John Matchette, a Managing Director at Accenture Federal Services, was recently awarded the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Customer Appreciation Award for his personal and professional interest in creating and supporting jobs for people who are blind.
“We are proud of John’s leadership, dedication and important contributions to NIB and the fabric of our industry,” said David Moskovitz, Accenture Federal Services Chief Executive. “Creating and maintaining opportunities for the blind is another example of our commitment to continuously fostering a diverse workforce of talented individuals.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 70 percent of working-age, blind Americans are not employed. In an effort to change that statistic, Matchette, who leads Accenture’s U.S. government public safety business, worked with NIB to expand the organization’s service-oriented offerings such as Section 508 Assurance Services, contact center services, document management and administrative services.
Section 508, an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, mandates that all electronic and information technology systems, including websites, that are developed, procured, maintained or used by the federal government, must be accessible to people with disabilities. Matchette helped NIB launch new service delivery offerings to address software, systems and website accessibility, and usability conformance to meet Section 508 web content accessibility guidelines.
“The partnership between Accenture and NIB is truly a ‘win-win’ for both organizations,” said Kevin Lynch, president and chief executive officer of NIB. “NIB’s Section 508 Assurance services provide excellent career opportunities for talented people who are blind, and Accenture and its customers receive the expertise needed to ensure accessibility of electronic information.”
Section 508 Compliance Services are now provided under Accenture’s information technology integration and development contract for the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). Accenture and NIB are planning additional service offerings for an increased base of customers.
