Resources for Accessible Services
MABVI’s Healthy Aging Initiative
Capitalizing on our deep experience working with older adults, MABVI launched an initiative in 2019 to help improve and build systems that support healthy aging, thanks to 3-year seed funding from Tufts Health Plan Foundation (now Point32 Health Foundation). MABVI aims to integrate low vision awareness and accessibility into city and statewide Age-Friendly efforts. Learn more about MABVI’s healthy aging resources for older adults with vision loss, families, caregivers, and providers HERE.
Resources for Accessible Services
Amazon Accessibility Customer Service
Contact an accessibility specialist who can help you buy books and other products or get you directly to tech support for Amazon devices and services, including Alexa, Kindle & Fire Tablet.
Phone: 888-283-1678.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/accessibility
A T Guys
Accessible technology product line includes mobile phone software and accessories, portable electronics, screen readers, braille translation software, and accessible games. Trainers offer customized instruction both in-person or via phone or online voice chat on a wide array of assistive technologies, including screen readers, braille displays, embossers, the iPhone and iPad, Android phones, and general accessibility consulting.
Phone: (269) 216-4798
Email: support@atguys.com
https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php
AppleVis
Website of information pertaining to the accessibility of Apple products. Includes blogs, podcasts, articles, reviews, lists of accessible apps, and a discussion forum.
Accessibility Support vision, hearing, motor, and learning impairments. Senior AppleCare specialists are available 24/7 to help you get your Accessibility Settings right, answer questions, and resolve your technical issues. They’ll even teach you a thing or two.
Phone: 877-204-3930h
AT&T National Center for Disabilities (NCCD)
This is where wireless customers with vision loss get answers to questions about accessibility features and services available from AT&T.
Phone: 866-241-6568
Audible Support
Phone: 888-283-5051
https://www.audible.com/contactus?ref=hc_d_cu_d_h_cb
Comcast Accessibility
Direct line to a dedicated team, specially trained to support customers who rely on accessibility services including voice guidance and video description.
Phone: 866-668-6703
Delta Airlines Accessible Travel Services
Learn about and request accessibility accommodations for traveling with delta Airlines.
Phone: 404-209-3434
GE Appliance Support
1-800-626-2000
Google Accessibility
To request a call back, from a Google Disability support specialist, complete this online form.
Call an accessibility specialist at Google through the Be My Eyes app on a smartphone or tablet. Click the ‘Specialized Help’ button on the app’s home page, select Google in the Technical tab.
Google Technical Support: 855-971-9121 may (or may not) be able to help with accessibility questions, depends on the specialist you connect with.
HP Accessibility Support
Technical support for customers with accessibility needs, pertaining to HP (Hewlett Packard) products, available from 6AM to 9PM Mountain Time.
Phone: 888-259-5707
LinkedIn Disability Answer Desk
Call on Be My Eyes app
Contact an accessibility specialist at the LinkedIn Disability Answer Desk through the Be My Eyes app, on a smartphone or tablet; click the Specialized Help button on the app’s home page, then select Technical to get to LinkedIn.
Microsoft Disability Answer Desk
The features you need to make your PC ‘vision friendly’ are built right into Windows – unfortunately, many people don’t know that. Microsoft recognized this as a significant problem and put in place a support team specialized in accessibility. So, dial them up or use the Be My Eyes app and get your computer set up to work for you (not against you). And, to make it even easier on yourself — allow them remote access to your PC and they can make the adjustments.
Phone: 800-936-5900
Peloton
The Accessibility Team at Peloton will answer your questions and give you a call, if you request it by email to: accessibility@onepeloton.com.
Spectrum Accessibility Support
Call this support line to learn about and take advantage of Spectrum cable accessibility accommodations.
Phone: 844-762-1301
Spotify Accessibility Support
Call on Be My Eyes app
Get help from your smartphone or tablet with any questions you have about Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming service. Speak to a trained customer service specialist on BME, go to Specialized Help, then Technical, then Spotify.
T-Mobile Accessibility
T-Mobile has an Accessibility Support web page. It says, “T-Mobile will provide accessible support for wireless network service and billing inquiries. Please contact our Accessibility Customer Care at 1-833-428-1785 if you have any questions or need special assistance. For additional support, please contact Customer Care.”
TSA Cares
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other circumstances, additional assistance during the security screening process. Call 72 hours prior to your travel on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a passenger support specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance.
Phone: (855) 787-2227
Verizon Center for Customers with Disabilities
Free 411 for your home phone and for your mobile phone. Get your bills in the format of your choice…large print or digital. a customer service and technical support center dedicated to helping people maximize the accessibility features built into all of Verizon’s mobile devices. Verizon also provides descriptive video services and text-to-speech capability for Fios TV.
Contact Info
Verizon Center for Customers with disabilities – traditional home phone services and Fios TV
Phone: 1-800-974-6006
8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST Monday – Friday
Email: vccd@verizon.com
Verizon Wireless National Accessibility Customer Service Center (for Mobile services/devices)
It can sometimes be challenging to get information about accessibility features that make your mobile phone, or tablet, work for you. Questions about enlarging text, using voice commands effectively, or using the screen reader, often remain unanswered when posed to your store representative. That should be the case no more – now there is a customer service and technical support center dedicated to helping people maximize the accessibility features built into all of Verizon’s mobile devices. Let them help you get your device set just right for you, from 8am – 9pm EST, Monday – Friday.
