resources for the blind and visually impaired in
massachusetts
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Services provided:
Vocational Rehabillitation
Social Rehabilitation
Deaf/Blind Extended Support
Orientation and Mobility
Other Support Services
600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
Main phone: 617-727-5550
Toll Free 800-392-6450
Central Registration 617-626-7415
For Certificates of Blindness, ID cards, Registration Status, etc.
Videophone (VP) 857-366-4198
Videophone (VP) 413-304-2434
MCB Ombudsman 617-626-7586
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-for-the-blind
LIBRARY SERVICES
Massachusetts State Library Services
Services for people with disabilities
Statewide access to library materials for the blind and visually impaired, or those certified as unable to read normal print, is provided by the Braille and Talking Book Library at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown and the Talking Book Library at the Worcester Public Library. Perkins serves patrons in eastern and western Massachusetts, and Worcester serves patrons in central Massachusetts. Both libraries receive funding for statewide services from the MBLC.
Many libraries throughout the Commonwealth are designated access centers and offer special assistive aids and technology, such as screen readers, assistive listening systems, mobility devices, and speech recognition software.
Website: https://mblc.state.ma.us/programs-and-support/services-for-people-with-disabilities.php
Learning Ally /Talking books for students with learning differences
2067 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02141
Local Telephone: (617) 500-2706
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 221-4792
NONPROFIT & PRIVATE
Carrol Center for the Blind
For children up to the age of 13 years old who are blind or have low vision, the Carroll Center for the Blind offers a multitude of services that parents can depend on to ensure that developmental milestones are met.
Students between the ages of 14 to 21 years old can participate in weekend and summer programs to help them transition into young adulthood, fostering independence while preparing them for future success. For older teens, we offer academic year programs to support developing vocational skills.
Our comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs are designed for both newly-blinded adults and those who have had a significant loss in vision over time. Our team of specialists guide clients to relearn skills and adjust emotionally, empowering them to live an independent life.
770 Centre Street
Newton, MA 02458-2597
Phone: (617) 969-6200
Massachusetts Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired
MABVI empowers individuals to continue to lead full lives, whether you are experiencing vision loss or have been blind since youth. Vision rehabilitation, access technology training, volunteer help, counseling, and peer support services are comprehensive, cost-effective, high-quality services that are often life-altering. A list of services in multiple languages is available here.
200 Ivy Street
Brookline, MA 02446
and
799 West Boylston Street
Worcester, MA 01606
(888)-613-2777
SCHOOLS & CAREER TRAINING
Massachusetts Education Department - Special Education
For general info related to the special education department of the Dept. of Ed.
www.doe.mass.edu/sped/links/Blind.html
Perkins School for the Blind
We believe every child should have the opportunity to find their place in the world. We believe all people should be treated with respect, and offered opportunities to define their own success. We believe sustainable partnership and collaboration and is the key to creating lasting change everywhere.
175 North Beacon Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-924-3434