Blog Assignment 001 - Industries of the Blind

When we first walked over to the Industries of the Blind last Friday I was not quite sure what to think because from the outside the building is really bland and does not stand out at all. Then when we first walked in and all I saw was white wall I was still a little worried that this might not be a very interesting visit. However, after the visit I have realized these original impressions are not true at all. There is a cute little relaxation garden at the bottom of the front staircase that is really pretty but given what they want in their space this garden does not fit at all. I think instead of a garden it would be a lot better if there were some kind of display there to show some of the interesting products that the people working there have created.

Garden Area

The second floor of the lobby space was still not very exciting with all of the simple white walls and I think would really improve with the addition of some colors. I like all of the windows in the conference room because it adds a lot of natural light to the space and gives the building a connection to the world outside.

2nd Floor of Lobby

2nd Floor of Lobby

I think that David Lopresti seemed like a great supervisor and he would be enjoyable to work for. I think that having him as a boss is one of the things that makes these people so happy to come to work everyday because it is a very free and enjoyable environment and he treats them all with kindness and respect.

David Lopresti

I think out of all the products they are making over at the Industries of the Blind the one that I find most interesting is the pen for the military that can be taken apart and used for some many different things if it is needed. Mr. Lopresti said that originally the building had windows into the factory space on the first floor but then they removed them because they did not want people to see what they were doing and I think that it would have been better to leave the windows in. If they had left the windows in then they might have sparked some interest in the people walking by, because they stuff they are doing in there is really interesting and now they have removed the windows but now they want them back for around that same reason. It is great how this company has given these people another chance at having a normal life; given them back their dignity, and how they are treated no differently from someone else so that they wont feel different. In this company you matter as a person not whether you are blind or not. The Industries of the Blind is a very open organization and it makes it fun to walk around and see what they are doing, all of the people are really friendly and nice to be around. Mr. Lopresti said that one thing they really strive for in this company is eliminating the idea that blindness is a disability. As I walked though the space I noticed that there is a lot of wasted space in some areas, which seems like it could pose a problem with people who cannot see because there is nothing for them to go by to get through the space. Even being able to see I still was not really sure of the correct path though the factory space.

Factory Space

It was really fascinating to see them making all of their products, shirts, harnesses, pens, pants, and neck pads and seeing how efficiently and precisely they complete all of their work. 

Shirt and Harness designed for the Military

Pants

Pen making process

Clipboard Machine

Shirt making stations

Protective neck gear for Military use

I think overall the spaces could all really use more windows to give the space itself a little more pleasant feel so that the space with match the people working there. I also think that if the interior of the ceiling with all of the wires, pipes, etc. was covered up that it would not be as distracting because I think that all of that stuff showing took away from some of the other stuff and made it seem too industrial. I really enjoyed touring the Industries of the Blind and meeting some of the extraordinary people that work there.

Even more pictures: