History

The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired was founded in 1903. Originally named the Massachusetts Association for the Adult Blind, today MABVI is the oldest social service agency in the country providing services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Helen Keller served on our first advisory board, along with notable Bostonians Julia Ward Howe (author of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) and Edward Everett Hale.

Our Mission
MABVI’s mission is to work with individuals with vision loss to eliminate barriers and create opportunities. Our experience allows us to forge strong community partnerships so that we can meet the pressing need for high quality services and programs for adults with vision loss in Massachusetts, and transform lives.