Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Home
United States
Brookline, MA
Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Confident Living with Vision Loss MABVI is a program of MAB Community Services.

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. Our

unique blend of programs and services enables individuals to learn to live confidently with vision loss.

07/11/2025

We are so grateful to The Boston Foundation! Since 1976, your presence, advice, and belief in MAB's mission has fueled our ability to empower people with disabilities to live their best lives. Your most recent $75,000 Safety Net grant supports MABVI’s Greater Boston vision rehabilitation services, which help older adults enjoy safe, full, and independent lives. Thank you for your leadership and partnership!
https://www.mabvi.org/services/rehabilitation/

Photo: Darlene DeVita Photography

[Image description: A vision rehabilitation specialist shows a client how to use an assistive app on a tablet. They are seated at a table with a magnifier nearby. Text overlay at the bottom says, “Thank you!” next to The Boston Foundation’s logo.]

07/08/2025

Recently, we hosted an event to introduce MABVI's new Executive Director, Jennifer Harnish, PhD. to the MABVI community! We are so grateful to the wonderful community members who were able to attend, and had so much fun sharing more about some of MABVI's programs, including a demonstration of some Meta glasses led by our Access Tech Staff!

[Image Descriptions: Photo 1: The Honorable Margaret R. Guzman, who is a MAB Board Member, and Jim Murphy, BSCB (Bay State Council of the Blind) Photo 2: Attendees learned more about MABVI's Access Technology Program. Photo 3: Lauren Thamel, OD, Vision Source of Worcester and Spencer Photo 4: MABVI staff brought technology tools including Meta glasses for everyone to try.]

06/30/2025

As we celebrate Pride Month, let's take a moment to recognize and honor the importance of this time in our community.

Pride is a time to celebrate diverse identities, share joy, and reflect on the strength and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals. It is also a time to remember that Pride began as a protest—and for many, that spirit of resistance continues to be vital today. Through celebration, we affirm that everyone deserves to live in a world where they are safe, accepted, and valued for who they are.

At MABVI, we strive every day to be a community where all people feel seen, supported, and affirmed. We are proud of the work we do together to build an inclusive environment—and we know there is always more to learn and more ways to grow.

Thank you for partnering with us in this work and for being part of a community that champions equity, inclusion, and belonging.

[Image description: Graphic with the text 'Pride is Every Day' alongside a colorful rainbow ribbon design, with the logo of MABVI at the bottom.]

06/11/2025

The Boston Athletic Association's official Charity Program presented by Bank of America has broken its all-time single year fundraising record! We are proud of our partnership with the B.A.A. as an official charity. Congratulations to the B.A.A. and all of participating charities for this incredible accomplishment.

Click here to read the full media release: https://bit.ly/3SDnw6J

[Image description: Participant celebrates joyfully at the finish line of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, where a record $50.4 million was raised for charitable causes in 2025. The runner is wearing 'Team With A Vision' gear.]

06/11/2025

📣 We're Hiring in Allston!
Join our Day Program team and make a difference in your community 💙

🕗 Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
✅ No weekends, no nights!

Our site-based program is all about social and recreational activities, and we want you to bring your passions to life! Whether you’re into music, art, political science, or exploring the Greater Boston area, there’s an opportunity for you to lead exciting activities that will engage and inspire our participants. Share your unique talents or dive into our existing activity schedule—your creativity is the limit!

Click here to view open positions: https://bit.ly/4kvdWzf

[Image description: Promotional image for MAB Community Services Day Programs Staff. Two people sitting on a bench, one embracing the other who is in a wheelchair, smiling warmly. Text on the image indicates hours of operation and mentions virtual interviews on Thursdays.]

06/04/2025

JOIN OUR TEAM! VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS — EVERY THURSDAY
MAB Community Services is hiring residential counselors, educational staff, employment specialists, and day program specialists. Join us anytime via Zoom between 12-3pm every Thursday to discover a career with purpose!

✅ Quick virtual interviews (less than 15 minutes)
✅ Learn more, no commitment
✅ Schedule your Thursday interview now: https://bit.ly/3ZysN39

☎️Call 617-992-8173 to schedule an interview on another day
📧Send your resume to: careers@mabcommunity.org

Learn more:
https://bit.ly/4dZo9Ak

[Image description: Promotional graphic for MAB Community Services highlighting virtual interviews every Thursday from 12-3 pm. Image shows with two smiling individuals in a gym setting, one holding a sports ball. Includes details on quick virtual interviews and no commitment necessary.]

