At BISM, being part of the community is just as important as the services we provide. That’s why we were so excited to spend Friday, August 1, with our neighbors at Frederick Road Fridays, the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce’s summer concert series. Each week, the Chamber spotlights a local nonprofit, and this year, BISM had the privilege of being one of them.
Our employees—both blind and sighted—along with family members, volunteered their Friday evening to serve drinks, run our booth, and connect with concertgoers. It wasn’t just about raising funds; it was about being present, visible, and sharing who we are. Every smile, every question, and every conversation gave us a chance to challenge misconceptions about blindness and show the community how capable and independent blind individuals are.
One of the best moments of the night came when a young boy stopped at our table to try out a braille typewriter. With the guidance of one of our blind employees, he learned to type his name in braille—walking away with a new skill, a big smile, and a better understanding of what blindness really means.
Opportunities like Frederick Road Fridays allow us to meet our neighbors where they are—at a concert, enjoying music and fun—and give them a new perspective on blindness in an approachable, everyday way. Whether it was someone learning about our mission for the first time, trying our Blind Spot honey Kölsch with its hand-brailled label, or simply stopping to chat, each interaction made a difference.
We’re grateful to the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce for creating space for nonprofits like ours to connect with the community. For BISM, these moments matter. They help us build stronger ties, raise awareness, and ensure that when someone encounters blindness in their own life, they know where to turn for support and resources.
