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Blind Institute of Technology (BIT)
@thisisblindit.bsky.social
23 followers 29 following 150 posts
We’re the tech-savvy nonprofit run by professionals with disabilities, training and placing the next generation of Salesforce pros & accessibility experts. Run by people with disabilities. Built for the future. #NoBarriers
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thisisblindit.bsky.social
BIT’s Lora Swatko recently attended the LEAD Conference, connecting with professionals across the arts, culture, and accessibility communities.

Great to see #TeamBIT out in the community!

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
Two people stand smiling by a Drexel University table, covered with brochures. The man on the left wears glasses and a blue shirt; the woman on the right wears sunglasses, a beige top, white pants, and holds a white cane. A Drexel banner with a gold dragon is behind them. Three adults smile at a conference booth. A woman in white stands left, a woman in black stands behind the table, and a man in a VisionLink vest is in front. The table holds pens, braille cards, and promotional items.
August 31, 2026 at 2:55 PM
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Mike's bringing a few new ideas back from Minneapolis...and apparently more work for Team BIT. 😄

Mike Hess and Joe Crespo are at Digital Summit Minneapolis, picking up fresh ideas to put to work as BIT grows our workforce development programs and Salesforce services.
August 13, 2026 at 7:57 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
BIT's Kristy Schenderlein recently joined VRTAC's Manager Minute to discuss workforce development, registered apprenticeships & creating technology career pathways for professionals with disabilities.

🎧 managerminutevrtac-qw.libsyn.com

Funded by US Department of Education Grant Number H421F240171.
Manager Minute-brought to you by the VR Technical Assistance Center
ONE CENTER. ONE TEAM. ONE MISSION.
managerminutevrtac-qw.libsyn.com
July 2, 2026 at 4:01 PM
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This week we're at the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Project Directors' Conference, connecting with partners who are advancing employment opportunities for professionals with disabilities.

Hear a quick update from BIT's Taylor Sone.

Funded by US Department of Education Grant Number H421F240171.
June 25, 2026 at 8:37 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
BIT's Mike Hess recently visited UBS to present Art of Blinders and lead discussions on accessibility, perception, and technology.

#ArtOfBlinders #Accessibility #TeamBIT

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
A man in dark sunglasses and a shiny gold jacket stands on stage with a white cane, speaking in front of a large screen displaying a Salesforce application. The UBS logo is visible on a wooden wall panel to the right. A man in a shiny gold jacket presents on stage next to a screen showing a bar graph about memory retention. The chart reads: We retain... 10% for "hear," 30% for "hear and see," 40% for "hear, see, say," and 70% for "hear, see, say, and do.
June 23, 2026 at 5:10 PM
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BIT's VP of Operations, Kristy Schenderlein, recently joined a panel at GlobalMindED focused on building workforce pathways for professionals with disabilities.

Thank you to GlobalMindED and the panelists for a great discussion.

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
Six adults pose and smile in a conference room. One man sits in a motorized wheelchair in the center; the others stand. Two women hold canes for visual or mobility assistance. All wear conference badges and business or semi-formal attire. Neutral walls and patterned carpet are visible.
June 18, 2026 at 2:48 PM
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At IDEMIA EXPO <11> in Poland, accessibility was discussed alongside AI, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies.

Thank you to IDEMIA for inviting Ertay Shashko and Mike Hess to share how accessibility drives opportunity and innovation.

#IDEMIAEXPO11 #Accessibility #Technology #TeamBIT
A large, dark auditorium with an audience watching two people on stage in conversation. Behind them is a big screen showing a person wearing dark glasses. Purple and blue stage lighting creates a dramatic atmosphere. The seating is mostly filled. Two men sit on a stage having a discussion; behind them is a large screen displaying a third man wearing sunglasses and headphones. Stage lights overhead illuminate the scene, and a table with a laptop and bottle stands at right. Two men sit on stage facing each other; one holds a white cane. Behind them is a large screen with a partial image of a person’s face. Both men are casually dressed; the setting appears to be a formal discussion or interview event.
June 17, 2026 at 3:39 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Thank you to the Leading in the Dark podcast team for featuring BIT! 🎙️

Listen as Mike Hess discusses workforce development, disability employment, and the power of focusing on talent.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHMk...

