Poly Wrapping Machine to Create Jobs for Blind, Visually Impaired https://grants.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/proposals-2020/poly-wrapping-machine-to-create-jobs-for-blind-visually-impaired https://grants.dudleytdoughertyfoundation.org/@@site-logo/sitelogo-75x75.png

Poly Wrapping Machine to Create Jobs for Blind, Visually Impaired

Additional Information
Used for	We would like to purchase a second poly wrapping machine for our toilet paper/paper towel line in order to wrap more toilet paper faster. This would complement our first poly wrapping machine, which allowed us to wrap paper towels and toilet paper into packages to be sold in commissaries.
Benefits	This machine will allow us to make inroads into commercial markets, enhancing our sustainability and ability to provide jobs for the blind and visually disabled. This machine will be used by seven blind and visually impaired employees on two shifts. This will allow us to increase sales and provide more jobs for the blind and visually impaired.
Proposal Description	STLB’s manufacturing facilities create jobs either directly or indirectly for blind and visually impaired employees. We want to keep as many of these people working as possible. Keeping our facilities operational with the latest equipment is important in this process. An additional wrapping machine for the toilet paper/paper towel line will allow us to produce paper products quickly and efficiently and at a competitive cost. The wrapping machine will allow us to move larger volumes of product through the wrapping and packaging process than we would otherwise be able to move, allowing us to ship higher volumes with smaller storage space and less labor expense. Nationally, among persons 21 to 64 who have a visual impairment (defined as difficulty or inability to see words and letters in ordinary newspaper print even when wearing glasses or contact lenses), more than 45% are unemployed. Among individuals unable to see words and letters, this figure increases to 52.0%. Average annual earnings of individuals with visual impairments are about 33% lower than those earned by persons without disabilities. At South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, we provide opportunities that most businesses don’t—chances for people with a challenging disability to have a fulfilling job that allows them to support themselves and their families and reduce their dependence on government assistance.