About Blind industries and services of maryland
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland: Providing Opportunities for the Blind
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is a non-profit organization that has been providing employment opportunities, rehabilitation services, and other support to blind individuals since 1908. The organization's mission is to empower the blind community by helping them achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life.
BISM offers a wide range of services to its clients. One of its primary services is employment training and placement. BISM operates several manufacturing facilities where blind individuals can learn valuable job skills such as assembly, packaging, sewing, and woodworking. These skills enable them to secure gainful employment in various industries such as aerospace, defense contracting, healthcare products manufacturing among others.
In addition to job training programs, BISM also provides rehabilitation services that help blind individuals adapt to their environment. These include orientation and mobility training which teaches clients how to navigate their surroundings safely using techniques like cane travel or guide dogs.
Another important service offered by BISM is assistive technology training which helps clients use devices like screen readers or magnifiers that make it easier for them to access information on computers or mobile devices.
BISM also provides low vision clinics where clients can receive eye exams from licensed optometrists who specialize in treating patients with visual impairments. The clinics offer a range of low vision aids such as magnifiers or telescopes that help improve visual acuity for those with partial sight loss.
The organization's commitment towards empowering the visually impaired extends beyond just providing vocational training programs; it also advocates for policies that promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all aspects of life including education accessibilities transportation etcetera
One unique aspect about BISM is its partnership with government agencies such as the Department Of Defense (DOD). Through this partnership program called AbilityOne Program , BISM manufactures products used by DOD while employing visually impaired workers at competitive wages . This program not only benefits the employees but also helps DOD meet its procurement goals while supporting American-made products .
Overall Blind Industries & Services Of Maryland has been an integral part of the community since 1908 . It has helped thousands of visually impaired people lead independent lives through vocational rehabilitation , advocacy , assistive technology , low vision clinics among other initiatives . If you are looking for ways you can support this noble cause consider donating your time volunteering at one their facilities or making financial contributions towards their programs .