Mission Statement

To provide training and employment for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, to facilitate independence and self-reliance in all aspects of their lives.

Vision Statement

It is the vision of Mississippi Industries for the Blind (MIB) to be the preferred employer of Mississippians who are blind or visually impaired throughout the whole state of Mississippi. MIB will have several manufacturing locations across the state providing employment opportunities. All wages paid will be competitive with commercial organizations. The opportunities provided will span all levels of the organization.

MIB will be a leader in providing information to individuals who are blind or visually impaired regarding the available assistance and technology that can enhance independence and self reliance in their careers and personal lives.

Values Statement

We will respect each of our fellow employees for their abilities to perform the multitude of jobs at MIB. All employees have a vital contribution to make to MIB’s success. Every employee will use their abilities to their fullest. When necessary, we will eagerly help each other to succeed in our tasks so that MIB can be a success. We will uphold the trust placed in all of us to maintain a safe and productive work place.

We will respect the needs of our customers and will strive to meet their needs not only in quality, but in delivery and quantities. We realize that without our customers we would not be able to complete our mission and this responsibility is taken very seriously.  We value our partnership with our vendors. We will treat our vendors fairly and honestly. The partnership can succeed only if both parties succeed in the endeavors undertaken.  MIB will be a good corporate citizen in the communities we serve.

AbilityOne Participating Agency

Mississippi Industries for the Blind is proud to be an agency that participates in the AbilityOne program. Through this program, MIB manufactures numerous products for Federal Government agencies. Some of these customers include the Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), General Services Administration (GSA), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The range of products purchased by these agencies go from barracks bags to cellulose sponges to cotton mopheads to fire fighting tools and straps.

The AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, helps nearly 50,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities find employment. The program coordinates its activities with nonprofit organizations across the country to employ these individuals and provide goods and services to the federal government at fair market prices.

The AbilityOne Program is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities in the country. It coordinates participation with nearly 600 nonprofit agencies throughout the United States and represents nearly $3 billion in products and services purchased by the federal government. The AbilityOne Program operates at nearly 1,000 locations representing 40 government agencies nationally.

The AbilityOne Program is administered by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (operating as the U.S. AbilityOne Commission), an independent federal agency, with assistance from SourceAmerica (the new name for NISH as of July 1, 2013) and National Industries for the Blind.

For additional information about the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act, the AbilityOne Program and the governmental guidelines, visit www.abilityone.gov.

Related Links

State of Mississippi

Lions Club of Mississippi