Presented at 11:15 am in Colorado G-H on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
#41307Speaker(s)
- Mike Hess, Founder and Executive Director, Blind Institute of Technology (BIT)
- Sam Evans, Certification Director, IAAP
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Intermediate
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
BIT and IAAP are building bridges between education, certification, and employment. Learn how BIT’s Academy and registered apprenticeship programs – led by professionals with disabilities, equip fellow members of the disability community to enter the tech workforce through accessible training, mentorship, industry-recognized certifications, and real-world experience.
Abstract
At Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), we believe accessibility is more than compliance, it’s a career path. Through our Academy and nationally registered apprenticeship programs, BIT equips professionals with disabilities for success in high-demand fields like Salesforce Administration and Digital Accessibility.
In this session, we’ll explore how BIT's workforce development model combines training, certification, and real-world experience to create clear and supported pathways into competitive employment for professionals with disabilities. Our training is virtual, fully accessible, and offered at no cost to participants, removing barriers for learners who are blind/low vision, neurodivergent, Deaf or hard of hearing, or others living with disabilities.
Participants will also learn how BIT collaborates with businesses, government entities, and higher education to provide apprentices with hands-on project experience and paid apprenticeship opportunities that will prepare them to be successful in dynamic environments. We’ll also share how our curriculum balances technical instruction with soft-skill development – for long-term career success.
Together, we will join forces to offer a comprehensive view at the evolving workforce development ecosystem in accessibility – where education, certification, and equitable hiring practices come together to create a lasting impact.
Keypoints
- Training + certification + real-world practice = job-ready professionals ready to make an impact.
- Workforce development and employer collaboration are key to closing the disability employment gap.
- Understanding the barriers, tools, & experiences of people with disabilities builds true accessible workplaces
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Faculty Development & Support, Other, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Mike Hess
Mike Hess is the Founder and Executive Director of Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), a nonprofit on a mission to close the employment gap for professionals with disabilities. After two decades managing multimillion-dollar tech projects for Fortune 500 companies, Mike grew frustrated by being seen as the “token blind guy.” He knew the skills he’d developed because of his blindness were an asset – not a limitation – and he set out to challenge stereotypes, break down employment barriers, and promote equity for disabled professionals in corporate America.
Since launching BIT, Mike has built global partnerships and connected talented disabled professionals with career opportunities at leading companies. He also created the BIT Academy, the only Salesforce-approved training provider for professionals with disabilities, offering accessible, complimentary courses in Salesforce Administration, Digital Accessibility, Platform App Builder, and Agentforce – with more to come in 2025.
Under Mike’s leadership, BIT launched two U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship programs and was awarded a large Disability Innovation Fund grant to scale its workforce development model nationwide. Mike’s work continues to challenge outdated narratives and shape a more equitable workforce where disability is seen as a strength, not a setback.
Sam Evans
Mike Hess is the Founder and Executive Director of Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), a nonprofit on a mission to close the employment gap for professionals with disabilities. After two decades managing multimillion-dollar tech projects for Fortune 500 companies, Mike grew frustrated by being seen as the “token blind guy.” He knew the skills he’d developed because of his blindness were an asset – not a limitation, and he set out to prove that disabled professionals belong at every table.
Since launching BIT, Mike has built global partnerships and connected talented disabled professionals with career opportunities at leading companies. He also created the BIT Academy, the only Salesforce-approved training provider for people with disabilities, offering accessible, complimentary courses in Salesforce Administration, Digital Accessibility, Platform App Builder, and Agentforce – with more to come in 2025.
Under Mike’s leadership, BIT launched two U.S. Department of Labor – registered apprenticeship programs and was awarded a large Disability Innovation Fund grant to scale its workforce development model nationwide. Mike’s work continues to challenge outdated narratives and shape a more equitable workforce where disability is seen as a strength, not a setback.