MABVI Newsletter Winter 2020
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February is Low Vision Awareness Month
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Currently, 4.2 million Americans over the age of 40 experience visual impairment. Low vision constitutes an impaired ability to perform daily tasks, such as cooking, reading, or even recognizing the faces around you. This month, there’s no better time to educate yourself on low vision. If you or a loved one is at risk for or experiencing low vision, there are resources within your reach to maintain your independence and lifestyle. MABVI offers a range
of comprehensive, cost-effective, high-quality
services including vision rehabilitation, peer support, adjustment counseling, and access technology training.
Check out the
Services
and
Resources
pages on our website for more information. Or give us a call at
888-613-2777
.
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Round 1 of MABVI/Boston University
Community Transit Challenge Complete
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Finalists in the Innovate@BU Transit Challenge have been selected and the challenge is moving onto Round 2. In partnership with Boston University, MABVI is sponsoring a student and alumni design challenge to solve community transit problems that will benefit society at large–and particularly the older adult and the blind and low vision communities.
"I'm thrilled to see the progress the students are making. They are thinking strategically and inclusively, designing tools and plans that accommodate more people,” said Sassy Outwater-Wright, Executive Director of MABVI.
The finalists chosen in January are continuing to work on detailed solutions with guidance from mentors and informative workshops, In April, the finalist teams will present their solutions during Innovation Week at BU. The winning team will be awarded $10,000 and possible opportunities for support as they continue working on their solution coming to market as a viable product or tool.
More information about this initiative here.
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Dangerous Vision Podcast Season Highlights
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During the first season of MABVI's new podcast,
Dangerous Vision
, MAB board of director and Harvard Business School Professor Randy Cohen has had some insightful and informative conversations with an eclectic mix of guests. In one episode Ra
ndy chatted with Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck recorded LIVE at the PRX Podcast Garage. Throughout the two-part conver
sation, Wyc touched on topics ranging from business to basketball, including personal stories about Celtic legends Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen and his son Campbell, who is blind. Another recent guest on
Dangerous Vision
was Chris Downey, an architect who lost his vision at the age of 45 and continues to thrive in his professional career.
Dangerous Vision
is available for listening on podcast streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, TuneIn and Spotify.
Listen and subscribe here.
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Make a Difference in Your Community
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Looking to make a difference in your community? Become a MABVI volunteer! Volunteers are matched one on one with a consumer and help with tasks that foster independence. Tasks include reading mail, internet use, writing checks, grocery shopping, community errands, and walking/running with a sighted guide. We accept high school and adult volunteers. This is a great way to make a meaningful impact in the life of a neighbor. Areas of high need are
Quincy, Medford, Malden, Framingham and Peabody
. For more information, please contact Alexandra Maggio at
amaggio@mabcommunity.org
or 617-972-9119.
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MABVI is thrilled to welcome new staff to our Volunteer, Peer Support Group, and Adjustment Counseling programs.
Chaz Davis
is an MSW who will spend half of his time in the Adjustment Counseling program, providing 1:1 support to consumers. An accomplished runner, Chaz will also be supporting MABVI's
United in Stride
(our blind runner and sighted guide matching website) and the visually impaired team members running in the Boston Marathon as members of MABVI's Team With A Vision.
Nikki Laird
joins us as a new Program Assistant, helping with everything related to PEP Support Groups and the Volunteer Program. She enjoys collecting funky instruments and urban planning!
Alexandra Maggio
will also be supporting our volunteer program as
Manager of Volunteer Services for Eastern Massachusetts. She
brings volunteer coordinator experience from her years at Community Servings and Zoo New England.
Welcome to the family, Chaz, Nikki, and Alexandra!
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Come out to Support Team With A Vision on Marathon Monday!
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On Monday, April 20, 2020, 28 blind or visually impaired runners and 17 charity runners will be running the Boston Marathon as part of MABVI's Team With a Vision. Team With A Vision is proud to be a part of the Boston Athletic Association’s charity program allowing us to field a team for the Boston Marathon® 2020. All funds raised support MABVI’s Healthy Living Initiative which focuses on the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of individuals living with vision loss and blindness. This includes our statewide network of vision rehabilitation services, 34 low vision support groups, and adjustment to vision loss counseling, Access Technology Training Centers, and 400 volunteers matched 1:1 with blind individuals for guiding or other healthy living activities.
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Age Friendly Initiative:
Sassy Outwater-Wright Interview
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As MABVI works with communities to embed vision rehabilitation and access technology in Age Friendly planning we're thrilled to have the opportunity to appear on Brookline's Age Friendly TV program. The Brookline Age Friendly City initiative is a collaboration among the Town of Brookline, the
Brookline Council on Aging
, and
BrooklineCAN
. MABVI is grateful for our exceptional program partners - the Brookline Senior Center, Ruthann Dobek and her team, the
Brookline Community Foundation
for their financial support of MABVI's Brookline healthy aging services, and to the
Tufts Health Plan Foundation
for their support of Age Friendly cities.
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