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 three divisions: Industries; Services; and Rehabilitation and Training. The divisions market their products and services with the aid of the pricing committee for Blind Industries and Services.
INDUSTRIES DIVISION
REHABILITATION TRAINING DIVISION
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.
RETAIL DIVISION
VENDING SERVICES DIVISION
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees consists of eleven members appointed for three-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. At least four of these members must be blind or visually impaired.
The Industries Division employs blind and visually impaired adults to manufacture more than 150 products for federal and State government agencies and commercial and private businesses. The Division oversees six facilities: one each in Baltimore, Cumberland, and Federalsburg; two in Salisbury; and one in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Rehabilitation Training Division originated in 1986 as the Rehabilitation Division and reformed as the Training Division in 2006. It received its present name in 2008.
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.
Created in 1989, the Vending Services Division installs and services vending machines dispensing beverages or snacks throughout eleven major delivery routes in Maryland. Teams of two employees (one blind, one sighted) keep the machines stocked, and in working order. The Division is opening up many nontraditional sales and service jobs for blind workers.
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