Phone: 1-888-262-1999
Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind
Provides access to medications with Braille, large print, or audio labels as well as options for medication delivery.
Address: 52 Frank Street, Stamford, CT 06902
Main Phone Number: (203) 252-8915
Patrick J. Olsen, New England Director of Business Development
Phone: (203) 274-1849
Email: PatrickO@accessiblepharmacy.com
https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/
Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring
A continuous glucose monitoring system for managing diabetes which uses an accessible app with smart phone access.
Prodigy Talking Glucose Meter
Manufacturer of only completely accessible talking glucose meter.
ScriptTalk
Audio, braille, and large print prescription labels, available at Rite Aid pharmacies.
https://www.envisionamerica.com
Groups and Associations for Blind and low vision Consumers
American Council of the Blind
Consumer group of blind users.
Bay State Council of the Blind (Massachusetts Affiliate of ACB)
David Kingsbury, President
Stoughton, MA
Phone: 773-572-6312
Email: Davidkingsbury77@gmail.com
National Federation of the Blind
Largest consumer group of blind users in the U.S. Promotes advocacy, independence, and support for blind and visually impaired consumers.
Massachusetts affiliate: Shara Winton, president, 617-752-1116.
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Phone 410-659-9314
Email nfb@nfb.org
Visually Impaired and Blind User group (VIBUG)
Consumer group of blind and visually impaired users of computers and other adaptive technology, currently holding virtual meetings online.
Phone: (617) 506-9706
Blind Organizations
National Braille Press
Phone: 617-266-6160
Toll Free: 888-965-8965
Bookstore: 800-548-7323 ext. 520 (toll free US only)
Fax: 617-437-0456
Email: contact@nbp.org
AMERICAN FOUNDATION for THE BLIND (AFB)
Phone: 1-800-232-5463
WWW.AFB.org
Rehabilitation Services
Lowell Association for the Blind
The Lowell Association for the Blind serves blind and visually impaired residents of the Greater Merrimack Valley by providing social/recreational programs, assistive technology training, job preparation skills, Braille instruction, etc.
Phone: (978) 454-5704
Email: labinfo@lowellassociationfortheblind.org
https://www.lowellassociationfortheblind.org/
Sight Loss Services, Inc.
Serving Cape Cod area, Sight Loss Services provides peer support, information and referral, education and awareness, outreach/home independence training, and adaptive aids to people who are learning to cope and function safely and independently with the loss of sight.
Phone: (508) 394-3904
Email: info@sightloss.org
Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council
Connect with local Centers for Independent Living (CIL’s) throughout Massachusetts for cross-disability information and referral services, advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, housing search, etc.
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Agency providing social, rehabilitation, education, and technology services to registered legally blind Massachusetts residents.
Phone: 617-727-5550 or 800-392-6450
Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Rehabilitation training; Peer support groups, adjustment counseling referrals and consultation, technology training, volunteer program.
Phone: 1-888-613-2777
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE (APH)
Phone: 1-800-223-1839
https://www.aph.org
Stores
Amazon
A range of devices including the Echo and Dot that can be used to obtain information and provide entertainment when the use issues voice commands.
Computer for The Blind
Provides refurbished desktop and laptop computers equipped with a Home Annual license of JAWS screen reader or ZoomText Magnifier to visually impaired and blind individuals in the United States at a low cost.
https://computersfortheblind.org/
Blind Mice Mega Mall
Catalog of products for the blind and visually impaired.
https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory_Departments?storeid=82333
Carroll Center for the Blind
Store that sells magnifiers, talking products; offers on-site evaluation and training to legally blind citizens.
Phone: (617) 969-6200, Ext. 240
Email: store@carroll.org
Freedom Scientific
This store offers soft wares, scanners and braille displays for blind and low vision customers. They also provide technical support for items purchased from them.
Web page:
https://www.freedomscientific.com
Phone: 800) 444-4443
Independence Market
Catalog of products for the blind and visually impaired.
Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext. 2216
Email: independencemarket@nfb.org
https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/independence-market
Independent Living Aids
Catalog of products for the blind and visually impaired.
Phone: 800-537-211 8
https://www.independentliving.com/
L S & S
Catalog of products for the blind and visually impaired.
Phone: 800-468-4789
MaxiAids
Catalog of products for the blind and visually impaired. Also sells products for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and with mobility disabilities.
Phone: 800-522-6294
Podcasts
Blind Abilities
Podcasts with a blindness perspective. Download the Free Blind Abilities App from the App Store or the Google Play Store
e-mail: info@blindabilities.com
Training Resources
Easter Seals Massachusetts
Provides access technology training to eligible Massachusetts residents, a lending library of assistive technology for people to test products for 30 days, and the
Hadley.edu
A website of educational materials and correspondence courses, discussion groups, instructional videos, and resources for blind and visually impaired people.
