BALTIMORE – Aberdeen Proving Ground Garrison leadership received a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the operation of the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland’s Baltimore headquarters, March 18.
APG Garrison Commander Col. Timothy Druell, Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Ruth Drewitt and Director of Operations Bruce Griggs and Garrison Chief of Public Affairs Quentin Johnson toured the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland’s Baltimore headquarters. BISM, a non-profit company, provides career opportunities, rehabilitation and training to blind adults.
BISM currently owns and operates seven AbilityOne Base Supply Centers on military installations, including APG. The AbilityOne Base Supply Center, or BSC, sells a wide range of SKILCRAFT office supplies, made by blind and disabled Americans. The AbilityOne Program is the largest single source of jobs for people who are blind or have significant disabilities in the U.S.
“Life-changing” opportunities
BISM President Fred Puente said the non-profit company helps blind individuals gain independence. People who are blind or have significant disabilities are the largest untapped labor force in the United States. Nearly 70% of these individuals do not have jobs, he said.
According to Puente, BISM aims to change what it means to be blind.
“[The training they receive here] is life-changing stuff for people,” he said. “[By supporting this] program you let people do things they never thought were possible. We have jobs that have been created because of what you do, that allow people to achieve the American dream.”
Tour
During the tour, leadership saw the rehabilitation program where blind individuals learn life skills to grow personally, professionally and develop confidence. Instructors teach everything from Braille to cane travel, computer technology, woodworking, cleaning and cooking. The nine-month residential program can serve 16 individuals at one time.
“We give people the skills to do what they want to do,” Puente said.
Ken Barnett, BISM vice president of sales and marketing, said without the BSCs, state sales and federal government customers, BISM would not be able to provide rehabilitation to blind individuals.
Leadership also walked through the manufacturing division and saw the production of notebooks, cleaning supplies, military uniforms and water bottle labels. BISM is a diverse manufacturing company that produces more than 700 products, including military uniforms, cleaning supplies, paper pads and custom labeled bottled water.
Druell said he is looking forward to continuing the partnership with BISM.
“Your time is valuable, and for you to take your time as the president of the company, it is truly remarkable,” Druell said.
“Nothing is more important to me than sharing what the folks here do,” Puente said.
Drewitt called the facility “amazing.”
“Our mission is to support your mission, and in turn, you help us to support our mission,” said Shawn Savage, director of BSC operations. Savage said military support is critical to the success of BISM.
Upcoming consolidation at APG
The APG South (Edgewood) AbilityOne BSC and the APG North (Aberdeen) AbilityOne BSC are in the process of consolidating into a single APG AbilityOne BSC.
Quynh Budzynski, AbilityOne BSC business development and marketing manager said there would be no interruption to the products and services customers are currently receiving. The transition is slated to be completed by June 30.
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