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Home  >   Training  
Leader LogIn

MCB/DDS Train the Leader Project: 
Vision Impairment and Blindness Peer Support Groups

Become a Support Group Leader
DDS and MCB are seeking staff at both day and residential programs across Massachusetts to facilitate support groups with and for adults with vision impairment and blindness. 
  • Create opportunities for leadership and friendship among adults with ID and vision loss.
  • Strengthen the self-advocacy and empowerment skills of adults who experience vision loss.
  • Enhance your agency's offerings with free curriculum-based materials and learn about available resources including assistive technology for vision loss*.
    * Online Resources, Support Group Curriculum, Resource Lists for Equipment/Materials, and Ongoing Support will be offered FREE of charge to all accepted applicants.

Why Vision Impairment Support Groups?
More than 20% of adults served by DDS in Massachusetts have a visual diagnosis, progressive and/or age-related vision impairment, legal blindness, or deafblindness. Vision loss can directly affect an individual's informed choice making and self-advocacy. Support groups co-led by adults with vision loss and intellectual disability, along with agency group leaders will help to address unique needs associated with vision loss. Group participants will learn about and share vision loss strategies, explore adaptive technologies, make new friends, and have fun!
How Does It Work? 
Step 1:  Register & Learn
All interested in becoming a support group leader must register. Please complete the application below. Support group leaders will then receive a link to create a password to review support group materials and resources online, including:
  • Support Group Guidelines and Resources
  • Topics, Agendas and Curriculum for more than 12 group sessions
  • Materials Lists for Equipment/Resources needed to discuss and experience each topic
  • Stipend for materials up to $160.00 for each Support Group (limited availability)
Step 2: Plan & Advertise
  • Plan the support group (topics), gather materials, and organize the group.
  • Schedule support group meetings at the day, time, location and frequency that works best for your group and/or agency.
  • Advertise within your program/community.
  • Email Support Group information/flyers to Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov ​ for posting on the Vision Loss Support Group page of the Focus website.
Step 3: Have Fun and Explore Resources!
  • Moving through the curriculum, group leaders, members, and staff/caregivers will learn about available resources, get hands-on experience with adaptive technology and promote self-advocacy.
  • Members will also be encouraged to share interests and priorities of topics/resources/needs for the group.
Registration 
  • Support Group Leader Training Application (PDF fillable)
  • Support Group Leader Training Application (RTF)
Flyer 
Please feel free to download, print and share the information flyer. 
  • Support Group Leader Information Flyer (PDF)
  • Support Group Leader Information Flyer (RTF)
Questions?
​Would you like to schedule an In-Person Training? 
Please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura, M.A., COMS
Statewide Director for Vision and Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov ​

This project is made possible through the support of a Becker Family Trust Grant for Innovation and by Shriver Clinical Services Corporation. 
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
Email: Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
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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 Clinics
    • 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 >
        • Athol
        • Ayer
        • Beverly
        • Boston
        • Burlington
        • Cambridge
        • Chelmsford
        • Chelsea
        • East Bridgewater
        • East Harwich
        • Fairhaven
        • Fall River
        • Falmouth
        • Fitchburg
        • Framingham
        • Franklin
        • Gardner
        • Greenfield
        • Groveland
        • Holyoke
        • Lexington
        • Lowell
        • Marlborough
        • Melrose
        • New Bedford
        • Newton
        • North Dartmouth
        • North Reading
        • Plymouth
        • Quincy
        • Revere
        • Sagamore
        • Salem
        • Sandwich
        • Shelburne Falls
        • South Dennis
        • Spencer
        • Springfield
        • Sturbridge
        • Sudbury
        • Taunton
        • Tewksbury
        • Waltham
        • Wareham
        • Watertown
        • Wellesley
        • West Springfield
        • Winthrop
        • Worcester
    • NECO SEMA >
      • NECO Student Access
    • 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
    • Inspiring Lives >
      • Dejan
    • Focus Blog
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Training
    • "Focus Talks"
    • Conferences & Workshops
    • 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)