Nebraska based company paving the way for visually impaired employees

Over two decades ago Ken Blackman lost his sight after suffering complications from diabetes.

The father of two lost his job and his purpose, until a local company took him in.

“The opportunity that Outlook has given me is getting my pride back, my confidence, my self–esteem, and being able to go to work,” Blackman, who works on the companies line, said.

Outlook Nebraska makes toilet paper and paper towel products for the U.S. government, producing over half a million rolls a day.

The Omaha based company is the largest visually impaired employer in the Midwest with over 60% of its workforce being blind or visually impaired.

“We are proud to say it’s not about whether or not someone can do a job, it’s about how and the tools we can put into place to make that happen,” Rachel Carver, the public relations facilitator for Outlook Nebraska said. 

The toilet paper factory is specifically designed to accommodate visually impaired employees like Blackman.

Extra large monitors use big fonts and special colors for those with low vision, boxes on the production line have raised lines on them so employees know what each one is for, and machines provide employees with audio guidance.

Outlook produces enough toilet paper for a family of four for two years every minute.  

But in between the thousands of cases of toilet paper the company produces it’s changing lives and helping people find their purpose again, one roll at a time.

“It’s just wonderful to have that feeling to come to work and just to be able to be productive and to be able to earn a paycheck to provide for my family,” Blackman said.

Outlook also offers free training classes and other opportunities for the visually impaired, which are run entirely on donations.

If you would like to learn more about Outlook Nebraska you can visit their website or click here.