Outlook-Nebraska Inc

Programs: Employment programs - outlook nebraska has built a self-sustaining business model designed to create employment for people who are visually impaired in manufacturing and administrative roles. Outlook nebraska employs people who are visually impaired throughout the organization; about 60% of our associates have impaired vision and we are the largest employer of the blind in nebraska. Outlook operates a manufacturing facility that produces toilet tissue and paper towels. More than 75% of the workforce engaged in the production of these products is legally blind, qualifying our products for mandatory preferential status for federal government purchase. The employment programs comprise most of the revenue and operating expenses in our financials, primarily driven by the cost of the raw material. In 2017, we purchased and converted over 9,000 tons of tissue into saleable paper products, this along with other raw materials, representing over 54% of the organization's operating expense and 52% of the program revenue. In 2017, outlook nebraska's operations supported 102,365 hours of paid employment for blind associates of which 70,843 labor hours were directly involved with the manufacturing operation.

enrichment programs - assist members of our community who are dealing with vision loss to learn new ways to overcome their challenges, acquire new skills, gain additional confidence in their capabilities, and experience greater personal independence. The programs also help the public to better understand the needs of the visually impaired creating a more inclusive community. Outlook offers a continuum of donor-funded programs within these core functional themes: individual training on adaptive technology to help the blind use computers, smartphones and tablets, magnification and braille devices; recreational activities supported by adaptive sports specialists; cultural activities providing opportunities to experience live theatrical performances and create art; and educational events to help our community members better understand the capabilities of our blind neighbors. In 2017, our programs delivered 4,343 direct service hours to blind and visually impaired individuals; 3,712 hours in relief for the individual's support system, 2,044 hours of training for providers of service to the visually impaired, and 2,591 hours of community education. Our programming engaged a total of over 3,500 participants, including 572 visually impaired.