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May 16, 2007

DOC Awarded for Providing Employment Opportunities to the Blind and Visually Impaired

MADISON – Secretary Matt Frank announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) has been awarded by the Wisconsin Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for the Department’s continued support and assistance in enlarging the employment opportunities for persons who are blind and visually impaired.

“It is my honor to accept this award on behalf of the Department,” Secretary Frank said. “The Business Enterprise Program is the single largest employer of blind and visually impaired individuals in the state. Through the Department's strong partnership with the BEP and the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, we are working with the blind and visually impaired to remove barriers so that they can reach their full potential by becoming employed with pride, dignity and independence.”

The BEP is a partnership between the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Wisconsin (RSVW), the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), their Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and the State of Wisconsin. 

As part of the Randolph-Sheppard vending facility program, DOC provides qualified blind and visually impaired individuals the opportunity to operate vending facilities and other small businesses within institutions.

The vending facility program is one of the many ways in which DOC works to provide opportunities and independence for the blind and visually impaired. For example, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, in 2004, presented the DOC with its Distinguished Contribution Award for the Wisconsin Braille program, recognizing the excellent quality of Braille documents and textbooks produced by inmates at Oshkosh Correctional Institution (OSCI).

In addition, Sanger B. Powers Correctional Center (SBPCC) operates the Northeast Leader Dog Puppy Project, providing training and foster care for puppies that will go on to become leader dogs for the blind.

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is a private, non-for-profit agency that collaborates with the BEP and DOC. Its mission is to promote the dignity and independence of the people in Wisconsin who are blind and visually impaired by providing services, advocating legislation and educating the general public.

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05/16/2007