MAB Community Services has been creating opportunities for people with disabilities since 1903. Helen Keller served on our first advisory board, along with other notable Bostonians who developed some of the first community services for blind individuals. Today we specialize in individualized rehabilitation and family-focused strategies that help individuals with a range of disabilities live full and independent lives in the community. The organization’s three distinct divisions are the Ivy Street School, MAB Adult Disability Services, and Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They work tirelessly across the organization to promote acceptance, inclusion, equality, and diversity.

The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides vision rehabilitation and support services throughout Massachusetts to more than 1,200 adults, primarily older adults, who are blind or visually impaired. Programs include access to low vision clinics, peer empowerment support groups, one-to-one volunteer assistance, in-home vision rehabilitation, adjustment counseling/mental health support, and access/assistive technology training. Our unique blend of programs and services enables individuals to learn to live confidently with vision loss.

MAB Adult Disability Services provides residential supports, community living supports, transitional assistance, occupational therapy, and vocational services for individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injury, and other disabilities in Greater Boston, Southeast Boston, and Central Massachusetts. The department operates more than 25 community residential homes and a community-based day activity center and supports over 300 people to live as independently as possible in their communities each year.

The Ivy Street School is a special education residential and day high school for neurodivergent youth. We work with students to prepare them for adulthood with the tools they need to achieve their greatest independence. Using a lens of disability justice, we support the whole child through a student-first model driven by a commitment to knowing our students well. Additionally, through our Skills for Life program, we support in-home skill development for young adults.

Our Mission

MAB Community Services (MAB) is committed to creating opportunities and transforming the lives of individuals with a range of disabilities. Our goal is focused on providing the necessary support so that everyone can live a full and satisfying life. Since 1903 MAB has provided the training and supports necessary for individuals, regardless of their disabilities, to be active participants in their communities and their own lives.  We approach this work with a commitment to create and sustain a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment for all staff and participants.