By Kayla Bentas | From BayLines Express, June, 2026
Two years ago, I joined Blind Information Technology Solutions, better known as BITS, because the organization had free memberships available. At the time, I saw it as a chance to connect with a group focused on accessible technology and the blind and low vision community. What I did not realize was how deeply BITS would become part of my life.
In the fall of 2024, I participated in the Microsoft Office 365 course that BITS offered at no cost. The course was excellent, but what stayed with me was more than the instruction. I noticed the encouragement, the practical information, and the feeling that everyone had something to learn and something to share.
I appreciated right away that BITS welcomed people at many different technology levels. Some members were just beginning to learn basic skills. Others were comfortable with everyday tools and wanted to grow. Some were advanced users, trainers, developers, and technology leaders. That range made the organization feel welcoming instead of intimidating. It showed me that BITS is not only for people who already know a lot about technology. It is also for people who are curious, nervous, unsure, or simply ready to learn.
That experience helped me decide to become a lifetime member. I did not want BITS to be temporary in my life. I wanted to keep learning, contribute where I could, and grow alongside people who understood both the challenges and the possibilities of accessible technology. Since joining, I have gained new skills, valuable knowledge, and friendships that go far beyond technology. I now have people I can learn with, laugh with, ask questions of, and depend on.
Building Confidence and Independence
One of the most meaningful examples of that support happened when I attended the ACB National Convention last year in Dallas, Texas. I went by myself, which was a major step for me. Traveling alone can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating airports, hotels, convention spaces, transportation, and unfamiliar surroundings. But I was not truly alone. I had help from BITS members, people I now call my friends, who guided me through the process.
That convention helped me build confidence as an independent traveler. If I got stuck, someone talked me through getting unstuck. If I was unsure where to go, I had people I could reach out to. We stayed together, attended presentations, helped at the BITS booth, and taught the BITS AI course. It combined learning, service, independence, and friendship in a way I will always remember.
That experience gave me the confidence to do it again. This year, I am going to the ACB National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. I booked my hotel and flight back in January, and I plan to arrange airport assistance from check-in to the gate and again when I arrive. That may sound like a small detail, but for me it represents independence. BITS helped me realize that I can travel, plan, ask for what I need, and participate fully.
BITS has also helped me grow in other ways. I have learned how to build WordPress websites from scratch, strengthened my Microsoft Office 365 skills, and become more comfortable using technology as something I can teach, support, and build with. I am now chair of the BITS Finance Committee, vice chair of the IT Committee, and a member of the Board. These are roles I am very proud to hold.
Who BITS Is
BITS empowers blind and low vision individuals through technology, education, community, and advocacy. The organization is built around the idea that technology should connect people, not divide them. That matters because technology can feel overwhelming, especially when it is not designed accessibly or when people do not have the training and support they need.
BITS helps make technology less intimidating by creating a community where people can ask questions, learn at their own pace, and receive encouragement from others who understand. The organization’s values spell out the word BRIDGE: Belonging, Respect, Inclusivity, Devotion to Community, Growth, and Empathy. Those values are not just words. They describe what many of us experience as members. BITS is a bridge between people and technology, between beginners and experts, and between uncertainty and confidence.
Why BITS Is a Place for Learners
Many people think they have to be “good with technology” before joining a technology organization. BITS proves the opposite. You do not have to know every application, setting, shortcut, or device. You only need curiosity and a willingness to learn. A person might join because they want to use Microsoft Word more efficiently with a screen reader. Another person might want to understand Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Google tools, artificial intelligence, WordPress, coding, web accessibility, or accessible apps. Someone else might simply want a friendly place to ask, “How do I do this?” without feeling embarrassed.
BITS provides educational opportunities, presentations, mentoring, technology support, member discussions, community events, product discounts, and resources that help blind and low vision people become more confident technology users. Courses are especially valuable because they are designed with blind and low vision users in mind.
Community is another major benefit. BITS hosts public chat sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM. These informal gatherings give people a chance to connect, ask questions, and get to know others. BITS also has email lists, member discussion spaces, mentoring, and technology assistance, so people can stay informed and supported.
My Invitation to You
BITS matters because technology is connected to almost every part of life, including communication, education, employment, healthcare, transportation, finances, advocacy, entertainment, and staying connected with others. For blind and low vision individuals, accessible technology can mean independence. It can mean being able to write a document, send an email, manage a spreadsheet, attend a virtual meeting, build a website, apply for a job, learn a new skill, or travel with more confidence.
Anyone interested in joining BITS can visit the BITS website and go to the membership section.
If you are unsure which membership level is right for you, you do not have to figure it out alone. If you need help signing up, have questions, or simply want to chat about resources, technology, or blindness overall, you are welcome to contact me at kayla.bentas@bits-acb.org.
Two years ago, I joined because a free membership was available. Today, I am a lifetime member, a board member, chair of the Finance Committee, vice chair of the IT Committee, a more confident traveler, a website builder, a lifelong learner, and someone who has found a community I truly value. BITS helped me find my place. It may help you find yours too.