More Access Technology Training
Centers Opening Statewide
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MABVI's new North Shore Access Technology Training Center will open in the Salem Community Life Center in fall 2022. Experienced instructors and volunteers will offer one-on-one training sessions tailored to each participant’s pace, needs, and visual disability.
Support from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and other generous funders allows MABVI to offer these services at no cost to consumers. In-person and virtual training will help North Shore residents make technology work for them while staying connected, organized, and informed.
More funding to expand access technology services!
Thanks to a $250k earmark in the FY23 Massachusetts state budget, MABVI will now be able to expand our access technology program statewide.
“MABVI’s access technology training program was a game changer for my mother Elaine,” said MAB Community Services Board Member Michael Ellenbogen. “She learned how to use assistive technology to manage many daily tasks. But, most importantly, she can now text her grandkids, which keeps her in closer touch with them.”
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Franklin Senior Center Partners with MA Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Low-Vision Program Welcomes Seniors from Area Towns
Norfolk Wrentham News - May 1, 2022
The Franklin Senior Center will now be working with The MA. Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired to run its low-vision program. The program and its services are available to blind and visually impaired seniors in Franklin and surrounding towns, including Norfolk and Wrentham...
“Imagine if you’re totally blind, have never used a smartphone before, and are just new to vision loss. You can’t imagine how you’re going to be able to read something,” said Jerry Feliz, MABVI's Access Technology Director. “There is help to navigate those challenging, stormy waters. This is a vibrant, welcoming community, and it’s also a platform for persons with visual impairments to learn from people who have visual impairments.” Read the full article here.
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Paul Saner Joins MAB's Board |
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Paul Saner, former Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), just joined MAB Community Services' Board of Directors. Paul's lived experience with blindness, extensive leadership, and successful advocacy make him a uniquely qualified ambassador for Commonwealth residents with blindness and visual disabilities.
Paul has spent his career in leadership roles for organizations including The Foundation Fighting Blindness, The Carroll Center for the Blind, Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library Consumer Advisory Board, and MCB’s Rehabilitation Council. He is a Brookline Town Meeting Member and co-chair of Brookline’s Economic Development Advisory Board.
“It’s an honor to join MAB’s Board,” said Paul. “MAB supports people with a range of disabilities throughout their lives. The dedicated staff offers a variety of opportunities and programs so that clients can lead full and satisfying lives. I’m excited to support MAB’s vision, mission, and growth.”
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Generous Grants Support
Older Adults With Visual Disabilities
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Three recent and generous grants support MABVI’s vision rehabilitation services for older adults with visual disabilities.
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The Boston Foundation (TBF)—$75,000: MAB was one of just 22 nonprofit organizations selected for an Unsolicited Open Door grant! This out-of-the-blue funding for general operations reflects TBF’s belief in MAB’s leadership, vision, and impact.
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Liberty Mutual—$45,000: Liberty Mutual’s largest ever grant to MABVI supports our Greater Boston Healthy Aging & Vision Rehabilitation Program for older adults with visual disabilities
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Catholic Health Foundation (CHF)—$5,000: This grant augments Liberty Mutual’s support for the same MABVI program.
We thank these partners for choosing to invest in MABVI’s life-changing services!
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Join Us at the Accessible Pharmacy's 2022 Blind Health Expo!
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MABVI is excited to participate in the Accessible Pharmacy's inaugural Blind Health Expo! Save the date and join us on Friday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. EST for the largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision. Registration is free and open for exhibitors and attendees.
Learn more about the event here.
Learn more about Accessible Pharmacy here.
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Welcome Aboard, Abigail and Sarah! |
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MABVI is excited to welcome two new staff members to our team. Abigail Shaw, LCSW, is an Adjustment Counselor, and Sarah Meyer is an Intake Coordinator/ Resource Navigator. |
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Abigail already has a full caseload of participants and has quickly become an integral and enthusiastic member of the MABVI team. She has mentored students with disabilities, worked as a technology specialist, and recently passed the LCSW exam. Abigail also is a musician and a runner. |
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Sarah has a wealth of experience as an advocate, crisis clinician, peer mentor, and therapist. She already has assumed the responsibility for answering MABVI's phones and approaches her work with care and enthusiasm. Sarah is a guide dog handler and enjoys reading, singing, playing piano, and yoga. |
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