Posted on October 17, 2022
Championing Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals through Blindness Awareness Month
Cleanlogic, the inclusive and socially conscious beauty brand that has pioneered the use of functional braille across all its product packaging since 2001, announces its campaign to shine a light on Blindness Awareness Month this October. The goal of this partnership is to recognize and support the over 25 million people in the U.S. who are blind or visually impaired and acknowledge that a staggering 70% of this population is unemployed. This promotion will not only raise awareness of this important cause but help fund The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s Employment Initiative program.
Cleanlogic will be donating a portion of proceeds from the purchase of Cleanlogic products from more than 180 Meijer stores across the Midwest to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI), a West Michigan-based organization that helps blind and visually impaired individuals thrive in a sighted world.
Inspired by CEO and Founder Isaac Shapiro’s mother, who lost her sight as a child, Cleanlogic has been a disruptor CPG brand in the wellness category by providing accessible and inclusive braille product descriptors on 100% of their product packaging.
This year, Cleanlogic is doubling down on its dedication to the blind and visually impaired communities, demonstrating that the brand is not just a pioneer in product development, but also in what it means to be a truly socially responsible company that sets the bar and paves the way for others across the beauty industry.
“At Cleanlogic we’ve been fueled by our mission to “Inspire All to Achieve Independence and Success.” Every October we recognize the importance of Blindness Awareness Month. Through partnerships like that with ABVI and Meijer, as well as our personal commitment to hiring more blind and visually impaired team members, we look forward to elevating our common purposes to help drive the unemployment rate amongst the blind and visually impaired communities,” said Cleanlogic Co-Founder Isaac Shapiro.
ABVI will use the funds to support its new employment initiative program, launching in 2023, aimed at reducing the barriers that people with blindness and visual impairment face when trying to participate in today’s workforce. The program will augment efforts to secure employment for people with blindness/visual impairment in our community. It will first work directly with individuals who are blind or visually impaired to understand their strengths and interests, assist them with their resume and cover letter, teach them about their rights, and prepare them for entering the workforce. In addition, ABVI’s Employment Coordinator will work in the community to build relationships with employers, teaching them about the technology and accommodations available to make the workforce more inclusive for people who are blind or visually impaired.
“ABVI’s employment initiative is designed to help reduce the drastically high unemployment rate among blind and low-vision individuals in Michigan and beyond.” said Cassaundra Wolf, board chair of ABVI. “We are truly grateful to partners like Cleanlogic for their support in our efforts to help individuals living with low vision or blindness thrive in a sighted world.”
To tie this brand pillar back into the Blindness Awareness Month campaign, Cleanlogic will continue to combat the misperceptions of blind employees in corporate culture and address the staggering unemployment statistics by further committing to hiring and growing their team of blind and low vision associates. This holiday season, 100% of the Cleanlogic Holiday Gift Sets will be thoughtfully assembled and packed with love by Cleanlogic’s blind and visually impaired team members.
In addition to supporting Cleanlogic’s purpose by carrying its product in the majority of its stores, Meijer is a retail leader in supporting the blind and low-vision community. The retailer was among the first in the Midwest to offer access to visual assistance app, Aira, for free in all its stores and has been named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for six straight years.
With these initiatives, Cleanlogic is determined to continue to drive awareness for Blindness Awareness Month, while helping blind and visually impaired individuals lead more independent lives.
Media Coverage of the Aira App demonstration included:
WOOD TV8
FOX 17
WXYZ TV in Detroit
WLNS 6 in Lansing
UP Matters in Marquette
About Cleanlogic
Founded in 2001 by Isaac Shapiro and Mike Ghesser, Cleanlogic produces and socially responsible bath and body care products to its worldwide. Cleanlogic was inspired by CEO & Founder Isaac Shapiro’s mother, who lost her sight as a child. Recognizing a need in the space, the company launched as one of the first to feature functional braille on all product packaging, supporting the over 25 million people in the U.S. who are blind or have low vision. Cleanlogic is the fastest growing global brand in the bath and body accessory industry and the top brand in that category in the U.S grocery channel. For more information, visit www.cleanlogic.com.
About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 499 supercenters, neighborhood markets and Express locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
About The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
ABVI was founded in 1913 and is dedicated to assisting those with visual impairments or blindness, working hard to ensure that clients can continue to live independently with their remaining vision. ABVI helps clients by providing low vision services, rehabilitation, education, and vision aids. The team of expert low vision professionals has dedicated their lives to ensuring that every client continues to thrive in a sighted world. In 2020 ABVI became an independent subsidiary of Mary Free Bed, a world leader in rehabilitative care. For more information, visit www.abvimichigan.org.
About Inspiration Foundation
Founded in 2006, by Isaac Shapiro and his mother, the Inspiration Foundation is dedicated to advancing the lives of the visually impaired by training individuals to use adaptive technology to obtain employment. For more information, visit www.inspirationsfoundation.org.
