Beyond Sight: A BISM Podcast

Episode 22: ITR’s 40-Year Legacy of Transformation

Join hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon for Episode 22 of Beyond Sight: A BISM Podcast, ITR's 40-Year Legacy of Transformation. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of BISM’s Independence Training and Rehabilitation (ITR) programs, we invited several key figures throughout its history to reflect on the program’s evolution. One recurring theme that kept coming up: how ITR creates opportunities and empowers those who are living with blindness.   Join us for this special episode where ITR staff members and community partners share their experiences with the program and how it has shaped their career trajectories.

Episode 21: The Power of a BISM Internship

Join hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon for Episode 21 of Beyond Sight: A BISM Podcast, The Power of a BISM Internship. In this episode, they explore how BISM’s internship program opens doors for blind and low-vision individuals to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and discover meaningful career pathways. From real-world projects and mentorship to learning workplace skills in a supportive environment, this conversation highlights how internships can be a powerful stepping stone toward long-term success and independence. Tune in to hear how BISM is helping interns turn their talents into opportunity and future careers.

Episode 20: Inside the World of Adaptive Sports

Join us for this episode of Beyond Sight as our hosts explore the world of adaptive sports and the power of making athletics accessible to everyone. We’re joined by special guests from the League of Dreams, who share how their organization is leveling the playing field for athletes of all abilities. From the excitement of beep baseball to the broader impact of inclusive recreation, this conversation highlights how adaptive sports give people the chance to compete, connect, and dream big. Tune in to hear how the game is changing—and why everyone deserves the chance to play ball.

Episode 19: The Evolution from Visually Challenged to Legally Blind

Join us for this month’s episode of Beyond Sight as we talk about the journey of learning, growing, and knowing among the blind and low-vision community. We talk about the importance of finding resources and community — and especially, that feeling of “belonging.” With our special guests to share their unique perspectives as an individual who is blind and a parent of a child who is blind, we’re finding out what it means to go Beyond Sight.

Episode 18: Braille 101: How Dots Became a Global Language

Join hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon for this episode as they celebrate the powerful role Braille plays in literacy, communication, and independence for people who are blind or low vision. From a candid reminder that “if technology died, we would have no way of communicating besides Braille,” to a deeper dive into the different grades of Braille, this conversation highlights why Braille still matters. Plus, test your knowledge as they guess how many Braille volumes it takes to make up the first Harry Potter book—and reflect on the lasting impact of Louis Braille’s legacy.