Volunteers for Vision

Helping people with visual impairments remain independent.

Volunteerism has been a tradition since MAB’s earliest days, when the organization was founded by volunteers at the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union. MAB’s first Advisory Boards featured such illustrious volunteers as Helen Keller, Julia Ward Howe, and Edward Everett Hale. The first paid staff member wasn’t hired until 1948. In 1959, a formal volunteer matching program was established, matching 28 sighted volunteers with 34 blind individuals. Today more than 300 volunteers provide a friendly, confidential and reliable source of help for blind and visually impaired individuals across Massachusetts, at home and in the workplace.

Volunteers are matched one-to-one with consumers and assist with tasks such as shopping, reading and clerical work. Each volunteer is thoroughly interviewed, screened, and trained. They read mail, magazines and paperwork; write letters and fill out forms; help with grocery shopping or errands; and, in Central Mass. only, provide transportation to doctor’s appointments. Call a MAB regional office to request a volunteer match.

Greater Boston Office
(617) 926-4232 or
(800) 852-3029
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Central and Western Massachusetts Office
Main office number: (508) 854-0700
Toll free: (888) 613-2777
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Apply online to volunteer.