Summary
Organization name
Blind Institute of Technology
other names
BIT
2013
Tax id (EIN)
46-2557719
Category
Employment
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
13062 SPRUCE PLTHORNTON, CO 80602
Adams County, CO, US
Blind Institute of Technology offers services to those with disabilities, particularly the blind and visually impaired, that reduce barriers to inclusive employment through education, preparation, employment placement and accessible technology initiatives.
The services offered through the BIT Academy are complimentary for all of our candidates with disabilities. It costs us $5,400 for each candidate to go through our Salesforce and Accessibility Analyst certification classes. From there we work diligently with our candidates and our corporate partners to place people with disabilities in meaningful careers with a clear path for growth.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization we are highly dependent on corporate donations, individual donations, and grants. For every $5,400 raised we are able to change a person’s life forever.
Testimonials
"Thank God, someone gets it: an organization whose goal is to knock down the barriers to employment that people with vision impairment experience. There is no one doing what BIT is doing. Their coaching and interview practice is what I needed. BIT's feedback was so different and so specialized that it was the turning point for me. I am very thankful for BIT and how they challenge me." -Jessica L
"BIT has given me the tools, opportunities and support that's made it possible to contribute meaningful work to the accessibility space. I'm working to make health care technology better for all people. BIT is disrupting the hiring pool and creating a workforce of highly talented experts. It's a simple concept with a monumental impact for the individuals, the community and the economy." - Anna T.
"BIT gave me self confidence and taught me not to be ashamed or embarrassed of my disability. Instead, I learned how it is a strength, not a hindrance. I can still do a lot and have a successful career. Having a mentor made a big difference." - Eric A.
Mission
The mission of Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) is to prepare people with disabilities with information technology (IT) and other in-demand skills and support the employers who hire them for success in the workplace.
Background Statement
Since its inception in 2013, BIT's vision has been to help reduce the excessively high unemployment rate among the disability population.
People who are blind or visually impaired or have other disabilities such as hearing loss, intellectual disability or are neurodivergent, are more than two times more likely to be unemployed and as a result they are more likely to live in persistent poverty. These numbers are especially true for women because there's only two women with disabilities employed for every three men.
The only way to change those statistics is by changing assumptions and by changing the level of access to technology.
Preparation and staffing services focus on IT and other technical positions, with candidates placed in healthcare, financial services, technology, and government jobs. BIT has also reached over 7,000 community and company individuals participating in BIT educational and outreach presentations, Art of Blinders, Train the Trainer and customizable workshop topics, which helps increase awareness and inclusivity in the workplace.
In 2017, BIT was recognized with a Martin Luther King Business Award and a first ever Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Shining Stars of VR award. The award honors people and organizations moving the needle in reshaping the employment landscape for people living with disabilities. In 2019 Mike was recognized as an Inclusive Leader in the Nonprofit sector at the GlobalMindED conference. His impact among many leaders who are making a difference for women, people of color, First Gen to College, and underrepresented populations is certainly award material. The conference focuses on the leaders on the ground who work with others to create equity across the education, employment, and economic mobility pipeline.
In addition, Mike was selected as a speaker at the 2019 Colorado Smart Cities Symposium hosted by the Colorado Technology Association. Smarter communities hold the promise of not just making communities more efficient but also improving quality of life. Mike, along with fellow panelists, explored strategies that ensure these benefits are equitable across all citizens. In July 2020, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Mike was named to Diversability's inaugural 2020 D-30 Disability Impact List.
And most recently, BIT and its Executive Director were honored at Dreamforce23, Salesforce’s annual conference, where Mike was recognized as a Trailblazer in the disability community and was presented with the prestigious Golden Hoodie for his work in founding BIT and advancing disability employment.
Media gallery
Organization Data
THORNTON, CO 80602