"Focus" on Vision and Vision Loss
The “Focus" website is a resource of the MCB/DDS Partnership Project for Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services, a cooperative effort between the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Read more about MCB/DDS Services and Resources. |
“Focus” Talks
- Free, on-demand learning opportunities
- Some sessions from 16th Annual “Focus” Conference are now available.
Vision Loss Support Groups
Caregivers
Caregivers
- Caregiver Support Group (VIRTUAL)
- We look forward to connecting with you at our next virtual Caregiver Support Group.
- Topic: Universal Access Program with DCR
- Presenter: Teri Koopman, Outreach Specialist, Universal Access Program with MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
- Dates: June 10, 2025, 10:00am-11:00am - OR - June 11, 2025, 4:00pm-5:00pm
- Group is held virtually every month January-October.
- We look forward to connecting with you at our next virtual Caregiver Support Group.
- Interested to join a Support Group? Please complete the registration form, and send to [email protected]
- Allston, MA - DDS/VI SUPPORT GROUP: Always Exploring, Never Lost…
Train the Trainer: Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity
Join us and become a Trainer on Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity to then train your co-workers at the agency where you are employed. Successful completion of this training will enable you to provide training for new staff and/or refresher training for existing supervisors and staff. This Train the Trainer Project for HGVLS is virtual and free, just an application is required!
Join us and become a Trainer on Human Guide and Vision Loss Sensitivity to then train your co-workers at the agency where you are employed. Successful completion of this training will enable you to provide training for new staff and/or refresher training for existing supervisors and staff. This Train the Trainer Project for HGVLS is virtual and free, just an application is required!
- August/September 2025
- Hybrid/Online Class begins August 18, 2025
- In-Person Session September 17,2025 in Holyoke, MA
- Applications will be available in July.
17th Annual "Focus" on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss
Save the Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Save the Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
- 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, Massachusetts
Eye Surgery Preparation and Post Op Planning for Individuals with Intellectual Disability
Keeping Healthy and Safe: Focus on Orientation & Mobility Techniques, Glasses, Canes, Devices and More
In this busy and trying time, all of our energies and attention are on keeping our loved ones and ourselves healthy and safe. Highlighting vision loss, we have put together three resources focusing on Keeping Healthy When Using Orientation and Mobility Techniques, COVID-19 Protocol for Use of the Human Guide Technique, and Keeping Glasses, Canes, Visual Aids, Cell Phones and Devices Spotless and Sanitized. We hope that these three additions to our collection of downloadable resources will be a help to you. We encourage you to send the links and/or download to share. Together we can help each other to stay healthy and safe.
In this busy and trying time, all of our energies and attention are on keeping our loved ones and ourselves healthy and safe. Highlighting vision loss, we have put together three resources focusing on Keeping Healthy When Using Orientation and Mobility Techniques, COVID-19 Protocol for Use of the Human Guide Technique, and Keeping Glasses, Canes, Visual Aids, Cell Phones and Devices Spotless and Sanitized. We hope that these three additions to our collection of downloadable resources will be a help to you. We encourage you to send the links and/or download to share. Together we can help each other to stay healthy and safe.
- COVID-19 Protocol for Use of the Human Guide Technique (PDF) updated December 2020
- COVID-19 Protocol for Use of the Human Guide Technique (RTF) updated December 2020
- Keeping Healthy When Using Orientation and Mobility Techniques (PDF) updated December 2020
- Keeping Healthy When Using Orientation and Mobility Techniques (RTF) updated December 2020
- Keeping Canes, Visual Aids, Cellphones and Devices Spotless and Sanitized (PDF)
- Keeping Canes, Visual Aids, Cellphones and Devices Spotless and Sanitized (RTF)