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After 20 years as a tech veteran managing 7-figure projects for Fortune 500 companies, one thing troubled Mike Hess, he was always the token blind guy. Knowing that the invaluable skills he developed because of his blindness were the keys to his success, he couldn’t understand why unemployment amongst the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community was so high. In his pursuit to reshape the prevailing stigmas and misconceptions surrounding blind and visually impaired professionals within corporate America, Mike undertook a transformative journey. This endeavor resulted in the establishment of Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), dedicated to challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity for disabled professionals. Through advocacy, education, and innovative initiatives, BIT strives to create a more equitable and supportive landscape, ultimately redefining the narrative around the capabilities and potential of disabled professionals in the workforce. Using the same skills that made him a success in IT, Mike has built partnerships and placed disabled professionals in Fortune 500 companies nationwide.
 
To address the need for marketable tech skills among people with disabilities, Mike also established the BIT Academy. Through a partnership with Salesforce, the Academy offers specialized courses in Salesforce Administration and Digital Accessibility Analysis, empowering individuals with disabilities to compete effectively in the workforce. As the only approved training provider for people with disabilities by Salesforce, the BIT Academy is committed to leveling the playing field, equipping individuals with high-level certifications for success. Additionally, BIT is the exclusive owner of two nationally Registered Apprenticeship programs for the blind and visually impaired, both endorsed by the U.S. Department of Labor.