CABVI Announces New Study Regarding Economic Impact

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired unveiled a study today, addressing the economic impacts of blind workers in the state.

According to the report, the economic impact of the eight agencies on New York's economy is 168-million, with about 60 percent of total sales coming from the federal government and out of state.

State Assemblyman, Anthony Brindisi, said the impact visually impaired workers have on the economy is clear.

"When you go through a security checkpoint at the airport, and you see those gloves that the TSA is wearing, they're made here," Brindisi said. "And they're packaged here, and that's a good thing."

Wayne LeGault, an employee for the C-A-B-V-I, has been employed by the company for nearly four years. He said the company has given him a chance to do something good.

"A man has to have a place to work," LeGault said. "He has to do something in his life. And just because you lose your eyesight, that doesn't mean that you're no good anymore. Here, they let you work again."

The Industries for the Blind of New York State has plans to double the number of visually impaired workers it employs at each affiliate to nearly 1,000 by 20-16.