Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

06/02/2026

We had an awesome time tabling at the Public Health Institute of Western MA's 2nd Annual Housing Resource Fair hosted by Live Well Springfield at the South End Community Health Center this past weekend! Thank you to our hosts and everyone who joined us there!

[Image description: A person stands behind a table at an exhibition. The table is covered with a blue cloth displaying the text "MABVI" and "MA Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired." On the table are informational pamphlets, water bottles, and small items. An American flag is hanging on the wall in the background.]

05/25/2026

We’re grateful to The Gibney Family Foundation for a $50,000 grant supporting MABVI’s social service programs, including the Adjustment to Vision Loss Counseling (AC) program, Peer Empowerment Support Groups (PEP), and Volunteer Services Program (VSP).

The Gibney Family Foundation helped launch our AC program, the only peer-led clinical adjustment counseling program in Massachusetts for people who are blind or visually impaired. Their support helps people build daily living skills, pursue healthy aging goals, and live with greater autonomy and confidence.

Since 2011, The Gibney Family Foundation has awarded $581,600 in grants to support MABVI’s mission. We’re deeply thankful for their longstanding partnership and commitment to our community.

[Image description: A younger adult and an older adult prepare vegetables together in a kitchen. Below the photo, The Gibney Family Foundation logo appears alongside the words “Thank you!” in blue script.]

05/19/2026

MABVI was proud to participate in the first-ever Digital Navigators Conference at CMA! 🎉

Jennifer and Dave presented during the Tech Accessibility strand, sharing the importance of accessibility and inclusion in technology. Genesis and Lisa represented MABVI at our table, connecting with attendees and sharing information about assistive technology and the many services MABVI offers to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

We’re grateful to the hosts and organizers for bringing together organizations from across Massachusetts to advance digital equity and access for all. MABVI is proud to be part of the Alliance for Digital Equity, a statewide coalition working to expand access to broadband, technology, and digital skills throughout the Commonwealth.

Learn more about the Alliance here: https://alliancefordigitalequity.org/

[Image description 1: A trade show booth featuring two individuals sitting at a table displaying informational materials and branded merchandise. The tablecloth features the text "MABVI." In the background, large windows reveal an outdoor scene with trees and a sidewalk.
Image description 2: A person wearing sunglasses and another person are standing at a podium in a lecture hall. Behind them is a projected presentation slide titled "MABVI Access Technology Program Strategic Plan." The slide lists names including Jennifer Harnish, Cynthia Corc-Cashman, Laurence Fiolek, and David J. DeRamo. The setting appears formal and related to a professional or educational event.]

05/18/2026

Join us in thanking The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation for a $250,000 multiyear grant supporting organizational capacity building and health programming for people with disabilities.

Since 2011, Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation has been a valued partner in helping MAB grow and sustain services across our programs. Their continued investment strengthens the infrastructure behind our work and helps ensure people with disabilities have access to ongoing health and wellness support.

We are grateful for their longstanding partnership and commitment to our mission.

[Image description: Two older adults sit together at a table using a tablet device. One person points toward the screen while the other smiles. Below the photo, the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation logo appears alongside the words “Thank you!” in red script.]

05/15/2026

Since 2017, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation has been a valued partner in MABVI’s Access Technology Training Program. Their latest support will help expand and strengthen the program across multiple Gateway Cities.

This funding will help increase access to technology training for older adults with visual disabilities and provide devices to participants who complete training and demonstrate financial need.

We are grateful for the CTA Foundation’s continued investment in digital access and inclusion.

[Image description: An older adult of color wearing glasses holds and looks closely at a tablet device. Below the photo, the Consumer Technology Association Foundation logo appears alongside the words “Thank you!” in red script.]

05/08/2026

Join us for the MA Digital Navigators First Annual Conference, where MABVI's Jennifer Harnish and Dave Dunahm will present along with Easter Seals at the conference session 3A - Accessibility as a Standard

This session “Accessibility as a Standard” will be a conversation focused on accessibility as a standard which will expand to hands-on with adaptive tech. MABVI will specifically address the needs of a growing number of older adults who are aging into vision loss and the role technology can play in equitable and healthy aging for people with disabilities. They will offer Digital Navigators helpful tips and best practices for working with older adults with visual disabilities, including demonstrations of devices and apps.

Save the DATE for the first-ever statewide Massachusetts Digital Navigator’s Conference:

May 13th from 8 am-6 pm at the Wellsworth Hotel in Southbridge, MA.

Join us and sign up now to stay updated as the final sessions, speakers, and registration info coming very soon!

Sponsorship and speaking opportunities are now available. Contact us via the interest form today! https://alliancefordigitalequity.org/massdna/

Thank you to our early in-kind co-organizers of digital navigators, partners across the Commonwealth, and fiscal sponsors: Comcast, Google, Vinfen, NDIA, Massachusetts Broadband Institute, Mass League of Community Health Centers, Baystate Health, the Alliance for Community Media, Claris Companion, and the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership.

05/05/2026

Low Vision Challenges, Low Tech Solutions

Adapting to vision changes can make everyday tasks more difficult—but the right strategies can make a meaningful difference.

Tune in to this episode of Westfield Council on Aging Presents, where host Harry Rock welcomes Jennifer Harnish, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI), and MABVI's Eleanor Strehl.

Click here to watch the segment: https://bit.ly/4tgCI9N

They discuss MABVI services and share practical, low-tech strategies to help older adults maintain independence and safely age in place.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/30/2026

Thank you, Brookline Community Foundation!

Brookline Community Foundation supporters gathered recently at the Brookline Senior Center to learn about a powerful partnership with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI).

Since 2017, BCF has supported MABVI’s work locally with eight grants totaling $62,000—helping ensure older adults experiencing vision loss can access the services they need to live with dignity and independence.

Through this collaboration, seniors who may not qualify for vision-related benefits can still receive critical support right in the community. We also saw firsthand how assistive technology paired with individualized training can open new doors for connection and confidence.

We left inspired by what’s possible when community partners come together to close gaps and expand access.

Interested in joining a future site visit? Comment “count me in” or send us a message—we’d love to have you with us.

Learn more or volunteer: mabvi.org/get-involved/

04/24/2026

The marathon is over, but the mission keeps going.

Our athletes gave everything they had on Monday and wore their medals home with pride. Now we're asking you to help us reach our finish line. Team With A Vision is just $2,000 away from our $262,000 fundraising goal, and donations are open until next Friday!

That's $10,000 for every mile of the Boston Marathon.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward MABVI's programs and services for 1,200+ people living with vision loss across Massachusetts.

Make your final impact here: https://bit.ly/4bR2v31

[Image Description: Large bold blue text reading “Help us reach our finish line!” with a running shoe icon, followed by smaller white text reading “Only $2,000 to our $262,000 goal.” A red progress bar filled to 99% with a finish flag at the end sites below. The bottom section shows a large Team With A Vision logo and bold text reading “$10,000 for every mile of the Boston Marathon.”]