Blind Industries and Services of Maryland

Did you know? Last year, Americans gave over $484 billion to nonprofits nationwide. That generosity drives change across countless communities, including here at BISM, where every donation directly impacts the life of someone who is blind or visually impaired. This giving season, imagine how many more lives we could impact together. Your gift isn’t just part of a bigger picture; it’s a personal investment in someone’s future. ?? ?? Join us in making a difference today: #ThankfulForGiving #GivingSeason #BlindIndependence #NonprofitImpact #BlindIndustriesandServicesofMaryland #OneBISM

On October 31, NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa was one of 11 speakers who helped celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new Envision, Inc. Dallas Farmer’s Branch facility. Soraya and the other guests toured the new building, which consolidates all of its operations under one roof. During the tour, she met with a number of Envision employees and found a familiar face in Keela Alonzo, Envision's 2024 Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year, who recently attended the NIB/NAEPB Training Conference and Expo. Picture 1: Soraya Correa (left), NIB president and CEO, with Keela Alonzo, Envision's 2024 Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year. Picture 2: Soraya Correa (right) with Michael Monteferrante (left), Envision president and CEO, and Michael Gallops, IOM, TDM (center), president/CEO of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce. Pictures 3-4: A large crowd gathered for the grand opening celebration. Pictures 5-6: NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa was one of 11 speakers at the event. #NationalIndustriesfortheBlind #Envision

The power of giving extends far beyond a single day—it fuels change, inspires hope, and strengthens our community every day. Your generosity directly supports BISM’s mission, creating opportunities for independence, empowerment, and growth for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community. Thank you for standing with us and helping to change lives! Learn more here: #SupportBISM #GenerosityMatters #CommunityImpact #ChangingLives (Image Description: Upper left corner: Round Photo of BISM STAR student in technology class; Lower left corner: Round Photo of a large group of STAR students in front of a food truck. They are smiling and holding white canes. Text: Thank you! Through the support of people like you, we can continue offering transformative programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. www.bism.org. @BISM Baltimore)

At BISM, we’re dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities and skill-building for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Our programs offer hands-on training, professional development, and job placement assistance to help participants achieve their career goals. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to work with dignity and independence. Curious about our employment services or want to know more about how we support career growth? Reach out or visit our website for more information!" #BISM #InclusiveEmployment #EmpoweringIndependence #BlindnessSupport (Image Description: A man working on a BISM manufacturing floor, wearing a black t shirt, blue shorts, and glasses. White text on Blue/Black background: "FAQ: Q: How Does BISM Support Employment for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision? A: BISM empowers blind and low-vision individuals through skill-building, hands-on training, and meaningful job placement.)

Our mission wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. Your contributions fuel life-changing programs, support job training, and enable us to foster a community built on resilience and inclusivity. Together, we’re creating opportunities and changing lives. Thank you for making our vision a reality! #BISMMission #BISMVision #DonorAppreciation #CommunityImpact #EmpowerIndependence #ThankYou

Happy Veteran’s Day from BISM! ???? Today, we honor our nation's heroes and proudly support Military members, Veterans, and their families through our ongoing partnerships. Through the AbilityOne Program and our partnership with the military and federal government, BISM is committed to providing meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or disabled. Each Base Supply Center is stocked with a wide range of AbilityOne and commercial products, including office supplies, janitorial items, furniture, medical and safety gear, tactical equipment, tools, and more. With every purchase, you’re not just supporting a mission—you’re empowering individuals with vision loss and helping to create brighter futures.?? #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #AbilityOne #BISM

(Image Description: Photo of 3 women learning cooking in the kitchen. Second round photo of hands using a braille machine. Text: BISM CORE Program for Adults Who Are Blind - Ages 18-55 - 8-12 month residential program - FREE with state vocational rehabilitation sponsorship - Braille, Technology, Home Management, Travel, Woodshop, and Weekly Seminar classes - Personalized instruction led by experienced blind instructors. Contact Matt Yannuzzifor more info: (410) 737-2600, [email protected]) The CORE Program at BISM offers adults who are blind a life-changing journey towards self-sufficiency and career readiness. With personalized instruction in Braille, technology, home management, and more, CORE builds essential skills and confidence. This residential program is FREE for Maryland students sponsored by their state vocational rehabilitation agency. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about CORE! #BlindIndependence #BlindnessEducation #IndependentLiving #LifeSkills #COREProgram

BISM’s unique training services help individuals who are blind or have low vision gain the confidence and skills needed to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Our personalized programs cover essential areas such as adaptive technology, mobility, communication, and daily living techniques. Each participant receives tailored support, allowing them to reach their personal and professional goals. Discover how our programs make a meaningful difference every day in the lives of those we serve! (Image Description: Photo of BISM Associate Carly (right) training a student (left) in cane usage during ITR class. Carly wears a black short sleeved shirt with grey pants and grey sneakers. He holds his own white cane with his right hand, while he guides the hand of a student learning how to use a white cane. The student wears sleeper shades, a white collared shirt, dark pants, and grey sneakers. White text: Specialized training services - empowering independence. Our one-on-one training helps individuals build confidence and independence through personalized skill development in technology, mobility, and daily living for personal and professional success. Learn more: www.bism.org) #BISMServices #IndependenceThroughTraining #BISMEmploys #BISMEducates #BISMTrains

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month! Since 1938, NIB has proudly supported the U.S. military - from uniforms and protective equipment to contract closeout services that return billions to the federal government, including the Department of Defense, to the wide range of SKILCRAFT products available in military commissaries, exchanges, and Base Supply Centers, we provide high-quality solutions for our armed forces. NIB and its nationwide network of associated nonprofit agencies provide veterans and military spouses who are blind, low vision, visually impaired, or have other disabilities with a wide range of career opportunities for all experience levels and professional backgrounds. These rewarding and challenging positions are helping thousands of people achieve greater independence through meaningful employment. Join us in honoring the sacrifices of our veterans and their families this month! #VeteransMonth #NIB #SupportOurTroops #MilitaryFamilies

Election day is TOMORROW! Voting is your right, and accessible voting makes it easier for everyone to make their voice heard! At any early voting center or polling place, accessible devices like audio ballots, high contrast, and large print are available to help you cast your vote. Remember, election judges are ready to help make voting as seamless as possible. Source: https://lnkd.in/gXtf_Zw2 #AccessibleVoting #DisabilityInclusion #VotingMatters #BlindAndLowVision #BISMCommunity #Election2024