Blind Institute of Technology (BIT)

Success starts with a BIT apprenticeship.

BIT's Kristy Schenderlein shares how grads like Kyle Lewis move from Academy→Apprenticeship→Employment – and how some of BIT’s own leaders started the same way.

Learn more: dif.blindit.org/employer-par...

Funded by US Dept. of Education, Grant H421F240171

Digital flyer for BIT Academy Open House Webinar with Elliott Natale, Academy Director. Details about BIT programs for professionals with disabilities. Event date: Wednesday, December 3rd, 9AM MT/11AM ET. Top shows Blind Institute of Technology logo and a person working on a laptop.

Last chance to join our BIT Academy Open House!

Elliott Natale will walk through what we teach, how we teach it & how the Academy supports professionals with disabilities.

Today: 9AM MT
Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Funded by US Department of Education, Grant H421F240171

Colorful paper cutout hands in a row at the bottom, with the Blind Institute of Technology logo above. Large text reads "#GIVING TUESDAY" with a heart-shaped icon between the words, all set on a light blue background.

As Cyber Monday wraps up, we’re gearing up for Giving Tuesday.

Your support helps career seekers move from training to certification to long-term employment. 🎓💼

If you’re giving this year, we’d love for you to consider BIT. 💚
blindit.org/donate/

#CyberMonday #GivingTuesday #WorkforceEquity

Dark green background with colorful autumn leaves and berries in the corners. Centered white text reads, "Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving." Below, smaller text says, "Grateful for community, driven by access for all." Includes the Blue Institute of Technology logo.

BIT will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Wishing you a warm and happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

A man wearing sunglasses, a black and gold jacket, and a name tag stands holding a white cane beside a smiling woman with curly hair and glasses. She wears a maroon top with several buttons, a name badge, and lanyard. They pose against a plain beige wall.

Two people stand and present at a conference room podium. One gestures toward a projected slide titled “Academy – Apprenticeship Model From Learning to Earning.” The slide contains bullet points and a circular diagram. Another person stands near a table with a laptop.

A conference room with several people seated facing a stage. On stage, two presenters speak at a podium beside a large screen displaying the title “Bridging the Gap: How Accessibility Training and Certifications Drive Workforce Readiness and Equity.” The audience takes notes.

Team BIT had a great time at the Accessing Higher Ground Conference in Denver - Golden Hoodie included. 🌟

Mike Hess copresented with IAAP’s Samantha Evans on how higher ed can build stronger teams & career pathways by hiring professionals with disabilities.

Thank you to the AHG team & attendees! 🙌

Behind every successful BIT apprenticeship is a strong support system.

In this clip, Kristy explains how we support employer partners through check-ins, subject matter experts, and hands-on guidance so both apprentices and employers can succeed.

Funded by U.S. Dept. of Education, Grant H421F240171

Digital flyer for BIT Academy Open House Webinar with Elliott Natale, Academy Director. Details about BIT programs for professionals with disabilities. Event date: Wednesday, December 3rd, 9AM MT/11AM ET. Top shows Blind Institute of Technology logo and a person working on a laptop.

Curious about the BIT Academy?

Join our virtual open house with BIT's Academy Director Elliott Natale & get an inside look at our tuition-free training programs for professionals with disabilities.

Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Funded by U.S. Department of Education Grant H421F240171

Join BIT's VP of Operations, Kristy Schenderlein, for our Employer Partner Q&A series. Learn how the BIT Apprenticeship Program matches talented professionals with disabilities to employers' needs.

#WorkforceEquity #TeamBIT #Apprenticeships

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant H421F240171

A diverse group of people sit at round tables in a conference room, watching a presentation projected on a screen. The room has high ceilings, large windows, and “University of Colorado Denver” on the wall. Some attendees are taking notes or drinking coffee.

Where’s the Golden Hoodie been? 🤔

Last week it stopped at CU Denver for the Salesforce Community Sprint! Mike Hess and Joe Crespo joined Trailblazers driving innovation in the #SFDOCommons. 💙

#SFDOSprint #TeamBIT #GoldenHoodie #Salesforce

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant H421F240171

BIT’s James Warnken shares why accessibility should be built in - not added later.

💡 When users can personalize content like dark mode, larger text, less motion, or AI, accessibility happens by default.

🎥 Watch: blindit.org/digital-acce...

Funded by U.S. 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.

🎉 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

👏 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

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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...