Building on Strengths: Ivana’s Success at an Inclusive Workplace
Learn how Ivana, a DeafBlind participant supported by Helen Keller National Center, found success at Tandem's inclusive workplace through innovative communication systems, braille signage, and thoughtful accommodations that benefit all employees.
After being unexpectedly laid off from a stable administrative position when her company changed ownership, Ivana was ready to get back to work. As a former Helen Keller National Center participant who has continued receiving employment services in her Indianapolis community since 2021, Ivana recently found the perfect match at Tandem—and both she and her new employer are thriving.
In her role as Mail Insertion Sweeper, Ivana collects sealed envelopes from conveyor belts and fills USPS mailing trays, ensuring each envelope is properly sealed and correctly positioned. What makes this success story remarkable isn’t just Ivana’s excellent performance—it’s how Tandem, where 75% of employees are people with disabilities, has embraced inclusive practices that benefit everyone.
Working in a noisy warehouse environment, Ivana and her colleagues have developed an efficient communication system using brailled communication cards and touch cues. When her tray is full, she holds up a card reading “Tray seems full, please check.” A coworker responds with two shoulder taps meaning “I’m taking the tray,” and Ivana knows to get a fresh one. Later her coworker shows her the card that reads “break” and guides her to the break room. This seamless teamwork demonstrates how thoughtful accommodation creates workplace efficiency.
Tandem’s commitment goes beyond communication systems. They’ve installed braille signage throughout the facility, modified restroom doors for accessibility, and trained employees on emergency procedures for DeafBlind colleagues. The company actively seeks people’s unique strengths—recruiting blind employees for roles requiring tactile precision, deaf employees for noisy environments, and autistic employees for detailed data work.
“They told us they felt confident supporting deaf employees but wanted to learn about blindness,” explains Genevieve Barnes, Ivana’s DeafBlind Employment Specialist. “As challenges arise, they simply address them. If a trash can presents an mobility barrier, they move it. They’re continuously learning and adapting through partnership with HKNC and other organizations.”
After completing her first month on the job, Ivana is requesting additional hours and is preparing to work independently without job coach support. Her success at Tandem showcases how the right employer partnership creates opportunities for everyone to excel.
