We work at a state and national level to better the lives of all blind and low vision people, so that we may live the lives we want.

Accomplishments

• Earned the rite for blind people to purchase life insurance at the same rate as sighted people.
• Passed a braille bill that protects the rights of blind children to obtain braille instruction.
• Successfully advocated to allow blind people to vote privately and independently.
• Improved accessibility of ATMs and bank websites.
• Increased accessibility of Monster.com.
• Improved access to ITunes for blind people.
• Increased independence for blind people in reading display screens in taxis and monitoring and paying fares.

Initiatives

• Advocate for equal access to information for blind students.
• Work with community partners to increase the availability of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education for blind youth.
• Provide scholarships to blind students.
• Provide partial stipends for members to attend the organization’s national convention, Washington seminar, and our annual state convention.
• Advocate for increased access to medical information.
• Advocate to protect the rights of blind parents to raise their children.
• Advocate for the elimination of legislation that allows people with disabilities to be paid less than the minimum wage.
• Advocate for equal access to technology, information, and services for blind college students.
• Provide support for those who are newly blind.
• Provide information and referrals for blind persons in Massachusetts.
• Participate on state and private boards and advisory committees such as the MCB Rehabilitation Council and regional advisory groups, the Braille Literacy Advisory Council, and the community advisory board of the Perkins Library.