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"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. |
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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! Applications are due by May 26, 2023.
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! Applications are due by May 26, 2023.
Save the Date!
15th Annual
"Focus" on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference:
Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss
Do You Have a Great Idea, Artwork, or Information to Share at the Idea-Poster area of the “Focus” Conference
15th Annual
"Focus" on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference:
Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss
- October 3, 2023
- 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
- Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, MA
- Registration opens in June.
Do You Have a Great Idea, Artwork, or Information to Share at the Idea-Poster area of the “Focus” Conference
- Join Us by Creating a Poster, Display, "Hands On" Demonstration, etc. about your idea to share with others!
- Space for 10 "Posters" is available! One free Registration will be offered per display.
- The "Poster" Area will be open throughout the day during the Conference.
Vision Loss Support Groups
Caregivers
Caregivers
- Caregiver Support Group (VIRTUAL)
- We look forward to connecting with you at our next virtual Caregiver Support Group.
- June 2023: Art for All: Visual Art Activities for Individuals with Vision Impairments
- June Caregiver Support Group Flyer (PDF) / June Caregiver Support Group Flyer (RTF)
- 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 Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
- Allston, MA - DDS/VI SUPPORT GROUP: Always Exploring, Never Lost…
"Focus" Talks
Learn whenever the time is right for you! “Focus” Talks is an on-demand webcast series on topics related to eye care, vision and vision loss. Be sure to visit often to view new topics and sessions!
Learn whenever the time is right for you! “Focus” Talks is an on-demand webcast series on topics related to eye care, vision and vision loss. Be sure to visit often to view new topics and sessions!
Leisure and Learning at Home
Your efforts and creativity are cheered and applauded as you continue to spend time and plan for days at home. Knowing that it is so important to keep a daily schedule, while understanding the limits of being home, we've gathered resources for you and created “Leisure and Learning at Home" V1 – V4. Here you'll find ideas for Cooking, Arts & Crafts, Exercise & Yoga, Music, Stories & Meditation, Travel, and more. While some sites and resources were created specifically for individuals with vision loss, others were not but can be adapted by use of description, textured materials, organization and creativity. We encourage you to share Leisure and Learning at Home and feel free to contact Lisa DiBonaventura with other topics that would be helpful to you. Together we can brighten each other’s days!
Your efforts and creativity are cheered and applauded as you continue to spend time and plan for days at home. Knowing that it is so important to keep a daily schedule, while understanding the limits of being home, we've gathered resources for you and created “Leisure and Learning at Home" V1 – V4. Here you'll find ideas for Cooking, Arts & Crafts, Exercise & Yoga, Music, Stories & Meditation, Travel, and more. While some sites and resources were created specifically for individuals with vision loss, others were not but can be adapted by use of description, textured materials, organization and creativity. We encourage you to share Leisure and Learning at Home and feel free to contact Lisa DiBonaventura with other topics that would be helpful to you. Together we can brighten each other’s days!
- Leisure and Learning at Home - V4 (PDF)
- Leisure and Learning at Home - V4 (RTF)
- Leisure and Learning at Home - V3 (PDF)
- Leisure and Learning at Home - V3 (RTF)
- Leisure and Learning at Home - V2 (PDF)
- Leisure and Learning at Home - V2 (RTF)
- Leisure and Learning at Home – V1 (PDF)
- Leisure and Learning at Home – V1 (RTF)
COVID-19 Social Stories
Listen, read, and share each of these social stories in multiple accessible formats regarding COVID-19. Stories include:
Listen, read, and share each of these social stories in multiple accessible formats regarding COVID-19. Stories include:
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)
Eye Surgery Preparation and Post Op Planning for Individuals with Intellectual Disability
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Be Inspired!
by Dejan Pajevic Hi my name is Dejan Pajevic. I am 24 years old and I am from Serbia. I am blind due to ROP. I attend MAB Community Services day program where I have orientation and mobility lessons with Bianca. We have worked together for four years. Read more of Dejan's story. |