What's New at MABVI?

  • Join us in welcoming new MABVI staff.
  • Volunteer with us!
  • Learn how to use technology to achieve greater independence!
  • Watch and share our new training video: Your Role in Adjustment to Visual Disability.
  • Meet Jade from MABVI's Adjustment Counseling program!

Join us in welcoming new MABVI staff!

A man with a beard smiles next to a women with dark glasses.

Image description: Steve Jordan, MABVI's Director of Orientation and Mobility, smiles alongside Jennifer Harnish, PhD, MABVI's new Director of Social Services during White Cane Day at the Massachusetts State House in October.

A person with short dark hair wearing a white button shirt smiles against a blue background

Image description: Eleanor Strehl, MABVI's Manager of Vision Services.

In October, Jennifer Harnish, PhD, joined MABVI as our new Director of Social Services. Jen was the Director of Rehabilitation at the Carroll Center for the Blind for more than 10 years. At MABVI, Jen, who is a blind clinician, oversees intake, adjustment counseling, peer empowerment support groups, and our volunteer program. Welcome, Jen!


Eleanor Strehl joined MABVI as an occupational therapist three years ago and was recently promoted to Manager of Vision Rehabilitation. She has worked in home-based care and is passionate about supporting clients in living in their setting of choice. Welcome, Eleanor!

Volunteer with us!

A volunteer assists a visually impaired individual using a computer

Image description: MABVI participant Dean Denniston works with volunteer Stephanie Ross to read mail and pay bills.

Would you like a flexible, convenient, and rewarding volunteer experience? Contact MABVI about:

  • Becoming a 1:1 volunteer, or
  • Becoming a volunteer access technology trainer


As long-term MABVI 1:1 volunteer Stephanie Ross shared:

"So proud to see MABVI expanding and reaching even more people in Massachusetts. The last 10 years volunteering for them (and with Dean, pictured above) have been so rewarding. I can't picture life without my weekly piles of mail, discussions, and laughs."

Learn More and Apply to Volunteer!

Learn how to use technology to achieve greater independence at our new sites!

Two people view enlarged text on CCTVs.

Image description: two people view enlarged text on CCTVs.

For people with vision loss, learning how to use assistive technology can be a game changer. MABVI trains participants to use iPhones, iPads, screen readers, smart glasses, and more to do what they need and love to do. Last year, MABVI increased its Access Technology Training sessions by 32% to 2,470 sessions. We now offer in-person services in new community-based locations Mattapan, West Roxbury, and New Bedford. Learn more about the program at https://www.mabvi.org/mabvi-access-technology-and-training-centers/ or by emailing ATCenter@mabcommunity.org

Watch and share our new training video: Your Role in Adjustment to Visual Disability!

Your role in adjustment to visual disability video

Video description: Image and link to MABVI's new introductory training video, "Your Role in Adjustment to Visual Disability"


This video, produced by Amy Ruell, LICSW, is designed to help families, care partners and service providers understand and support vision loss adjustment. Please watch this video and share it! To find other helpful information, training sessions, and resources, visit: https://www.mabvi.org/resources/

Meet Jade from MABVI's Adjustment Counseling Program!

Fear of losing independence, anxiety, depression, grief, and isolation are common responses to vision loss. MABVI's unique Adjustment Counseling program offers phone-based therapy that helps participants move forward with greater confidence. Blind and visually impaired clinicians share coping strategies that address vision loss and work with participants to set goals and move forward. Watch this video featuring MABVI adjustment counselor Jade Fortes, MSW to learn more about this program!

MABVI Adjustment Counselor, Jade, explains the impact of our adjustment counseling program.

Find out more about our Adjustment Counseling program here: https://www.mabvi.org/services/counseling/

While MABVI offers many services at no charge to participants, they are not free to deliver. HALF of MABVI's annual budget relies on donations. Please consider donating to help MABVI deliver and expand our lifechanging services!

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