Oregon Commission for the Blind

05/21/2026

Today, we join others around the world in recognizing Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).

Observed on Thursday, May 21, GAAD marks its 15th year of raising awareness about accessibility, inclusion and the lived experiences of people with disabilities. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of removing barriers and creating communities where everyone can participate fully.

At the Oregon Commission for the Blind, we support Oregonians experiencing vision loss through training, resources and guidance that promote independence and quality of life. GAAD reinforces the importance of understanding and inclusion in everything we do.

Learn how the Oregon Commission for the Blind supports Oregonians with vision loss: https://www.oregon.gov/blind/pages/index.aspx

05/13/2026

Last week, Ethan Sulyma was recognized during Public Service Recognition Week as the Oregon Commission for the Blind’s 2026 Public Service Ambassador.

Ethan is a system administrator based out of OCB’s Salem office, where he has been a vital part of our IT support team for the past three years. His work requires deep knowledge of how adaptive technology used by people who are blind integrates with the systems our staff rely on every day, and he approaches every request with patience, professionalism and care.

State Employee Recognition Day honors employees whose daily work reflects Oregon’s values of integrity, accountability, excellence and equity. Ethan brings these values to life through his calm, solution focused support, his ability to explain complex issues in clear and reassuring ways, and his willingness to go the extra mile to support both colleagues and clients.

Congratulations, Ethan, and thank you for your dedication to our mission and to the people we serve. We are proud to have you representing Team OCB as our 2026 Public Service Ambassador.

04/30/2026

Want to stay up to date on the latest news from the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB)?

Subscribe to The Voice, OCB’s monthly newsletter, to receive updates on upcoming events, success stories, and resources available to you.

Don’t miss out—sign up today to start receiving The Voice.

👉 Subscribe to The Voice newsletter:

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORCB/subscriber/new

04/28/2026

National Apprenticeship Week – Intern Spotlight 🌟

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re excited to spotlight Jon Boisvert, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) Intern with the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB).

Jon joined OCB in September 2025 as an intern from the Portland State University Master’s in Counseling program where they are working toward becoming a Certified Recovery Counselor. In this role, Jon works alongside vocational rehabilitation counselors to support clients through meaningful, hands‑on experiences. Their work includes one‑on‑one résumé building and helping clients address barriers to progress.

What Jon values most about their experience at OCB is connecting with clients in ways that build trust and support forward movement.

Outside of work, Jon enjoys biking around town, making music with friends, and bird‑watching. No matter the season, a visit to a pumpkin patch remains a favorite.

We’re grateful for Jon’s thoughtful contributions and proud to support interns and apprentices as they grow their skills and careers. Happy National Apprenticeship Week!

04/23/2026

Success Story Spotlight 💙

Jordan Williams has always been driven to give back. Jordan’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and purpose in action.

After experiencing vision loss, Jordan connected with the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) and attended the Orientation and Career Center in Portland, where participants build skills for independence and employment. There, Jordan developed new skills, gained confidence through training, and set a goal of earning a college degree in social work.

With continued support from OCB, Jordan built valuable work experience and moved closer to that goal. Today, Jordan is working in a dream role as an Advocacy Specialist at Albertina Kerr, supporting others in the community.

Jordan’s story reminds us that persistence, opportunity and support can lead to meaningful impact.

04/20/2026

To celebrate U.S. Department of Labor National Apprenticeship Week, join the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) for a one‑hour virtual session focused on workforce development within state agencies.

This Power Hour will explore how state agencies can host meaningful work experiences that support both participants and host worksites. OCB offers multiple ways to create successful work experiences, including a spotlight on our Summer Work Experience Program.

You’ll also hear from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), one of OCB’s long‑time hosting partners, about how they’ve successfully implemented work experience programs within a state agency.

Whether you’re new to hosting or looking to expand your involvement, this session will help you understand what’s possible and how to get started.

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10–11 a.m. PDT

Where: Zoom (access link provided via the U.S. Department of Labor National Apprenticeship Week website)

👉 Learn more about U.S. Department of Labor National Apprenticeship Week:

https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week

04/16/2026

The Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) invites business owners, executives, HR teams, hiring managers, and employees to join us for an upcoming Business Lunch & Learn.

Assistive Technology Specialists from the Oregon Commission for the Blind will explain what digital accessibility means for people with low vision and blindness, and share practical, real‑world examples.

You’ll walk away with bite‑sized, actionable tips you can use right away to make your organization’s digital spaces more accessible.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 12–1 p.m. PDT

Where: Zoom (virtual event)

👉 Register for the Business Lunch & Learn:

https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/l_eUFpQrRqiEMhnOFi0MXw #/registration

We hope to see you there!

03/31/2026

that OCB has an Orientation and Career Center?

The Orientation and Career Center for the Blind (OCCB) is a residential training program in Portland supporting individuals who are blind or have low vision as they build independence and career readiness.

Through hands-on instruction, supportive community and individualized vocational plans, students gain practical skills from white cane travel and assistive technology to career preparation and self-advocacy.

Learn more about the OCCB and the work they do every day!

Link: https://www.oregon.gov/blind/individual-programs/pages/occb.aspx

03/31/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight 🌟

Meet Shauntel, OCB's incredible Business Relations Coordinator.

Shauntel has worked at OCB for almost 2 years and is grateful for the teamwork and mentorship she’s received during her time here. She enjoys working among passionate and committed OCB teammates, clients, community partners, and businesses.

Outside of work, Shauntel enjoys solving puzzles and exploring the beautiful state of Oregon. You can often find her on a walk or watching the sunset!

We’re so grateful to have Shauntel on our team and appreciate all the work they do helping our clients and community partners!

03/30/2026

03/19/2026

Success Story Spotlight!

Jorge Zepeda Fernandez is starting 2026 with incredible momentum. With support from OCB, Jorge earned his GED and a certificate from Portland Community College’s Addiction Counseling Program, completing courses in Spanish designed to serve culturally diverse communities.

Now, he’s launching his career in case management, continuing to build independent living skills, and even writing a book.

Jorge’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and the right support, new chapters can begin at any time, and they can be truly transformative.