For Shaniya Harcum, the experience of graduating BISM’s Comprehensive Orientation Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CORE) program was much like that of a flower blooming. Before completing the program, Shaniya felt sheltered by her family, who were fiercely protective of her. After the program, Shaniya discovered a whole new world, blossoming with new skills and a clear pathway to independence.
Shaniya’s journey to BISM started with a diagnosis: optic nerve hypoplasia. Optic nerves are responsible for sending visual messages to the brain to help us see. But in the case of optic nerve hypoplasia—and Shaniya—those nerves never formed. Rather than settling for what was, she knew she wanted more.
After some research into career and professional development training designed for blind individuals, she found BISM’s CORE program. A residential program that teaches blind and low-vision adults confidence and self-reliance, CORE was exactly what she was looking for. In August 2021, Shaniya enrolled.
Although she was born and raised in Baltimore, CORE gave her an opportunity to live in downtown Baltimore City, where she had to use her white cane to navigate public transit to-and-from her courses. She learned how to use assistive computer technology and woodshop; gained job readiness tactics; participated in adjustment to blindness seminars; and received training on- and off-site. Most importantly, she gained practice in confidently advocating for herself.
One of Shaniya’s proudest moments within the program was creating a small meal of broccoli cheddar soup, cheesy garlic bread, banana pudding, and pina colada mocktails for her grandma, cousin, and friends. Recently, she worked as an intern at BISM, recruiting prospective CORE students; scheduling tours; and filling out intake information. She also has been instrumental in creating a library of resources for new employees through BISM’s Training and Accessibility Department.
Blossoming into an independent, confident woman is no small feat. When she isn’t working, Shaniya enjoys exploring unique hole-in-the-wall restaurants and fun activities around Baltimore City, using her refined cane travel skills. And when asked what advice she would share with others, she said “You can only get out of it what you put into it.”
