Beyond Sight: A BISM Podcast

Episode 26: Our Favorite Things: Assistive Tech

In this month’s episode of Beyond Sight, hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon sit down with Gold STAR student Adam Shrieves, Access Technology Instructor Lina Howard, and

Episode 25: What the Future Holds for BISM: The 2026 Edition

In this episode of Beyond Sight, hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon sit down with BISM President Mike Gosse and Chief Revenue Officer Tony Rodriguez to look back on the

Episode 24: Inclusivity In Manufacturing

In this month's episode of Beyond Sight, hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon sit down with Sophia Keil, Operations Technology and Process Improvement Engineer, and Shane

Episode 23: Faces of BISM Jaeah + Terri

Join hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon for Episode 23 of Beyond Sight: A BISM Podcast, Faces of BISM Jaeah + Terri. IIn this episode they sit down with BISM's HR Direct

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

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 internsh

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 speci

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 th

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 ar

Episode 17: Faces of BISM - Leadership, Experience, and Impact

In the first of what we hope will be many episodes in our new Faces of BISM series, hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon sit down with Andy McIver, Senior Director of Prog

Episode 16: Advocacy in Action - advancing the Rights of Blind Individuals

In this month’s episode, we’re digging into what advocacy really looks like in practice. Qualik Ford and Derique Simon sit down with members of the BISM community to unpa

Episode 15: Step by Step: How the White Cane Leads to Independence

This month, hosts Qualik and Derique sit down with BISM Orientation and Mobility instructor Antonio Mendoza and Maurice Pete, a seasoned O&M instructor, talk all things w

Beyond Sight Ep 14 - Tech for All: Assistive Tools We Actually Use

This month, we spotlight accessible technology that’s transforming daily life for blind and low-vision individuals. From simple, low-tech hacks to cutting-edge tools, we

Beyond Sight at One: Reflections, Revelations, and Laughter

In this special anniversary episode, the tables are turned as BISM President Mike Gosse interviews hosts Qualik Ford and Melissa Riccobono. Together, they reflect on a ye

Pathways to Success: Empowering Employment Through Work Readiness

Join hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon as they go #BeyondSight to learn about BISM’s workforce development programs and how we’re helping people tailor their capabiliti

Episode 11: Beyond Vision: Celebrating Talents, Hobbies, and Achievements

Join host Qualik with special guests Dezman Jackson, BISM Board member, and Garrett Moody, MD States Attorney as they celebrate their diverse talents, hobbies, and achiev

Episode 10: Discover the Power Behind BISM’s Base Supply Centers

In this episode, we explore BISM’s Base Supply Centers and how they create meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind. Learn how every purchase — whethe

Episode 9: "Empowering Seniors Through Life Skills Training"

In this month’s episode, Empowering Seniors Through Life Skills Training, we highlight BISM’s Senior Programs — designed to equip blind and low vision seniors with essent

Episode 8: “Building Bridges at the NFB Convention”

Hosts Qualik Ford and Derique Simon sit down with Melissa Riccobonno, First Lady of the National Federation of the Blind and Board Member of the National Organization of

Episode 7: “Brewing Connections: BISM and Checkerspot Brewing Co. Partner for Change”

This episode showcases the collaboration between BISM and Checkerspot Brewery to support the blind and low vision community. Guests discuss BISM’s outreach, the creation