Blind Institute of Technology (BIT)
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Blind Institute of Technology (BIT)
@thisisblindit.bsky.social
13 followers 28 following 81 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
🎉 Congrats to Gail, one of BIT’s newest Salesforce Certified Administrators!

Gail’s passion for learning and growth shines through as she continues to build her Salesforce skills and explore new opportunities. 💻

#TeamBIT #SalesforceCertified

Funded by US Department of Education, Grant H421F240171
A professional spotlight profile for Gail Pryatel, Salesforce Administrator in Missoula, MT. It highlights her excitement for learning, goals to earn more certifications, and love for travel, with contact details and the Blind Institute of Technology logo at the top.
November 11, 2025 at 9:24 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
BIT Academy Director Elliott Natale shows how tools like Reader Mode highlight the power of simple, clutter-free design. 🧠

🎥 Watch “Neurodiversity & Digital Accessibility in the Workplace”: blindit.org/digital-acce...

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant H421F240171
November 11, 2025 at 7:49 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
BIT’s Mike Hess and Divergent Thinking’s Nat Hawley explain how understanding how our brains work can improve focus and accessibility for everyone. 🧠

Watch the full webinar: blindit.org/digital-accessibility-neurodivergence-workplace/

Funded by U.S. Department of Education Grant, H421F240171
November 10, 2025 at 7:13 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
We asked: What single change helps blind/low-vision & neurodivergent people most?

Nat Hawley says accessibility isn’t complicated - small adjustments help all. 💡

Watch the full webinar: blindit.org/digital-accessibility-neurodivergence-workplace/

Funded by US Dept of Education, Grant H421F240171
November 7, 2025 at 8:51 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
The Golden Hoodie stopped by the NFB of Colorado State Convention!

Mike Hess shared insights on tech & equitable employment, and BIT's Joe Crespo brought the fun (yes, mouse ears included!). 🐭

#GoldenHoodie #TeamBIT

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant H421F240171
A smiling man wearing reflective sunglasses, a shiny gold jacket, a black shirt, and khaki pants stands in a hallway holding a white cane. Behind him, people are seated at tables in a large, well-lit room with double doors open wide. Four adults pose indoors. Three wear black outfits, sunglasses, and grey cartoon mouse ears, each holding a white mobility cane. The fourth, on the left, wears glasses and a navy shirt with a name badge. They stand on a colorful carpet in a conference room.
November 7, 2025 at 6:53 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
👏 Congrats to Connor Susajlo, one of BIT’s newest Salesforce Certified Platform Administrators in Long Island, NY!

A tech-minded Yankees fan who loves automation, accessibility & adventure. 💻⚾🚴‍♂️

#TeamBIT #AccessibilityInAction

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant H421F240171
An informational profile features Connor Susajlo as Salesforce Administrator. Includes his photo, location (Long Island, NY), skills, contact info, what excites him, professional goals, and a fun fact about his interests in baseball and hiking.
November 6, 2025 at 6:56 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Digital government met accessibility and AI head-on at #NAGW2025.

BIT's Joe Crespo led a powerful session on helping agencies move from planning to action as ADA Title II deadlines approach.

Read more: blindit.org/blog/nagw-20...

#AccessibilityInAction #TeamBIT
A group of people in a conference room stand and cheer with raised arms, facing a presenter. Open laptops and drinks are on tables. A green presentation slide is displayed on a screen at the front of the room.
November 5, 2025 at 6:59 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
BIT’s Mike Hess joins Samantha Evans from IAAP for two sessions at #AccessingHigherGround in Denver!

📅 Wed., Nov. 19
🕚 11:15 AM – Bridging the Gap
🕓 1:45 PM – From Learning to Earning

Learn more: accessinghigherground.org

#TeamBIT #AccessibilityInAction #DigitalAccessibility
November 5, 2025 at 6:38 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Congrats to Colton Hill of Vidor, TX - one of BIT’s newest Salesforce Admins!

With a background in computer science and a passion for accessibility, Colton is ready to help organizations build equitable, efficient, data-driven systems. 💻

Funded by U.S. Dept. of Education, Grant Number H421F240171
A professional spotlight graphic features Colton Hill, a Salesforce Administrator at the Blind Institute of Technology. Colton wears sunglasses and a tie, smiling outdoors. The layout includes text about his goals, interests, contact info, and a fun fact about his music hobby.
November 4, 2025 at 4:58 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Halloween is always better when shared with the BIT family. 🎃

From The Princess Bride to new favorites & throwbacks, we loved seeing the creativity across Team BIT over the years. 👑⚔️