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
Podcast promotional graphic for "Leading in the Dark." Text: "Episode 35." Photos show Nick Akers (host) in a light suit and Mike Hess (guest) in sunglasses holding a white cane. Dark background with green and white accents. Podcast logo at top.
June 16, 2026 at 6:26 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
✨ Where in the World Has the Golden Hoodie Been?

Yesterday, it made a virtual stop in Poland.

Next stop: Fort Worth, Texas! ✈️🤠

Catch Mike Hess and Ablr 360 at Foundation Fighting Blindness: United in Vision tomorrow.

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
June 11, 2026 at 6:26 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
🎉 Please join us in welcoming Sarah Mark to the BIT Board of Directors!

We're excited to have her leadership, expertise, and passion for expanding career opportunities for professionals with disabilities. 💚

#TeamBIT #Accessibility

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
A person with short, straight, silver hair with purple and blue tips stands outdoors in front of green foliage. They wear a white short-sleeved shirt, have visible arm tattoos, and are smiling gently with arms crossed.
June 10, 2026 at 4:57 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
📍 Seattle, WA

Congratulations to BIT Apprentice Sowmya Bhaskar as she prepares to begin her apprenticeship with Salesforce's Product Accessibility Team! 🎉

We're excited to see where this journey takes her. 👏

#TeamBIT #Salesforce #Accessibility #Apprenticeship #CareerGrowth
A person with long dark hair, wearing a dark top and backpack, stands in front of a Salesforce sign at a reception desk decorated with Salesforce mascot plush toys and display screens. The lighting is bright and the setting appears professional.
June 9, 2026 at 4:39 PM
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Happy National Donut Day! 🍩

Accessibility is too important to glaze over.

Swipe through for a few donut-inspired reminders about creating experiences that work for everyone.

#NationalDonutDay #Accessibility #A11y #DigitalAccessibility
A shiny glazed donut is centered on a white background. Above it, bold black text reads, “DONUT FORGET ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY.” Below the donut is the Blind Institute of Technology logo with an eye symbol. A pink-frosted donut with colorful sprinkles is centered on a white background. Above it, bold text reads, "SPRINKLE IN OTHER PERSPECTIVES." Below the donut is the Blind Institute of Technology logo with an eye graphic. A chocolate-frosted donut with a hole in the center is positioned below the bold text “FILL THE GAP WITH OPPORTUNITY.” At the bottom, the Blind Institute of Technology logo is displayed. The background is plain white. A glazed donut sits below bold black text reading, "GLAZE OVER BARRIERS, EVERYONE BELONGS AT THE TABLE." At the bottom, the Blind Institute of Technology logo features an eye symbol and the acronym BIT. The background is plain white.
June 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM
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We told you where we were…now here’s what it felt like. 🎬

From seeing our BBC StoryWorks film on the big screen to being surrounded by powerful stories that don’t always get told—this one meant a lot.

Take a look behind the scenes at our time at the ReelAbilities Film Festival. 👇
May 7, 2026 at 3:56 PM
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This #NAW2026, hear from Katya, a former BIT apprentice, on how the program helped her grow professionally & personally—and pursue her goal of making tech more accessible.

A powerful example of the opportunity apprenticeships create.

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171
May 1, 2026 at 5:02 PM
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Golden Hoodie at Acquia Engage! ✨

Joe Crespo and Mike Hess connected with the community and explored the latest in accessibility - plus a moment with Dries Buytaert. 🤝

#GoldenHoodie #AcquiaEngage #TeamBIT

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
A conference room filled with attendees facing a large curved screen displaying snowy mountain imagery and a blue logo with the word "Acquia" at the center. People are seated in rows and some are interacting or standing. Two men pose and smile inside a conference venue. Both wear conference badges around their necks. The man on the left has glasses and a checkered shirt; the man on the right wears sunglasses and a shiny gold jacket. People and signs are visible in the background.
April 30, 2026 at 8:34 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Happy National Apprenticeship Week!

Apprenticeships create real pathways to long-term careers. Hear BIT's Taylor Sone share how BIT’s program builds skills, experience, and confidence.

dif.blindit.org

#NAW2026 #ApprenticeshipUSA

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
April 30, 2026 at 6:56 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Golden Hoodie hits NYC🍎

BIT’s BBC StoryWorks DocuShort premieres tomorrow, 2:30 PM at ReelAbilities.

A story of untapped talent + accessible tech creating real opportunity.

👉https://reelabilities.org/newyork/films/600-reelshorts-against-the-current

#ReelAbilities #GoldenHoodie
April 24, 2026 at 4:51 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
A role that can change lives...

