For people who are legally blind
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)
Independent Living Social Services
MCB provides AT devices and services for daily living needs with state funding. AT provided may include reading lamps, large print calendars, talking clocks and watches among other devices. Read more.
Who is Eligible?
Massachusetts residents who are legally blind and need assistance in achieving their independent living goals. Income eligibility guidelines apply to more costly AT needs (such as computer software). Certain inexpensive, incidental items (such as clocks) are provided to consumers who have recently become blind, to help them become familiar with adaptive devices used in everyday life.
How are AT Services Provided?
MCB case managers refer individuals needing AT equipment to MCB’s Technology for the Blind Program. The Technology for the Blind Program conducts evaluations and, if necessary, makes AT recommendations.
What AT is Provided?
The type of equipment typically provided for improving daily living depends on the specific needs of each individual, and may include items like reading lamps, large print calendars, talking clocks and watches, as well as other similar devices.
Learn more about IL Social Services at MCB at www.mass.gov/mcb
Contact
Boston MCB Office
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: (617) 727-5550
VOICE (800) 392-6450 (MASS. ONLY)
VOICE (800) 392-6556 (MASS. ONLY)
TDD Fax: (617) 626-7685
Worcester MCB Office
390 Main Street Suite 620
Worcester, Ma 01608-2111
(508) 754-1148 VOICE
(800) 263-6944 (MASS ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (508) 752-7832
Springfield MCB Office
436 Dwight Street Room
109 Springfield, Ma 01103
(413) 781-1290 VOICE
(800) 332-2772 (MASS. ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (413) 746-8570
New Bedford MCB Office
800 Purchase Street Suite 290
New Bedford, Ma. 02740-6344
(508) 993-6140 VOICE
(800) 989-4411 (MASS. ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (508) 992-4147
Flexible Family Supports
MCB uses federal funding (Title VII Part B) to provide for unique one-time needs faced by MCB consumers when they present obstacles to independent living and the needs cannot be met by any other source of funding. This is a very limited resource for AT needs that cannot be provided through other programs. Read more.
MCB’s Title VII Part B federal funding provides a modest budget for Flexible Family Supports. When funding is available, this program addresses unique, one-time needs faced by MCB consumers that create barriers to independent living and cannot be met through any other funding sources. This resource is very limited, intended only for AT needs not covered by other programs.
Who is Eligible?
Legally blind residents of Massachusetts.
How are AT Services Provided?
MCB case managers make referrals directly to MCB’s Title VII, Part B Supervisor.
What AT is Provided?
Most needs addressed through this program are not AT-related and typically involve clothing or financial assistance. However, van modifications and home modifications have been provided on a case-by-case basis, depending on available funding. Other AT or adaptive devices might also be available. The program is intended to remain flexible, responding to the specific family needs of legally blind individuals served by MCB.
Contact
Boston MCB Office
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: (617) 727-5550
VOICE (800) 392-6450 (MASS. ONLY)
VOICE (800) 392-6556 (MASS. ONLY)
TDD Fax: (617) 626-7685
Worcester MCB Office
390 Main Street Suite 620
Worcester, Ma 01608-2111
(508) 754-1148 VOICE
(800) 263-6944 (MASS ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (508) 752-7832
Springfield MCB Office
436 Dwight Street Room
109 Springfield, Ma 01103
(413) 781-1290 VOICE
(800) 332-2772 (MASS. ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (413) 746-8570
New Bedford MCB Office
800 Purchase Street Suite 290
New Bedford, Ma. 02740-6344
(508) 993-6140 VOICE
(800) 989-4411 (MASS. ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (508) 992-4147
Bridge Program for Blind Elders
This federally funded (Title VII, Chapter 2) program provides independent living services to people who are legally blind and age 55 or older. IL services may include training, adaptive devices, as well as peer support. Read more.
MCB’s federally funded Bridge Program (Title VII, Chapter 2 funds) offers necessary independent living services to individuals who are legally blind and age 55 or older. IL services can include training, adaptive devices, and peer support.
Who is Eligible?
Legally blind Massachusetts residents aged 55 or older who have a secondary disability (such as hearing loss).
How are AT Services Provided?
Bridge services are provided following an assessment by an MCB Bridge Program case manager. The case manager may refer individuals to the Technology for the Blind program for an evaluation of their specific technology needs.
What AT is Provided?
AT services through the Bridge Program may include low-vision equipment, AT devices, hearing aids and other assistive listening equipment, as well as additional adaptive supplies. Beyond AT services, the program offers information and referral, advocacy, training in essential skills for managing a secondary disability, instruction on diabetes self-management, and peer support groups.
Contact
Boston MCB Office
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: (617) 727-5550
VOICE (800) 392-6450 (MASS. ONLY)
VOICE (800) 392-6556 (MASS. ONLY)
TDD Fax: (617) 626-7685
Worcester MCB Office
390 Main Street Suite 620
Worcester, Ma 01608-2111
(508) 754-1148 VOICE
(800) 263-6944 (MASS ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (508) 752-7832
Springfield MCB Office
436 Dwight Street Room
109 Springfield, Ma 01103
(413) 781-1290 VOICE
(800) 332-2772 (MASS. ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (413) 746-8570
New Bedford MCB Office
800 Purchase Street Suite 290
New Bedford, Ma. 02740-6344
(508) 993-6140 VOICE
(800) 989-4411 (MASS. ONLY) VOICE
Fax: (508) 992-4147