Family Volunteer Program

The goal of the Volunteers for Vision Program is to provide blind individuals with confidential, reliable, one-on-one assistance so that they do not have to rely on family, friends or neighbors to complete tasks that require vision. Many blind individuals do not have a regular source of assistance; do not wish to share their financial affairs with their relatives; and need to conduct many of the same business transactions that sighted individuals do—reading mail, filling out forms, paying bills, balancing checkbooks, shopping for clothes and groceries, sending out holiday or birthday cards, writing letters, etc. MAB’s volunteer program offers a reliable source of assistance that helps visually impaired people live with dignity and a sense of independence.

This year MAB is launching a new initiative to encourage high school students and their parents to volunteer together. High school students who need to meet community service time requirements for graduation are an untapped resource of enthusiastic new volunteers who could make a difference in a blind person’s life while gaining valuable education from the experience. MAB will develop special training opportunities for teens, such as visiting a low vision support group or attending a seminar or panel discussion on Braille, guide dogs and other topics. Exposure to how people with disabilities use technology will be particularly important, so that teen volunteers understand how technology can level the playing field in the workplace education, and daily life. Teen leaders will be identified to serve on an advisory council and help with evaluation and recruitment. This new project will give meaningful service opportunities to teens, and provide the opportunity for the teens to become comfortable working with someone with a disability, an experience that will carry over into their adult lives and careers.

The new family volunteer program is also a chance for parents and teens to spend time volunteering together, learning about vision loss and helping others in their community. Interested in applying to become a volunteer or learning more? Fill out this online form to take the next step today.