Press Release
For Immediate Release - May 17, 2006

Contact: Rob Ennamorato - Communications Specialist - (410) 737-2615 rennamorato@bism.org

State Senator Richard F. Colburn visits Blind Industries and Services of Maryland Senior Services program on May 22, 2006

Salisbury, MD - Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is pleased to welcome Maryland State Senator Richard F. Colburn to our Salisbury branch on May 22, 2006 at 10:30 a.m.

Sen. Colburn's appearance takes place at the BISM location on 2240 Northwood Drive in Salisbury, where he will visit with the Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Senior Support Group. Sen. Colburn, a Republican who represents Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico Counties, will have an opportunity to address the VIP members at the outset. Sen. Colburn has expressed interest in learning the specific needs of blind seniors who live in the Salisbury area.

BISM Rehabilitation Services Coordinator Amy Crouse will then provide Sen. Colburn with a detailed explanation of the BISM services offered to the blind seniors of the region.

The seniors will have the occasion to ask Sen. Colburn questions and express their concerns about the future of Maryland's senior services and blindness rehabilitation programs.

BISM President Frederick J. Puente follows the question and answer period with a personal tour of the Salisbury facility for Sen. Colburn.

Sen. Colburn has been a member of the Maryland Senate since 1995 and active in disabled issues for many years. He is the former chairperson of the Dorchester County Committee to Promote Employment of the Handicapped, and a former member of the Maryland Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Since its establishment by the Maryland General Assembly in 1908, BISM has provided training and employment opportunities for blind people of Maryland. With over 400 Associates, the majority of which are blind, BISM manufactures more than 150 products at facilities located in Salisbury, Baltimore and Cumberland. Our innovative training division offers programs that teach real-world skills and builds self-confidence for blind and visually impaired people.

Sen. Colburn's visit is a great opportunity for media outlets located on the Eastern Shore to get reacquainted with the myriad of services offered by Blind Industries and Service of Maryland. If you plan on covering Sen. Colburn's visit to BISM, or if you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ennamorato.