Primary Instructor & Curriculum Architect
CAPM + Agile/Scrum Program

Build it. Lead it. Make an impact.

Read the full job description and apply today: docs.google.com/document/d/1...

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
A green BIT Academy hiring flyer. It seeks a Primary Instructor & Curriculum Architect for a remote Agile/Scrum/Project Management program. Duties include curriculum design, mentoring, and supporting diverse students. Pay starts at $30/hour, contract, 20 hrs/week.
April 23, 2026 at 7:23 PM
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The Golden Hoodie made its way to San Francisco—and it delivered.

BIT's Mike Hess & Mark Opatow took the stage at TDX last week to fantastic feedback. Great conversations with the Salesforce community.

#TDX #Salesforce #GoldenHoodie

Funded by U.S. Department of Education Grant Number H421F240171.
Six adults pose and smile outside a modern building. One woman uses a wheelchair, another holds a white cane, and a man also has a white cane. They wear casual to smart-casual clothes and stand on a wide sidewalk near a glass and metal entrance. Two smiling adults pose indoors with a person in a large brown bear costume. The man wears glasses and a suit; the woman holds a white cane. Behind them are high ceilings, signage, and a restroom sign in a convention center setting. Two people stand indoors on striped carpet, smiling for the camera. One wears a dark jacket and blue shoes; the other wears sunglasses, a gold jacket, and holds a white cane. A wooden podium with a Salesforce logo and a large screen are visible in the background. A man in a suit and glasses speaks, gesturing with his hands beside a podium with a Salesforce logo. Behind him, there is a textured stone wall and a partial screen displaying text. The setting appears to be a conference or presentation room.
April 21, 2026 at 8:56 PM
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Live tomorrow!

Learn how Registered Apprenticeship is turning potential into real workforce outcomes.

📅 April 21 | 9:00-10:30AM MT
👉 safalpartners.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

#ApprenticeshipUSA #NAW2026

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
April 20, 2026 at 5:45 PM
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On April 21, BIT, the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship & Safal Partners are breaking down how Registered Apprenticeship turns potential into real workforce outcomes.

📅 9:00-10:30AM MT
👉 safalpartners.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant H421F240171
Promotional flyer for a webinar hosted by Blind Institute of Technology and Safal Partners during National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting BIT’s Registered Apprenticeship Program experience. Features event details, registration link, key learning topics, and a person pointing with text "WE WANT YOU" on a green geometric background.
April 14, 2026 at 4:40 PM
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We’re hiring! 🚨

BIT is seeking a Primary Instructor & Curriculum Architect to build and lead our new Project Management (CAPM + Agile/Scrum) program. 💻

If you’re a certified PM expert passionate about teaching and accessibility, apply today: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
A green BIT Academy hiring flyer. It seeks a Primary Instructor & Curriculum Architect for a remote Agile/Scrum/Project Management program. Duties include curriculum design, mentoring, and supporting diverse students. Pay starts at $30/hour, contract, 20 hrs/week.
April 9, 2026 at 3:13 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
After discovering BIT, Tristen built real-world digital accessibility skills — from JAWS testing to VPATs — while rebuilding her confidence.

Now she’s ready for her next opportunity.

👏 Tristen, we’re so proud of you!

Funded by US Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
April 8, 2026 at 3:52 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Join us to see how Registered Apprenticeship drives real workforce outcomes.

Hear from BIT, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, Safal Partners, and apprentices.

April 21, 9:00-10:30AM MT
bit.ly/BIT-NAW26-We...

Funded by US Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
Promotional flyer for a webinar hosted by Blind Institute of Technology and Safal Partners during National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting BIT’s Registered Apprenticeship Program experience. Features event details, registration link, key learning topics, and a person pointing with text "WE WANT YOU" on a green geometric background.
April 7, 2026 at 6:45 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
BIT is hiring a Primary Instructor for our Digital Accessibility program to train & mentor professionals as they step into accessibility careers.

If you’re CPACC-certified & ready to share your knowledge & make a lasting impact, this is your opportunity.

Job description/apply: bit.ly/4sq6BoE
A “Now Hiring!” flyer from BIT Academy seeks a Primary Instructor for a Digital Accessibility Analyst Program. Details include: remote, part-time contract, $30/hr starting rate, responsibilities, qualifications, and a green “Apply Today” button.
March 18, 2026 at 5:21 PM