For Immediate Release
September 7, 2018 

Media Contact: Kandy Cayce
Division of Services for the Blind
[email protected]

Handley honored by DSB: Attending an achievement award presentation are, from the left, John Young, supervisor at Evergreen Packaging; Shayla Nelson, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at DHS Division of Services for the Blind; John Handley, Area Consumer of the Year; and Eric Edwards, Pine Bluff Downtown Lions Club President. Evergreen Packaging was honored as a business partner for its commitment to promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment.

Pine Bluff Machine Operator with Visual Impairments Earns Achievement Award 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – John Handley of Pine Bluff has been named the area’s outstanding Consumer of the Year by the Department of Human Services Division of Services for the Blind (DSB).

He has worked over 40 years as a Machine Operator and Training Coordinator at Evergreen Packaging in Pine Bluff.

DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Shayla Nelson nominated Handley for the achievement award because of his determination to overcome adversity and succeed at work. He was selected from an area that includes Jefferson, Arkansas, Desha, Dallas, Lincoln, Cleveland, and Drew counties.           

The award presentation was made at the noon meeting of the Pine Bluff Downtown Lions Club on September 7, at the Pine Bluff Country Club.

His employer, Evergreen Packaging, was recognized by DSB as an outstanding business partner for its commitment to promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment.

Handley said he had been diagnosed with cataracts and glaucoma and required treatment due to his blurred vision.  His eye care provider referred him to DSB, which paid the remaining costs after his insurance for surgery and related medical treatment.

“I am very pleased with the services I received from DSB. I recommend them to anyone who needs help with their eye treatments so they can work,” Handley said. 
DSB also provided counseling and guidance and low vision aids to help Mr. Handley increase his level of independence at home and work.

Handley serves as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent at Mount Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff.  He and his wife Brenda of 41 years have three daughters and two granddaughters. They enjoy spending time with their family.

This is the 11th year that DSB has given Consumer of the Year awards to recognize individuals who have managed their rehabilitation plans, gained marketable skills, secured good jobs, and become role models for others. An overall state winner will be selected at the end of the year.

DSB provides vocational rehabilitation services to adults who are blind or severely visually impaired and whose goal is successful employment. The division also serves youth and older blind individuals. For information about DSB’s programs and services, visit the DSB website at https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/dsb, or call 1-800-960-9270, 501-682-5463, or deaf relay 711.

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