LOUISVILLE, KY (August 4, 2022)—Paul Ferrara of Louisville, Kentucky, graduated from the Blind Leaders Development Program at the American Foundation for the Blind’s (AFB) special commencement ceremony on August 2, 2022.
Launched in 2020, the Blind Leaders Development Program was created by AFB to increase upward mobility and create meaningful leadership experiences for individuals who are blind or low vision, who are already employed and in the early stages of their careers.
While in the program, Mr. Ferrara and his fellow graduates received extensive training in leadership, networking, communication, and other key skills for advancing in their careers and improving their effectiveness as they achieve higher levels of authority and influence. Other facets of the program included following the Leadership Challenge curriculum, attending a series of webinars, and being paired with a successful blind or low vision mentor who provided honest advice and feedback about what it takes to succeed in the workforce. Mr. Ferrara was among 18 graduates of the Centennial Cohort, named as such in light of AFB celebrating 100 years advocating on behalf of those who are blind or have low vision throughout 2021.
Mr. Ferrara is the Communications Accessibility Editor at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), where his duties include testing and reviewing departmental documents and websites for accessibility with screen readers, as well as serving as the voice of many of APH’s webinars. He also hosts a segment on APH’s Changemakers podcast, called Partners with Paul, which involves interviewing individuals from companies that partner with APH to develop varying types of products. Before joining APH, he spent two years in customer service and then six years in collections for CitiBank.
Mr. Ferrara has always been passionate about accessibility, and has worked to develop relationships with accessibility professionals from other companies whenever possible. He also holds two master’s degrees in theology.
“These 18 professionals, including Paul, have honed their knowledge and skills to take on greater authority and responsibility in their professional fields,” said Neva Fairchild, who oversees the program. “Due to their intensive learning and practice, as well as the work of their mentors, for whom we are all grateful, Paul and his fellow graduates now have the imperative to create and sustain a more inclusive workforce.”
Since its inception in 2020, the program has seen a steady rise in applicants. The recently-launched third cohort is the largest class to date. For more information, visit AFB.org/BlindLeaders.
