Blind Industries and Services of Maryland provides employment, vocational training, rehabilitation, and education to blind Marylanders, some of whom have multiple disabilities. This includes teaching blind adults day-to-day skills necessary to live in a sighted society. The agency is open for the labor and manufactures of all blind citizens of Maryland over eighteen years of age who can give satisfactory evidence of character and ability to do the work required. All profits from blind industries are used to further the agency's mission (Code Human Services Article, sec. 7-703).
To carry out these programs, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland operates four divisions: Base Supply Center; Industries; Rehabilitation and Training; and Retail. The divisions market their products and services with the aid of the Pricing and Selection Committee for Blind Industries and Services of Maryland and the Employment Works Program.
INDEPENDENCE TRAINING & REHABILITATION
Accredited by the State Department of Education, the Division teaches the skills of independence, builds self-confidence, and prepares blind people of all ages for everyday challenges at home, school, work, or other activities. The blind instructors who staff the center encourage the attitude that it is okay to be blind, while providing training in adaptations that are necessary in a sighted society. The eight-month residential training program teaches braille; computer technology; independent cane travel; wood shop; job readiness; physical fitness; and life skills, such as finances, cooking, and cleaning. As part of the course, job seeking and employment skills also are offered. Students enjoy many physical fitness activities as well. In addition, the center runs youth and senior programs throughout the year serving blind and visually impaired persons from age six through seniors.
For individuals, organizations, companies, and government, the Division transcribes printed material into braille for a nominal fee. The Division also sells, at cost, aids and appliances such as braille watches, talking clocks, talking calculators, canes, and games. Items are available at the main office on Washington Boulevard or may be ordered by telephone.
OPERATIONS
To manufacture more than 150 products for federal and State government agencies, and commercial and private businesses Operations employs blind and visually impaired adults.
SALES & MARKETING
Blind industries operates eight Ability One Base Supply Centers located on military installations in Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The stores carry a full line of office supplies, tools, cleaning supplies, and military clothing.The products also are available through an e-commerce site staffed by customer service representatives who are blind.
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Independence Training and Rehabilitation originated in 1986 as the Rehabilitation Division and reformed as the Training Division in 2006. It reformed as Rehabilitation and Training Division in 2008 and received its current name in 2022.
Operations began as the Industries Division and changed adopted its present name in 2022.
Originally called the Retail Division, the Division was renamed Sales and Marketing in 2022.
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e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov
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