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Home   >   Training 

Conferences & Workshops

illustration of eyeglasses
Save the Date: October 6, 2026
“Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference:
Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss 
​
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood Massachusetts
Thank you for your support!
  • "Focus" Talks for some of the 2025 Conference sessions are now available. 
​The “Focus” Conference is organized by Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and Massachusetts Commission for the Blind together with Perkins School for the Blind, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, New England College of Optometry, and Shriver Clinical Services Corp. Additional collaborators for Program Planning include the Campus School at Boston College and the Carroll Center for the Blind. Funding support is generously provided by our Collaborating Partners. 

Virtual Opportunities
We invite you to explore opportunities for virtual learning and meeting:
  •  Caregiver Support Group for Caregivers of Individuals with Vision Loss
Virtual monthly meetings hosted via phone or online where caregivers, staff and team members can learn, ask questions and share ideas. Discussion topic changes monthly.
  • “Focus” Talks
 On-demand webcasts called “Focus” Talks are our newest virtual training resource on topics related to eye care, vision and vision loss. Presented by our colleagues from across Massachusetts, we are so appreciative to everyone for collaborating, and for sharing their expertise, time and informational resources. 
  •  “Focus” Conference Archives
Listen and Learn: Thank you to the Talking Information Center Network for recording selected sessions from previous gatherings of the "Focus" on Vision Impairment and Blindness Conference: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss.  ​
​
If you would like to be added to a mailing list for future trainings, please send your name and email address to:  [email protected]

See Also:

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   Online Courses & Webinars
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Downloadable Resources & Videos
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MCB/DDS Services & Resources
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
131 Emerald Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

Email: [email protected]
About                   Contact                  FAQ
Site Accessibility & Download Policy
Please note: By posting these Web links, it is not our intention to endorse or recommend the sites. These sites are being offered only as informational resources.  
"Focus" on Vision and Vision Loss: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability
  • MCB/DDS
    • About >
      • Site Accessibility & Download Policy
      • Vision Loss Terminology
    • APH Federal Quota Account >
      • APH Activity Ideas
    • DDS Collaborative Eye Care Centers
    • Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services >
      • Areas Served
      • COMS Log In
    • Let's Walk Together
    • Vision Loss Support Groups
    • EOHHS Resources
  • Eye Care
    • Find an Eye Care Provider >
      • By Town >
        • Ayer
        • Beverly
        • Boston
        • Burlington
        • Cambridge
        • Chelmsford
        • East Bridgewater
        • East Harwich
        • Fairhaven
        • Fall River
        • Falmouth
        • Fitchburg
        • Framingham
        • Franklin
        • Gardner
        • Greenfield
        • Holyoke
        • Lowell
        • Marlborough
        • Melrose
        • New Bedford
        • Newton
        • North Dartmouth
        • North Reading
        • Plymouth
        • Quincy
        • Revere
        • Sagamore
        • Salem
        • Sandwich
        • South Dennis
        • Spencer
        • Sturbridge
        • Sudbury
        • Taunton
        • Tewksbury
        • Waltham
        • Watertown
        • West Springfield
        • Worcester
    • Holyoke Vision Center
    • Center for Adaptive Eye Care SEMA
    • MCPHS Eye and Vision Center
    • DDS Vision Care Guidelines
    • Eye Health & Safety
    • Eye Conditions & Simulations >
      • A
      • B
      • C
      • D
      • E
      • F
      • G
      • H
      • I
      • K
      • L
      • M
      • N
      • O
      • P
      • R
      • S
      • T
      • U
      • V
    • In the News
  • Everyday Life
    • Strategies
    • COVID Resources
    • Deafblind Resources
    • Orientation & Mobility >
      • Movement, Safety and Fun
    • Recreation >
      • Leisure and Learning at Home
    • Local & National Organizations
  • Tech and Access
    • Apps for Vision Loss
    • Technology Equipment
    • Technology Resources
    • Products for Accessibility
    • News and Information Access
  • Students
    • Birth - 22 >
      • Team and IEP
    • Transition
  • Connect
    • Focus Blog
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Training
    • "Focus Talks"
    • Conferences & Workshops >
      • "Focus" Conference Archive
    • Equitable Access
    • Online Courses & Webinars
    • Downloadable Resources & Videos
    • Train the Trainer: Human Guide >
      • Trainer Log In (password needed)
    • Train the Leader: Support Groups >
      • Support Group Leader Log in (password required)