No matter the decade or disguise, one thing never changes & that is the heart behind #TeamBIT. 👻
A smiling woman in a long blond wig, tiara, and medieval-style purple and cream gown stands next to a man in a black mask, hat, and shirt, dressed as Westley from Princess Bride. They pose together indoors with sunlight streaming through a window behind them. A person stands covered by a white sheet, resembling a ghost costume. They are wearing black sunglasses over the sheet. Behind them is a white window blind and parts of a black shelf with objects and framed items on a light-colored wall. A person wearing a furry, snarling werewolf mask and gray sweater poses with one hand raised in a claw gesture inside a store, surrounded by Halloween decorations and accessories on shelves. Four adults pose playfully at Escapology Denver. They wear top hats and hold toy horses and toy swords, pretending to ride and duel. Behind them is a dark wall with the Escapology logo and gears, creating a whimsical, adventurous atmosphere.
October 31, 2025 at 8:15 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
The Golden Hoodie found its costume. 🎃

We believe accessibility doesn’t have to be scary – especially when you’ve got partners like Salesforce Accessibility lighting the way. 🩵

Happy Halloween! 👻

#GoldenHoodie #HappyHalloween
A pumpkin-headed figure with a carved jack-o’-lantern face wears a shiny gold jacket with “Trail blazer” written on it and a zip-up front. The figure’s hood is pulled up, and there is a blue patch on the left sleeve. The background is plain white.
October 31, 2025 at 2:47 PM
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Spooky season didn’t scare us off – it sparked momentum. 👻

From Dell expanding its BIT apprenticeship program to powerful success stories – equity is creating lasting impact.

Read: bit.ly/bit-oct25-ne...

Funded by US Department of Education, Grant H421F240171.
A Halloween-themed graphic with lit jack-o’-lanterns, candles, spider webs, and a crescent moon, featuring the Blind Institute of Technology logo. Large text reads, “October Newsletter Now Available” in bright orange letters.
October 30, 2025 at 7:44 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Join us in celebrating Sowmya Bhaskar — a BIT Apprentice and newly certified accessibility professional!

Sowmya’s passion for equitable design and accessibility inspires us all.

Want to earn your own cert? Visit blindit.org

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
A professional profile graphic for “Apprentice Spotlight” featuring Sowmya Bhaskar, CPACC, a Digital Accessibility Analyst from Seattle, WA. Includes her photo, pronouns, what excites her, professional goals, fun fact, and contact info on a modern layout.
October 30, 2025 at 2:46 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
A day of inspiration at #WorldSightDay! 💙

BIT’s Lora Swatko attended the Carroll Center for the Blind event featuring research advances, mental health insights, and a keynote by Miss Teen USA Havah Fleischer.

#AccessibilityInAction #TeamBIT #BlindnessAwareness #Brightside
Two women stand smiling side by side in a wood-paneled room. One has long brown hair, a white sweater, and a green patterned skirt; she holds a bag. The other wears sunglasses, a beige cardigan, and holds a white cane. A bouquet of flowers is on the right. Three women stand close together, smiling indoors. The woman on the left has long blonde hair and wears a bright blue dress. The middle woman has straight, long blonde hair and wears a black top and light pants. The right woman has short blonde hair and wears a beige cardigan and sunglasses.
October 29, 2025 at 8:06 PM
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Join us in celebrating Garry Fowlkes Jr., CPACC — a BIT Apprentice & Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies!

Based in Phoenix, Garry’s driving equitable design & user experiences that work for all. 💚

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240171.
An informative flyer for the Blind Institute of Technology features Garry S. Fowlkes Jr., a Digital Accessibility Analyst. It includes his role, location, goals, and fun facts, plus contact info, all on a white background with green and black accents.
October 27, 2025 at 8:34 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Join us in celebrating Clinton Bartok, CPACC — a BIT Apprentice and Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies!

Clinton is passionate about making the world accessible to everyone. Ready to grow your team? Visit blindit.org.

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant H421F240171.
A spotlight profile for Clinton Bartok, CPACC, a Digital Accessibility Analyst at the Blind Institute of Technology. Features a headshot of Clinton, professional goals, a fun fact, excitement about accessibility, and contact information. Black, green, and white design.
October 24, 2025 at 8:07 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
We already gave Dreamforce a standing ovation, but its accessibility deserves an encore. 👏

Thanks to Salesforce Accessibility, this year’s event set the gold standard — from guides to captions to accessible seating.

Accessibility wasn’t an add-on — it was a mindset. 🌍

#DF25 #TeamBIT
Two smiling men pose for a selfie at an event. One wears sunglasses and holds a coffee cup; the other wears a blue "Accessibility Support" vest. Behind them is a colorful stage screen with emoji graphics and the words "Dreamforce" and "Agentic Enterprise. Two people stand smiling in a conference room with chairs and attendees in the background. The woman on the left has long blond hair and wears a gray jacket. The man on the right wears a blue vest and lanyard. Warm lighting highlights their faces.
October 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
The Golden Hoodie landed in D.C.! ✨

BIT’s Mike Hess joined PhRMA’s “Days of Understanding,” sharing how BIT helps companies create workplaces where every ability belongs. 💛

Thanks, PhRMA, for championing equity in action!

