This year, we’re honored to celebrate a very special milestone, Ben Micek’s 20th anniversary at Outlook Nebraska. Ben has been an essential part of our team for two decades, and his journey exemplifies both personal and professional growth, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds. Having been with Outlook since nearly the beginning, Ben has a unique perspective on how far the organization has come from moving locations and expanding shifts to launching new products and programs. He’s been here through it all.
How Early Support Systems Empowered Ben’s Journey
Ben’s journey with vision loss began at birth. He was born blind in his right eye and with no peripheral vision in his left. While the exact cause is unknown, he believes it may be genetic. Later, at age 18, he was also diagnosed with glaucoma, an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss over time. His family believes his diagnosis may have been triggered by the stress of undergoing multiple surgeries during childhood. Fortunately, there are treatments today that help slow or prevent vision loss from the disease.
His Individualized Education Program (IEP) ensured he had the accommodations and tools needed to succeed academically. Support from the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) provided orientation and braille training in his early high school years, helping him build essential skills for independence. Throughout it all, his family offered constant encouragement, reinforcing his confidence and determination to thrive.
It was NCBVI who first connected Ben with Outlook Nebraska through its Work and Gain Experience in the Summer (WAGES) program in 2005. At the time, he was looking to gain real-world work experience and connect with others in the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community. The six-week program, designed for BVI youth ages 16–21, offers job training along with skill-building and social opportunities.
Creating a Long-Term Career at Outlook Nebraska
Ben joined Outlook Nebraska when the organization was just five years old, working out of its former I Street location before the move. He recalls a highly collaborative environment where everyone wore multiple hats, shared workspaces, and came together to support one another as the organization’s mission took shape.
Today, Ben serves as an Accounting Associate, a role he’s held throughout his time at Outlook. He plays a key role in Outlook’s financial operations, managing accounts payable and handling bill payments for Outlook Nebraska and its related entities. “I knew nothing about accounting or Excel when I started,” Ben says. “Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned here.” This year, he led the rollout of a new electronic filing system, a significant initiative that replaced outdated processes and helped streamline operations across departments. To support his daily work, adaptive technologies such as ZoomText, CCTVs, and VoiceOver are his go-tos.
Among Ben’s favorite memories at Outlook is being named Associate of the Year and traveling to Washington, D.C. to attend a National Industries for the Blind (NIB) conference. Reflecting on what has meant the most to him during his career, Ben shares, “Just having Outlook see me as me. They don’t define me by my visual impairment; they see my potential.”
Ben’s Path to Self-Advocacy and Higher Education
Ben’s journey at Outlook has shaped him in many ways. “I’ve become more confident and outgoing,” he shares. “The people here definitely played a part in that, beyond just teaching me new skills.” Following the loss of his father, Ben experienced a major turning point in his life that led to even greater personal growth. “I had to reinvent myself,” he says. “I became my own advocate, something I wasn’t able to do when I was younger.”
In 2024, Ben earned his associate’s degree in Business and General Studies, fulfilling a goal he had been considering for some time. He credits a conversation with a fellow Outlook associate for giving him the push he needed to enroll at Metropolitan Community College. “If you have the drive and the right support system, whether that’s family or an organization, chase your dream if it’s what you want,” he says.
Having lived these experiences, Ben hopes more individuals in the BVI community are given the same opportunities. “Give people a second chance, or give more people who are BVI a first chance, by finding jobs or opportunities for them,” he says.
Over the years, Ben has become a reliable figure for our associates, not only due to his dedication to his role but also because of his sense of humor, positivity, and perspective. Ben has consistently demonstrated what is achievable when individuals are empowered to grow, learn, and feel a sense of belonging. His voice and experiences are vital parts of our history, and we are grateful for the insights he has shared with us. Ben, thank you for 20 years of loyalty, impact, and heart. We’re lucky to have you on our team.
Want to help create more stories like Ben’s? Learn how you can support Outlook’s mission of positively impacting everyone who is blind or visually impaired through employment and community programs. Get involved today!
