Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM)

What it reported doing in 2024

Program for rehabilitation, social services and vocational training for the adult blind and severely multiple disabled. Provided training to approximately 1,841 blind individuals through various programs and provided AIDS & appliances to approximately 526 blind individuals.bism continues to move towards our goal of providing services to people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired by offering the following programs: core program bism's comprehensive orientation, rehabilitation, and empowerment (core) program teaches blind and visually impaired adults the skills of blindness so they can become employed, pursue post-secondary education, and regain control of their lives. Confidence building is an essential element of the program and is reinforced with each accomplishment. Core students are taught by blind instructors and learn non-visual methods in a classroom setting. The curriculum includes braille, long white cane travel, independent living, and assistive computer technology, adjustment to blindness seminars, physical fitness, woodshop, and off-site training. The core program generally requires seven to ten months to complete.core is a residential program and we consider residential living the essential component designed to integrate skills developed throughout training. Students live in apartments in an urban setting and are responsible for shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, and money management. Students also organize and participate in community outreach, bism fundraisers, and group activities. Through utilization of classroom taught blindness skills outside of the rehabilitation bubble, our students learn not only independence skills but what it takes to become successful professionally and personally.senior program bism's senior services offers life skills training, support groups, resource materials, home instruction, adapted device demonstrations and community outings for blind and low vision seniors. The goal of all bism senior services programs is to empower blind and low vision senior citizens with the skills and confidence necessary to live an independent, fulfilling life.the seniors achieving independent living (sail) program's curriculum includes classes in braille, cane travel, independent home living, assistive computer technology, adjustment to blindness seminars, gardening and leisure activities. With the skills acquired at bism, senior participants become better equipped to manage their daily needs, remain in their own homes, resume social activities, increase their quality of life and avoid unnecessary placement in costly assisted living facilities.w.r.a.p. Work readiness assessment programwrap program is a two-week program designed to assess individuals in all areas of work readiness and make recommendations for training. We provide assessments in professional interviewing, independent living, orientation and mobility, job based technology, braille (if applicable), and the clients home base. While in the home we review transportation access, a designated organized work area, home based technology, and general overview. We will work on interview skills, career goals, professional etiquette, resume creation/refinement, job soft skills, cover letter tactics, indeed.com profiles, linked-in profiles, job shadowing, and meeting with blind professionals in similar fields of interest.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 61.9%; rating input score 62
• Fundraising efficiency: $2.28 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 8; 8th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 5 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 83
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Yes; rating input score 100

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -5.3%; rating input score 16; 16th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.76; rating input score 72; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.56; rating input score 25; 25th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 11.3%; rating input score 16; 16th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 1.2% per year; rating input score 100; 15th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 1.4% per year; rating input score 100; 14th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -0.2% per year; rating input score 0; 10th percentile among comparable filings