Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

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Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

MABVI is a program of MAB Community Services. Our unique blend of programs and services enables individuals to learn to live confidently with vision loss.

For over 100 years, the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI), has been committed to supporting individuals living with vision loss. We provide vision rehabilitation and support services throughout Massachusetts to more than 1,200 adults, primarily older adults, who are blind or visually impaired. Programs include access to low vision clinics, peer empowerment support groups, one-to-one volunteer assistance, in-home vision rehabilitation, adjustment counseling/mental health support, and access/assistive technology training.

01/22/2026

This summer, we were saddened to announce the passing of Sassy Outwater-Wright, MABVI’s beloved former Executive Director. Sassy was a fierce advocate and courageous leader in the blindness and disabilities communities. As MABVI Deputy Director Cynthia Canham said, “Sassy loved MABVI so much and fought to stay here as long as she could. She would be so proud of where we are today. We will strive to keep her dream going.”

To honor Sassy’s life and impact, MABVI established the Sassy Outwater-Wright Legacy Fund to increase access to MABVI’s services and foster innovation.

To learn more about Sassy, the legacy fund, and to donate, please visit: https://bit.ly/45J4EdF

Please consider sharing your favorite memories of Sassy in the comments section.

[Image description: A smiling person with crossed arms and her left arm tucked under her chin leans forward on a red table. She is in an outdoor market on a sunny day].

01/21/2026

Join us in thanking MEDITECH for awarding MABVI a $20,000 grant to support vision rehabilitation services. MEDITECH has been a valued partner since 1982. In addition to time and talent, MEDITECH has invested a total of $605,000 in our mission and impact, empowering older adults who are aging into vision loss.

To learn more about the services and support that MABVI offers, visit www.mabvi.org, call (888) 613-2777, or email mabvi@mabcommunity.org.

[Image description: A person holds a smartphone while another person looks on from across a table with a laptop. In the bottom corner, there is a graphic that reads “MEDITECH Thank you!”].

Photo by Darlene DeVita

01/13/2026

MABVI services are coming to Newton at the new Cooper Center.

Starting January 12, MABVI will offer 1:1 access technology training on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, along with an in-person PEP peer support group for people who are blind or visually impaired.

To learn more or get started, call 888-613-2777.

[Image description: Blue graphic featuring the MABVI logo at the top with the text “MA Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired,” “New!,” and “Peer Support Group & Access Technology Training in Newton, MA.” Curved yellow and blue design elements appear along the bottom.]

12/16/2025

We’re grateful to be featured in the December issue of Boston Seniority Magazine, hosted by the City of Boston and the Age Strong Commission. We appreciate the opportunity to share our work. Take a moment to check out the article here: https://bit.ly/44qodXl

[image description: Cover of Boston Seniority Magazine (December 2025) showing a group of Boston Fire Department leaders standing together at an event, with City of Boston and Age Strong branding. The cover highlights features including a commissioner interview, a mayor’s letter, and upcoming community events.]

12/15/2025

Looking for accessible theater this winter? MABVI has rounded up a season of audio-described performances across Boston, Cambridge and other parts of Massachusetts — including Wonder, The Sound of Music, Chicago, Fun Home, Annie, SpaceBridge, and more. 🎭✨ Check out dates, venues, and ticket info so you don’t miss these inclusive arts experiences: https://www.mabvi.org/winter-2025-2026-events-with-audio-description/

[image description: Graphic featuring dark blue curtains and golden sparkles on a navy background with white decorative elements at the bottom with text: Winter '25-'26 audio-described events hosted by MABVI.]

12/13/2025

At MABVI, we believe the holidays should feel welcoming for everyone. In a new article, our Executive Director Jennifer Harnish shares simple, thoughtful ways to make gatherings more inclusive for relatives who are blind or have low vision — from clearing walkways to offering descriptive guidance and choosing accessible activities. 🎄✨

Read Jennifer’s tips for creating a joyful, inclusive holiday season:
https://www.mabvi.org/making-the-holidays-welcoming-for-relatives-who-are-blind-or-have-low-vision/

[image description: Road signs reading 'HOLIDAY' and 'SEASON' against a blue sky, with the logo for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired at the bottom.]