05/28/2025

JOIN OUR TEAM! VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS — EVERY THURSDAY
MAB Community Services is hiring residential counselors, educational staff, employment specialists, and LPNS. Join us anytime via Zoom between 12-3pm every Thursday to discover a career with purpose!

✅ Quick virtual interviews (less than 15 minutes)
✅ Learn more, no commitment
✅ Schedule your Thursday interview now: https://bit.ly/3ZysN39

☎️Call 617-992-8173 to schedule an interview on another day
📧Send your resume to: careers@mabcommunity.org

Learn more:
https://bit.ly/4dZo9Ak

[Image description: ]Promotional poster for MAB Community Services featuring a virtual interview event for residential counselors, educational staff, employment specialists, and LPNS positions, every Thursday. The image shows a person in a wheelchair and another smiling person leaning towards them, both engaging happily. A sticky note emphasizes the event details: "Thursdays, Online."

05/23/2025

🎉 Our Taunton peer support group had a very special celebration — a member’s 95th birthday! 🥳 These moments remind us how powerful connection and community can be.

MABVI’s peer groups bring older adults with vision loss together to share support, build skills, and fight isolation — one gathering (and one joyful milestone) at a time. 💛

Learn more about our PEP groups: https://bit.ly/3SLKyIz

[Image description: Four adults wearing colorful clothing standing outdoors, one wearing a Boston Red Sox cap.]

05/21/2025

Thank you Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata for your generous contribution of an invitational bib for MABVI's Team With A Vision for the Boston Marathon for the 129th Boston Marathon! With this bib, we were able to support an additional runner on our team, raising over $10,000 for MABVI's life-changing services. Thank you!

[Image description: A joyful runner from Team With A Vision is posing with arms raised, wearing a red shirt and pink cap, at the Boston Marathon. Text on the image reads, "THANK YOU! Boston City Councilor Coletta Zapata.]

05/21/2025

Thank you Long's Jewelers for your generous contribution of an invitational bib for MABVI's Team With A Vision for the Boston Marathon for the 129th Boston Marathon! With this bib, we were able to support an additional runner on our team, raising over $10,000 for MABVI's life-changing services. Thank you!

[Image description: Two participants in 'Team Vision' running a marathon, smiling, with a crowd cheering in the background. A 'Thank You' message and the Long's Jewelers logo are also displayed.]

05/20/2025

Program Spotlight: MABVI’s Access Technology Training serves older adults with visual disabilities across Eastern Massachusetts. With this support, more individuals can access the tools and training they need to live independently and confidently. Assistive technology opens access to:

- Printed and digital text
- Healthcare information & tools
- Financial information & banking
- Apps for daily living
- Transportation & navigation services
- Social connectedness and communication

MABVI’s skilled staff and tech-savvy volunteer trainers serve as peer supports and role models to demonstrate how tech can improve the quality of life for individuals with vision loss.

Click here to learn more about MABVI's Access Tech Program: https://bit.ly/3XPJZQf

Photo: Darlene DeVita Photography

[Image description: A person in a baseball cap ad glasses reading a handwritten note with a magnifying glass and smiling.]

05/19/2025

🚨 Leadership Announcement
We’re excited to welcome Jennifer Harnish, PhD as the new Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI)!

Jennifer brings more than 20 years of experience in disability services and nonprofit leadership — and previously served as MABVI’s Director of Social Services. Her dedication to empowering people with blindness or low vision, combined with her strategic vision and compassion, makes her the perfect person to lead MABVI into its next chapter.

🗣️ “Jennifer is a passionate, mission-driven leader... I am confident that MABVI will grow its reach and continue to be a leader in the field,” said Michael Panicola, CEO of MAB Community Services.

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer as she begins this important new role! 👏

🔗 Learn more: www.mabvi.org

[Image description: Close-up portrait of Jennifer Harnish smiling and wearing sunglasses, a burgundy blazer, and a light pink shirt.]

Address

Brookline, MA

Website

http://www.mabvi.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired:

07/11/2025

07/08/2025

06/30/2025

06/11/2025

06/11/2025

06/04/2025

05/28/2025

05/23/2025

05/21/2025

05/21/2025

05/20/2025

05/19/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share