2025 April- IX Open Access

What if you could host a skilled, certified apprentice – like a Salesforce Admin or Digital Accessibility Analyst – at little to no cost to your organization? Recently, our IX Communities members heard about some amazing opportunities from our friend Michael Hess, founder and executive director of the non-profit organization, Blind Institute of Technology (BIT). BIT's mission is to reduce the high unemployment rate among the disability community. Due to a recent Disability Innovation Fund grant, BIT can place skilled, certified Salesforce Administrator and/or Digital Accessibility Analyst (CPACC-certified) apprentices at little to no cost to host companies across the U.S., ultimately giving organizations a risk-free way to experience the value of equitable hiring. Hosting a BIT apprentice gives your organization access to skilled professionals who are ready to contribute and make an impact. As we learned during the discussion, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities in the U.S. is at least 2x higher than for nondisabled people, and some disability communities are 70-90% unemployed. Partnering with BIT can strengthen your workforce and demonstrate your commitment to leveling the playing field in tech and beyond. Reach out to BIT to learn more!