With a seventy to eighty percent unemployment rate for adults who are blind and visually impaired, we should all be alarmed. When the national unemployment rate hits ten percent our nation is in an uproar. Colorado is fortunate to have The Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) a 510c3 nonprofit, founded by Mike Hess.
Mike had a successful career in the corporate world, but was frustrated when friends shared their struggles of getting a job. His friends were highly educated and had the skills, but employers would not give them an interview, much less a position in their company. Mike decided to put his own career on the line and founded BIT. BIT connects employees to employers who are looking for hard workers that are qualified and have the hunger for a successful career.
BIT offers services and assistance to job seekers with disabilities, and their potential employers that reduce barriers to inclusive employment through education, preparation, opportunity and accessible technology initiatives.
Whether you’re preparing to join the workforce or ready to be a valued employee, BIT offers:
· Workplace etiquette training
· Employment preparation workshops
· Skill development support
· Accessible and Assistive Technology Training
For Employers seeking employees offers a successful strategy. Whether you’re learning more about disability inclusion or ready to take the accessibility challenge, BIT offers:
· Disability etiquette and sensitivity training
· Workshops addressing unconscious bias
· Compliance Services assessing office environments, business policies, and digital platforms
· Accessible Technology Training and Consulting
How can Lions help? Lions can learn more about BIT and if you or someone you know is looking for workers, connect them with BIT. Go to https://blindinstituteoftechnology.org to learn how, as Lions, we can be part of the solution.