Introduction
Navigating the world of blindness and visual impairment can be overwhelming and often involves lifestyle changes and emotional adjustment. This resource guide offers an overview of public, private, and non-profit entities that provide information, services, and products to individuals with vision loss, their families and support networks. This guide is a collaboration between the Polus Center for Social and Economic Development and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Region 4 Advisory Council.
The content provided in this guide is intended for informational purposes. The service providers contained within this guide should be contacted directly regarding specific questions pertaining to offered services. The Polus Center for Social and Economic Development and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind cannot provide specific information on services offered by other entities.
If you find any broken or misdirected links or accessibility issues within this guide, please contact Kat Tease, Communications Specialist at ktease [at] poluscenter.org .
Agencies and Organizations
This is an overview of agencies and organizations that provide various types of support to individuals who are blind or low-vision.
It covers the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), the Disability Law Center (DLC), the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD), the Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB), the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI), the Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP), the Massachusetts Initiative to Maximize Assistive Technology in Consumer's Hands (MassMATCH), the American Council for the Blind (ACB), the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), the Department of Veteran Affairs, Lighthouse for the Blind, Lions Clubs, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and the Job Accommodation Network (JAN).
Education and Training
Entering the world of blindness is a learning process for people of all ages. Whether you're the parent of a child who requires accommodations or an adult navigating the workforce and independent living, there are resources to help you.
This section covers Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Individual Education Programs (IEPs), transitional support, higher education opportunities, and vocational training programs.
Assistive Technology
It may feel as though blindness can prevent a high quality and independent life, but this is a misconception. With the right tools, people who are blind or low-vision can flourish alongside their sighted peers.
This section covers screen readers, screen magnifiers, refreshable Braille displays, Braille labelers, and smartphone applications for accessible living.
Employment
It's an unfortunate reality that blindness presents an obstacle to employment, largely due to social and societal inequalities. Fortunately, there are resources available to help jumpstart your career and overcome the challenges of the job search.
This section covers vocational rehabilitation programs though MCB, MassHire career centers, Career Connect, the Polus Center, and Work Without Limits.
Accessible Reading and News
Whether you're trying to stay informed or just reading for leisure, there are massive libraries of accessible media out there in a variety of forms.
This section covers the Perkins Talking Book Library, the American Printing House (APH), the National Braille Press (NBP), Bookshare, NFB Newsline, Massachusetts library networks, and radio reading.
Income Support, Tax Benefits, and Insurance
If you or a family member are blind or visually impaired, you may be eligible for an array of benefits.
This section covers supplemental income, transitional assistance, tax benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, medical leave, and benefits planning.
Travel and Transportation
For people who are newly blind or visually impaired, the process of learning how to navigate the world can seem to be a daunting task. However, travel, transportation, and mobility come in many forms.
This section covers orientation and mobility (O&M), public transportation, paratransit (medical shuttles), rideshare services, disability placards, air travel accommodations, Amtrak, and guide dogs.
Accessible Voting
Every resident of Massachusetts has the right to vote and let their voice be heard in local and national elections regardless of disability.
This section covers voting accommodations for Massachusetts residents.
Recreation and Entertainment
Opportunities for recreation and entertainment are as varied as the people who enjoy them. Not only do Federal laws ensure equality of access to public events, but there's also a whole world of activities designed specifically for people with disabilities.
This section covers national park access, Ski for Light, the National Ability Center (NAC), the New England Healing Sports Association (NESHA), Sail Blind, beep baseball, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, audio described theater, and Adaptive Sports New England.
Accessibility Hotlines
Finally, this section is a collection of accessibility hotlines for popular private companies.