Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

We are thrilled to announce that applications to join MABVI's Team With A Vision Charity Team for the 2025 Boston Marathon are now open! Apply to be a fundraising runner on Team With A Vision here: https://bit.ly/4dRslBz We look forward to hearing from you! [Image Description: Promotional graphic for the 2025 Charity Team Application of Team With A Vision, by the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The image features a bold, red sign stating '2025 Charity Team Application Is Now Open' with a directive to 'Follow the link in caption to apply!'.]

Remember to join us and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind this Friday, October 18th, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the Massachusetts State House Great Hall to celebrate White Cane Awareness Day! Learn more at mass.gov/whitecane Address: 24 Beacon St Boston, MA 02108 [Image description: A graphic with a photo of a man using his white cane while crossing a street in a crosswalk. The graphic contains the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind logo with the text: White Cane Awareness Day, Friday, October 18, 2024, 10 A.M. to 1 P.M., Massachusetts State House, Great Hall, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108. Learn more at mass.gov/whitecane.]

We thank the MetroWest Health Foundation for recently awarding nearly $20,000 to MABVI and $100,000 total since 2000! This grant supports MABVI’s adjustment to vision loss counseling, provided by blind or visually impaired clinicians, to MetroWest region older adults with vision loss. Participants learn to cope, build new skills, and connect with resources that combat social isolation and support independence. [Image description: Person seated on a bench with a white cane, featuring a 'Thank You!' message and the MetroWest Health Foundation logo.]

Another helpful reminder from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind as we continue celebrating White Cane Awareness Month: People using a white cane or dog guide always have the right-of-way! Learn more at mass.gov/whitecane [Image description: A graphic with a photo of a man using a white cane crossing a street in a crosswalk. The graphic contains the text: People using a white cane or dog guide always have the right of way. Learn more at mass.gov/whitecane.]

The Cape Cod Foundation has granted $10,000 to support MABVI's Access Technology Training Program in Harwich, MA! With increased hours, training programs, and volunteer services, more Cape Cod residents will learn how to use assistive technology to do everything they need and love to do with greater independence. Learn more about The Cape Cod Foundation here: bit.ly/capecodfoundation And read more about our Access Technology programs here: bit.ly/MABVIAccessTech Photo: Darlene DeVita Photography [Image Description: An individual adjusting digital reading glasses with a grateful expression in a room, with 'Thank You' text and the logo of The Cape Cod Foundation visible.]

For 13 years, THE GIBNEY FAMILY FOUNDATION INC (TGFF) has partnered with MABVI to support greater independence for older adults with visual disabilities. Most recently, TGFF awarded $40,662 for MABVI’s unique adjustment counseling program, where clinicians with visual disabilities help older adults cope with vision loss. We thank our friends at TGFF for their generous investments as well as invaluable advice and support! Learn more about the support that MABVI offers here: https://bit.ly/3XjRkIF Image: Leonardo Borges Nuñez [Image description: A woman wearing sunglasses speaks on her smartphone while seated at a table in her home with a graphic that thanks the Gibney Family Foundation.]

Happy White Cane Awareness Month! We're kicking this month off with this awesome graphic from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind about the White Cane Law! Did you know? The White Cane Law in Massachusetts requires drivers to stop for white canes and dog guides at all street crossings. Learn more about the law at mass.gov/whitecane [Image description: A graphic with a photo of a man using a white cane crossing a street in a crosswalk. The graphic the text: The White Cane Law in Massachusetts requires drivers to stop for white canes and dog guides at street crossings. Learn more at mass.gov/whitecane.]

Many thanks to the Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation at Hemenway & Barnes LLP for making their first grant to MABVI! This investment in MABVI’s award-winning 1:1 Volunteer Program supports matching more than 200 older adults with vision loss to vetted and trained volunteers. Volunteers help participants with mail, paying bills, shopping, exercising/wellness, technology, and social connection. Learn more about MABVI's volunteer services: https://bit.ly/4dKg4j5 Image: Darlene DeVita Photography [Image description: Two individuals walking along a sidewalk next to a fence with lush greenery in the background. A caption on the image expresses gratitude to the Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation.]

Check out this episode of the podcast YourTechReport, discussing thoughts about the Apple event this past month, and updates for accessibility features for the blind and low vision community! Listen here: https://bit.ly/3MUFUVF [Image description: Graphic featuring white headphones with a play button in the center against a blue background.]

Have you heard about NaviLens? It is a new technology designed to help train commuters with low vision or blindness navigate stations from a smartphone app. Check it out at the MBTA Commuter Rail stations at North Station and Salem! Read more here: https://bit.ly/3MHrok0 [Image description: A Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter train painted in purple and white, arriving at a station with blurred autumn trees in the background.]