Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, employment is not covered employment if performed: in a facility that: carries out a program of rehabilitation for individuals whose earning capacity is impaired by age, physical or mental disability, or injury; or provides compensated work for individuals who, because of their physical or mental disability, cannot be employed readily in the competitive labor market; and by an individual who receives that rehabilitation or compensated work. Employment is covered employment if performed by a blind or other severely handicapped employee of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.