Blind Industries and Services of Maryland

Dezman Jackson describes himself as someone who likes variety. As such, he has held positions in orientation and mobility, rehab teaching, youth programming, and now web accessibility at an educational technology company, with some teaching still on the side. He’s also held a number of positions at BISM — most notably, as the Youth Services Coordinator. “The mentor program, and the summer training programs — just really fabulous for building upon young people,” he said. “Crazy weekends, hanging out with the youth, meeting different young people who were living as mentors. That was among my favorite for sure.” When he was approached about joining the board, the answer came quickly. “I thought, what a great opportunity to give back to an organization that gave me so much,” he said. “BISM let me spread my wings as a young professional. It was kind of a no-brainer.” Now, as a board member, Dezman is excited to see BISM think bigger on a national scale. Find out what else he has to share at our board member spotlight: https://lnkd.in/e875bkGh

We had a great time representing BISM at the 2026 National Federation of the Blind's National Convention! Attending the world's largest annual event of the organized blind movement is a powerful reminder of why we do the work we do and how we're making a difference, every single day.

In this month's episode of #BeyondSight, we sit down with Sophia Keil, Operations Technology and Process Improvement Engineer, and Shane Jones, Director of Operations, to dig into what inclusivity in manufacturing really means in practice. The conversation looks at how BISM builds workplaces where blind and low-vision employees aren't just accommodated but central to the operation. Together, they share how improving the production floor opens up meaningful, sustainable employment and moves us all a little further Beyond Sight. 🎧Listen now on your favorite podcast streamer.🎧 https://lnkd.in/esGEgP8n

60s & 70s classic rock, BISM, and a great night out with the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce are in store! Join us on Friday, July 24 for Frederick Road Fridays, a weekly summer concert series held in downtown Catonsville! BISM will be the charity beneficiary, with Fizz bringing us back to the past with their groovy tunes. Bonus: grab a pint of your favorite beer — a portion of your purchase will go to BISM. Mark your calendar for a night of good libations, great music, and a fantastic cause!

We often say that BISM is a job with purpose — but we’re also committed to creating a positive work culture that integrates our mission and our values. Each year, BISM provides programs and services that serve over 2,000 blind citizens. Additionally, BISM employs 480 exceptional associates at our twelve facilities. We offer a competitive salary based on education, experience, and other qualifications, and our benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, 403(b) with match, paid time off, and more! If you’d like to join our team, view our open jobs! https://lnkd.in/eYz9GNBR

We know the world works better when we include everyone. That’s why BISM has centered its mission around supporting the blind community by providing stable and rewarding career opportunities; innovative rehabilitation programs; economic and personal independence; and appropriate resources for training and education. We know that when people with disabilities are included, communities work better for everyone. We’re glad to be among the many organizations and individuals celebrating disability identity and community — though if we’re honest, every month is Disability Pride Month at BISM!

Happy Fourth of July from your friends and family at BISM!

Calling all golfers! Registration is now open for the 2026 BISM Golf Classic on September 15! Join us for a great day of bringing together our community in support of training programs that help individuals who are blind or low-vision build independence and confidence. Included in your registration are: ⛳ 18 holes at Suburban Club ⛳ Lunch and cocktail reception ⛳ Helicopter Ball Drop ⛳ On-course contests and experiences Let’s get ready to tee up! Register now at https://lnkd.in/eQA7ziWp

The unemployment rate for #Blind and #VisuallyImpaired Americans hovers near 70 percent. That number has remained stubbornly high for decades, and it points to a gap that skills training alone cannot close. While rehabilitation programs for blind adults have long excelled at teaching independence, we also need to prepare them to enter the workforce. And that’s exactly what BISM’s Work Readiness Assessment Program (WRAP) is designed to address. Find out more at our latest blog. https://lnkd.in/ebdgWSBn

Emily Smith’s life took a turn at five and a half years old. One moment, she was a child playing on the computer; the next morning, she woke up unable to see. Her mother, noticing Emily couldn’t focus on the camera lens for a picture, realized something was wrong. The diagnosis was retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a condition that caused Emily’s vision to fade almost overnight. Starting in kindergarten, she learned braille and cane skills, setting the foundation for her independence — and her curiosity became her greatest strength. Find out where Emily’s journey has taken her at the most recent blog. https://lnkd.in/egjkCGHP