Business Details
45 Years
experience
Empowering Employment for the Blind Since 1981
Bestwork Industries for the Blind has dedicated over four decades to transforming lives through training and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 1981 as a small state contract workshop, we have evolved into a self-sustaining manufacturing facility and a full-service social enterprise. Our commitment to lean manufacturing and ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures high-quality production while empowering employees to achieve economic independence. Partnering with federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and local organizations, we deliver products ranging from military apparel to safety gear and offer business services including document scanning and custom kitting.Our recent expansion into the Blindness and Low-Vision Services Center (BLVSC) reflects our ongoing mission to provide comprehensive vocational rehabilitation and assistive technology training. With a workforce that includes individuals who are blind, we combine operational excellence with a deep understanding of accessibility needs to serve both public and private sectors nationwide.
Services
Manufacturing Contracts
Document Scanning
Custom Kitting
Supply Center
Blindness Services
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of experience supporting employment for the blind
- ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing processes
- Proven track record with federal government contracts
- Comprehensive vocational rehabilitation programs
- Social enterprise model combining mission with operational excellence
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
Services
Manufacturing Contracts
We produce military apparel, safety gear, and industrial textiles using ISO-certified processes. Our workforce includes trained individuals who are blind, ensuring quality while advancing social impact. Clients benefit from federal contract compliance and scalable production capacity.
Document Scanning
Our document scanning service converts paper records to digital formats using trained personnel who are blind or visually impaired. This solution reduces storage needs while maintaining compliance for government and commercial clients across healthcare, banking, and education sectors.
Custom Kitting
We provide tailored kitting and light assembly services for promotional materials, medical supplies, and tools. Our workforce handles seasonal projects and long-term contracts, ensuring timely delivery of complete product kits for commercial and government clients.
Supply Center
Our virtual supply platform offers 40,000+ products including office supplies, cleaning materials, and tools. Customized ordering links ensure clients access specific products while supporting our mission of employment for individuals who are blind.
Blindness Services
The upcoming BLVSC will provide low-vision evaluations, assistive technology training, and vocational rehabilitation. Services include orientation mobility training and adaptive technology instruction, addressing critical needs for individuals experiencing vision loss.
People
Jon Katz
President & CEO
Jon Katz leads Bestwork with experience from military, private, and nonprofit sectors. He drives expansion into social enterprise models while maintaining the organization's 40-year mission of employment for individuals who are blind.
Tom Black
Vice President of Products and Business Services
Tom Black diversifies Bestwork's business lines while securing commercial and government contracts. He focuses on expanding non-textile product offerings and knowledge-based services to grow employment opportunities.
Shannon Brown
Director of Workforce Development
Shannon Brown leads outreach efforts to connect public and private organizations with Bestwork's mission. She ensures alignment between workforce training programs and evolving industry needs for individuals who are visually impaired.
MaryAnn Ragone
Director of BLVSC
MaryAnn Ragone directs the new Blindness and Low-Vision Services Center. With 30 years in vision care, she develops programs including low-vision exams, assistive technology training, and vocational rehabilitation services.
Arlene Still
Machine/Sewing Operator & Advocate
Arlene Still operates textile machinery on military apparel lines and serves as a NIB-trained advocate. She represents Bestwork in disability policy discussions, drawing on her experience since losing vision in 2007.
Questions
What is Bestwork's primary mission?
We provide training and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired through manufacturing contracts, business services, and vision rehabilitation programs.
What products do you manufacture?
We produce military apparel like Navy parka liners, Army FREE t-shirts, and safety vests, along with industrial wiping cloths, laundry nets, and non-sterile gloves.
How can businesses partner with Bestwork?
Companies can partner through federal contracts, custom kitting projects, document scanning services, or procurement through our virtual supply platform with 40,000+ products.
What is the BLVSC?
The Blindness and Low-Vision Services Center offers low-vision clinics, assistive technology training, and vocational rehabilitation to empower individuals experiencing vision loss.
How does Bestwork support workforce development?
We provide skills training, on-the-job experience, and vocational rehabilitation while connecting employers with qualified workers who are blind or visually impaired.
Can I tour your facility?
Yes, we offer facility tours to demonstrate our manufacturing processes, employment programs, and upcoming BLVSC services. Contact us to schedule a visit.
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