Gilles Pepin was recently honored for his remarkable leadership in designing technologies in partnership with the NFB and pursuing our joint mission to support blind people in living the lives they want. The recognition came during the 2023 National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Convention, where Gilles, Chairman and Founder of HumanWare, was presented with the esteemed Kenneth Jernigan Award.
“The Kenneth Jernigan Award, bestowed by the world’s foremost organization of the blind, is an incredibly prestigious accolade and has only been awarded three times thus far. As an individual who holds great admiration for the groundbreaking contributions of Dr. Jernigan in serving the blind community, I am deeply moved by the acknowledgment of my dedication. Being recognized with this award makes me feel an integral part of the NFB family,” says Gilles Pepin.
This close cooperation with NFB members has played a pivotal role in numerous aspects of our product development journey. From the inception of design concepts to prototyping, BETA testing, and continuous enhancements, our collaboration with the NFB has been instrumental in shaping and improving our many product offerings. Gilles’ legacy is defined by his dedication to creating and nurturing enduring partnerships with a wide range of organizations within the blind and visually impaired community. This exceptional collaboration with the NFB is a great example of his work throughout the past 35 years.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Gilles for this well-deserved award, and we are honored to continue to build upon this invaluable partnership he has created with the NFB,” expressed Bruce Miles, Chief Executive Officer of HumanWare.
About the Kenneth Jernigan Award
The Kenneth Jernigan Award is a distinguished recognition bestowed upon individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the field of blindness and visual impairment. Named in honor of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, a revered leader and advocate for the blind community, this award pays tribute to his enduring legacy. Dr. Jernigan served as the President of the NFB from 1968 until his passing in 1998, leaving an indelible mark on the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and beyond. Throughout his illustrious career, he tirelessly challenged societal perceptions surrounding blindness and championed the empowerment of blind individuals, enabling them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Recipients of the Kenneth Jernigan Award are carefully selected based on their unwavering dedication, innovative contributions, and lasting impact on the blind community. This prestigious award is a testament to their exceptional commitment and serves as an inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.
