Blind Industries and Services of Maryland originated in 1908 as the Maryland Workshop for the Blind (Chapter 566, Acts of 1908). It adopted its present name in 1973 (Chapter 164, Acts of 1973). Although it is not a State agency, its eleven trustees are appointed for three-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent and it receives State funds.
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland provides employment, vocational training, rehabilitation, and education to blind and severely multi-handicapped blind Marylanders. 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 1957, Art. 30, secs. 3-10, 30A).
To carry out these programs, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland operates three divisions: Industrial Products; Rehabilitation; and Vending Services. The agency also transcribes braille and runs an aids and appliances store.
The Committee consists of four ex officio members (Code State Finance and Procurement Article, sec. 14-104).
AIDS & APPLIANCES
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland sells, at cost, items such as braille watches, talking clocks, talking calculators, canes, and games. Items are available at the office on Strickland Steet, or by mail-order catalogue.
BRAILLE SERVICES
Braille Services transcribes printed material into braille for individuals, organizations, companies, and government for a nominal fee.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS DIVISION
The Industrial Products Division provides meaningful employment to blind and severely multi-handicapped blind adults in the manufacturing of more than a hundred products for federal and State government agencies and commercial and private businesses. The Division is located in Baltimore. Sewn products used by federal and State government agencies as well as private businesses are manufactured in the Western Maryland plant in Cumberland and the Eastern Shore plant in Salisbury.
REHABILITATION DIVISION
The Rehabilitation Division provides free instruction in alternative techniques for blind people. Instruction covers communications, such as braille, typing, and computer training; independent cane travel; and activities of daily living, including management of finances and the home, and cooking.
VENDING SERVICES DIVISION
Created in 1989, the Vending Services Division provides and services beverage and snack vending machines throughout Maryland. The Division is opening up many nontraditional sales and service jobs for blind workers.
© Copyright July 06, 1998 Maryland State Archives