#GoldenHoodie #TeamBIT #AccessibilityInAction
Nine people stand on a stage, all wearing blindfolds labeled "BIT." The group, diverse in gender and ethnicity, stands in front of two large screens with text "Brain Rules." The central figure holds a white cane, suggesting a focus on blindness or accessibility. A man stands at a podium shaking the hand of another man on a stage in front of an audience. Two large screens display a bridge graphic and the word “About Us.” People sit in rows, clapping, in a modern, sunlit conference room with large windows. A man in a gold jacket speaks to an audience seated in rows in a modern, sunlit conference room. A slide showing a bridge is projected behind him. Attendees are attentively facing forward, and large windows reveal an outdoor view. A man stands on stage speaking to an audience in a modern conference room with tall windows. Two screens display an image of wine, grapes, and cheese. Attendees are seated in rows, listening attentively.
October 23, 2025 at 7:29 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
BIT’s apprenticeship program is growing – and Dell Technologies shows why.

✔ Salesforce Admin apprentice approved
✔ Two Digital Accessibility Analysts apprentice approved
✔ More in the works

We’re thrilled to partner with a leader building accessible, future-ready teams.

#TeamBIT #Dell
Black and white Blind Institute of Technology logo featuring an eye as the letter "I" in "BIT"; next to it is the blue Dell Technologies logo with "Dell" in bold and "Technologies" below in a lighter font.
October 22, 2025 at 4:08 PM
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How do we build workplaces where every kind of mind belongs? 💭

Join BIT + Divergent Thinking UK as we explore how digital accessibility & neuro-equity work together to shape how we design, communicate & collaborate. 💻🤝

📅 Oct 28 | 🕘 9 AM MT / 3 PM UK
👉 Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
A digital flyer advertises a workplace accessibility event with four headshots of speakers and their names/titles: Elliott Natale, Nat Hawley, Mike Hess, and James Warnken. Event details, date, and key takeaways are listed. Logos and colorful geometric accents appear.
October 21, 2025 at 7:36 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
The Golden Hoodie found its people — and a few new fans. 💛

Salesforce once again proved why Dreamforce is the world’s most accessible conference. ♿✨

We reconnected with partners, celebrated a BIT apprentice thriving at Salesforce, and met the real star of Dreamforce — Yuki the service dog. 🐾
A man in a black outfit stands arm-in-arm with a woman in business attire holding a white cane. They both smile at the camera, posing in front of a blue Salesforce-branded backdrop. The setting appears to be a professional event or conference. Six adults stand smiling in an office, some wearing conference lanyards. One man wears sunglasses, holds a white cane, and stands beside a yellow guide dog. The group looks happy, and presentation screens are visible in the background. Four smiling adults pose together indoors at a conference. One woman is seated in a wheelchair in front; three men crouch and stand around her. They all wear conference badges and casual attire. The setting has blue-patterned carpet and white walls. Three people stand on a stage with a blue curtain and a large Salesforce logo podium. A screen behind them shows a financial report interface. One man wears sunglasses and holds a white cane. Two others face the audience, one speaking.
October 21, 2025 at 1:59 PM
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Congratulations to Alexis Toliver, Sc.M., CPACC – one of BIT’s newest apprentices & Certified Professionals in Accessibility Core Competencies! 🎉

Alexis is breaking barriers & driving change as a Digital Accessibility Analyst. 💚

Ready to grow your team or launch your career? Visit blindit.org.
An informational flyer titled “Apprentice Spotlight” features Alexis Tolliver-Thompson, a Digital Accessibility Analyst. It includes her photo, a quote about access, goals, a fun fact about her published work, and her email. The design uses black, green, and white.
October 17, 2025 at 2:17 PM
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Luis joined BIT’s apprenticeship program in 2025 – now he’s thriving at Salesforce! 👏

Learn how BIT helps professionals with disabilities build tech careers: blindinstituteoftechnology.org/apprentice-t...

#TeamBIT #Apprenticeships

Funded by US Department of Education Grant Number H421F240171.
October 16, 2025 at 2:52 PM
thisisblindit.bsky.social
Calling all Chicagoans!

Meet the BIT team at the Blind Service Chicago Vision Expo, where innovation meets equity. Learn how our Apprenticeship Program helps blind & low vision professionals launch high-growth careers in tech!

📅 Oct 28 | 9-3 CT
📍 838 W. Kinzie
🔗 www.eventbrite.com/e/vision-exp...
Logo with two blue hands cupped upward, holding three stylized human figures in red, orange, and green. To the right, bold black text reads: "BLIND SERVICE CHICAGO" on a light gray background.
October 15, 2025 at 2:44 PM
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From student to Salesforce pro! 🌟

Kyle, a BIT Salesforce Academy graduate, is now thriving as a Salesforce Administrative Coordinator for a global nonprofit empowering women in conflict-affected regions. 💪🌍

When access meets opportunity, amazing things happen. Learn more 👉 dif.blindit.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM