On June 6, 2026, nearly 400 students, alumni, staff, supporters, sponsors, community partners, family members, and friends gathered at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 40 years of Independence Training & Rehabilitation.
What began four decades ago as a vision to help individuals who are blind or low vision live independently has grown into a life-changing program that has empowered thousands of Marylanders through training, confidence building, and opportunity.
The evening featured great food, live music, community activities, braille demonstrations, face painting, tactile arts and crafts, and countless opportunities for former and current students, staff, and supporters to reconnect and celebrate together.
A special thank you to County Councilman Pat Young for presenting a citation recognizing the 40th Anniversary of Independence Training & Rehabilitation, as well as to our sponsors, volunteers, and community partners whose support helped make the evening possible.
400 Friends. One Amazing Community.
More than anything, the celebration demonstrated the incredible community that has grown around ITR over the past 40 years. Former students, current participants, instructors, families, employees, and supporters came together to share stories, celebrate accomplishments, and look toward the future.
Giving Day Success
The momentum continued after the celebration as BISM Giving Day exceeded its goal, raising more than $4,600 in honor of 40 years of Independence Training & Rehabilitation. These funds will support future programming and improvements to our training kitchens, helping ensure individuals who are blind or low vision continue to have access to life-changing services.
Watch the Celebration
See the Photos
Thank You
To everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, donated, shared our story, or supported us from afar—thank you.
Because of you, the first 40 years have made an incredible impact.
Here’s to the next 40 years.
