the candidate pool opens the door to new skills, perspectives, and problem-solving abilities. Inclusive hiring also reflects the communities that businesses serve, strengthening relationships with customers and demonstrating a commitment to diversity and opportunity. Employers throughout Oregon are increasingly recognizing that inclusive workplaces lead to stronger performance and better outcomes. Partnering with the Oregon Commission for the Blind helps a business build a resilient team, fill critical positions, and create workplaces where talent can thrive.
Dacia Johnson, MS, CRC
Executive Director