October is an important month for the blind community. With Blindness Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and White Cane Safety Day on October 15, we have several opportunities to bring attention to the abilities, achievements, and contributions of individuals who are blind.
At Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM), however, these aren’t conversations we have just once a year. Employment, training, and education are at the heart of what we do every day. While this work is part of our daily routine, awareness months like October remind us that there is still much work to be done in changing perceptions and creating opportunities.
The reality is that employment remains one of the greatest challenges facing the blind community. An estimated 70% of working-age blind adults are underemployed or not employed. This is a statistic that should concern all of us, especially when we know firsthand the skills, talents, and abilities that blind individuals bring to the workforce.
At BISM, we see the value of meaningful employment every day. On our manufacturing floors, blind Associates produce everything from military jackets to essential office supplies. Across our organization, individuals who are blind contribute their talents, build careers, and demonstrate that blindness does not determine someone’s ability to succeed.
But employment is only part of the story. Through our Independence Training and Rehabilitation programs, we provide individuals with the tools, training, and confidence to live independently, pursue higher education, and prepare for meaningful careers. Whether someone is learning to travel independently with a white cane, developing technology skills, or preparing to enter the workforce, each accomplishment represents another step toward greater independence.
This is why October matters. It gives us an opportunity to share these stories beyond the walls of BISM, challenge misconceptions about blindness, and remind employers and communities that opportunity should be based on ability, not eyesight.
As we recognize these important awareness months, I encourage everyone to help us carry this message forward. Share what you know about BISM, introduce someone to our mission, or encourage a business to consider the talents of blind job seekers.
At BISM, our commitment to employment, training, and independence doesn’t end when October does. It’s what we do every day, and it’s a message worth sharing throughout Maryland and beyond.