12/12/2025

We’re honored to be featured in this year’s 31 Nights of Lights at the Prudential Center Boston. On December 17, the Prudential Tower will glow in MAB Community Services’ brand colors—paired with live audio description to ensure the moment is fully accessible and immersive for members of our community with low vision or visual disabilities.

Join us at 4:45 PM in the Prudential Center Mall’s Center Court as we flip the giant ceremonial switch and lights up the Boston skyline. Our live audio describer will narrate the scene, allowing everyone to fully experience this magical moment.

Learn more: mabcommunityservices.org

[image description: 1) Promotional image for the first-ever audio-described Prudential Tower lighting. The image features a spotlight shining down on the text, set against a starry night sky background. 2) Event notification for December 17, 2025, at 4:45 PM, located at Prudential Center Mall, 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199. Contact email provided for questions. 3) Image featuring a text overlay that discusses the benefits of audio description, making experiences more accessible and engaging for people with low vision or visual disabilities, set against a dark background speckled with gold dots. 4) Text in graphic invites public to attend MAB Community Services feature at the Prudential Tower lighting up in brand colors with a live audio description event.]

11/25/2025

Thank you to the Carroll Center for the Blind for hosting today's technology fair! Each year, the Carroll Center brings together life-changing low vision and blindness-specific assistive technology exhibitors from all over the world to connect with the blind and visually impaired community of consumers, families, friends, professionals, and anyone who is interested in learning more about assistive technology. Our MABVI team was pleased to be part of this event!

11/21/2025

ES
Nos complace anunciar el lanzamiento de un nuevo Grupo de Apoyo en Español para adultos mayores (55+) con ceguera o baja visión — un espacio para compartir y apoyarse mutuamente.

Únase por Zoom o por teléfono y sea parte de una comunidad solidaria.
Contacte a Genesis al 617-972-9103 o gpimentellugo@mabcommunity.org para más información.

EN
We’re excited to launch a new Spanish-Speaking Peer Support Group for older adults (55+) who are blind or have low vision — a warm space to connect, share, and support one another in Spanish.

Join us via Zoom or phone and be part of a caring community!
Contact Genesis at 617-972-9103 or gpimentellugo@mabcommunity.org for more info.

[Slide 1: Promotional poster for MABVI announcing a new Spanish-speaking peer support group, with text in both Spanish and English.
Slide 2: Informational poster with details about group in both Spanish and English with options to join either via Zoom or in person.]

10/30/2025

From the starting line in Hopkinton to the finish on Boylston, athlete Brett Sims proved that vision is no barrier to determination. Guided by an incredible team and fueled by community, his Boston Marathon journey embodies MABVI’s mission of empowerment and inclusion.

👉 Read Brett’s story on Traxamo: https://bit.ly/4oCqx53

[Image description: Team With A Vision participant in red raising arms in victory at the Boston Marathon, surrounded by other runners.]

10/29/2025

Last week, MABVI’s Staff attended the Massachusetts Councils on Aging's 2025 Fall Conference (MCOA). It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with attendees, share information about MABVI’s programs and services, and raise awareness about the supports available for older adults living with vision loss.

To learn more about the services and support that MABVI offers, visit www.mabvi.org, call (888) 613-2777, or email mabvi@mabcommunity.org.

[Image description: Person of Color with curly hair standing behind a promotional booth for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, featuring informational materials, mugs, and eye masks on display.]

10/17/2025

Join us next week in our celebration of White Cane Awareness Day led by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind! Every October we join with the blind and low vision community of Massachusetts to celebrate the independence of the white cane and help raise awareness of the White Cane Law in Massachusetts which requires drivers to identify and yield to pedestrians using a white cane or dog guide at street crossings.

We'll be at the State House next Friday for the annual celebration from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Register for the event here: https://bit.ly/47uHNnw

[Image description: Promotional graphic for White Cane Awareness Day on October 24, 2025, featuring a blue silhouette of a state with a white cane overlaid on it.]

Address

29 Denby Road
Brookline, MA
02134

Website

http://www.mabvi.org/

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