Phone: 800-323-4238
Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
“iFocus” Instructional Videos. Free resources for living with low vision.
Phone: (800) 323-4238
E-mail: info@hadley.edu
https://www.hadley.edu/InstructionalVideos.asp
Labeling Equipment
HALO Tactile Icons
HALOS tactile icons are shapes that represent common features on home appliances. We sell the tactile icons as stickers that can be applied directly to a touch surface control panel. These stickers identify both the location and the function of an appliance feature. They are like bump dots but smarter! We offer five tactile icon packages – microwave, oven, washer, keypad and home. The microwave, oven and washer packages contain two sets of 9 commonly used appliance features. For example, the microwave package includes tactile icon stickers for start, stop, power level, add time, popcorn, pizza, potato, defrost and timer. The home package has over 60 icons to identify a variety of home appliance features. Finally, our keypad package is used to label keypads commonly found on microwaves and ovens. We also offer custom labeling – just send us a picture of the appliance, plus the make and model and we will create a custom set of tactile icons for all the buttons on your appliance.
E-Mail: tangibleSurfaceResearch@gmail.com
http://tangibleSurfaceResearch.com/halos
Menus
Menus4All iOS App
Menus4ALL has accessible restaurant menus. Go to the Apple App Store to download the Accessible Menus app. There is a subscription of $2.99 per month, or $29.99 annually, after a 14-day free trial.
Senior Resources
Massachusetts Councils on Aging and Senior Centers
Councils on Aging are the 350 municipal agencies that provide local outreach, social and health services, advocacy, information and referral for older adults, their families and caregivers. Councils on Aging & Senior Centers provide support services to elders, families and caregivers in the community. As a local agency, the Councils on Aging & Senior Centers serve as an elder advocate, offers services, and activities for elders. Services may include outreach, transportation, meals (congregate or home delivered), health screenings, health insurance counseling, socialization, fitness, wellness and recreation activities, life-long learning, etc.
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles line for people with disabilities and seniors over age 65
Phone: (857) 368-8005
Email: MassDOTRMVSeniors@dot.state.ma.us
Phone Options
Massachusetts Specialized Equipment Distribution Program (MEDP)
The Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP) provides people with disabilities with a specialized telephone network. Depending on income level, these telephones may come for free or at reduced cost. MassEDP provides landline phones OR a wireless device. For the wireless devices MassEDP DOES NOT provide the phone’s service plan.
Contact: Katelyn Sylvia, Public Education Coordinator
Phone: (508) 821-7205
To arrange a home visit:
Phone: (800) 300-5658
Fax: (508) 460-3962
https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-equipment-distribution-program-massedp
Senior Cell Phone Option
Plan Provider:
Lively phone: 800-650-5918.
The Jitterbug flip 2 phone.
- Cost $39.99
- Benefits: Lyft and Uber call assistance, urgent response button, 24 7 assistance with phone usage, built in GPS, and a lively app tracker for relatives to track user activities.
- The JitterBug smart 3:
- Cost $49.99
- Benefits: 24/7 help, built in GPS, Lyft and Uber call assistance, urgent call button, 5 GB internet service.
Plan Information: Applicants can sign up only through the lively service at 800-650-5918.
There is a 30 day return policy.
Voting Resources
vote.org
Call on Be My Eyes app
Get help, on smartphone or tablet, registering to vote, checking your registration status and requesting a mail-in ballot. On BME, go to Specialized Help on the home page, then Civic g5Engagement, then select Vote.org.
Diabetes Support
The Diabetes Action Network, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, is a support and information network for all diabetics, especially those who are blind or losing vision. Many of our members have experienced ramifications of diabetes such as blindness, amputation, nerve damage, heart problems, kidney disease, etc. Others have experienced no chronic complications, but want to utilize our services, learn more about diabetes, and be part of a caring support group. In addition to reaching out to fellow diabetics who may be finding it difficult to cope with problems that accompany diabetes, we provide support and information to interested persons.
https://nfb.org/about-us/divisions-committees-and-groups/divisions/diabetes-action-network
Loan Program
Massachusetts Alternative Finance Loan Program (MAFLP) provides alternative financing options to qualified people with disability and their families. There are three loan programs:
Long Term Device Loan – free long-term loans of assistive technology devices valued less than $500. Available to individuals/families who are financially eligible.
Mini Loan: Zero interest loans of $100-$2,000 for the purchase of assistive technology products and services. Any items defined as assistive technology are allowed.
Financial Loan: Low-interest loans of $2,000 or more for the purchase of assistive technology products and services. Any items defined as assistive technology are allowed.
Phone: 800-244-2756
Email: info@eastersealsma.org
https://www.easterseals.com/ma/our-programs/assistive-technology/atrc.html
Legal Resource
Disability Law Center
The mission is to provide legal advocacy on disability issues that promote the fundamental rights of all people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of Massachusetts.
Phone: (617) 723-8455
Support Groups for Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals
Independent Low Vision Support Groups
Not Sponsored by MAB or Sight Loss Services-2022
Amesbury
Amesbury Senior Community Center
68 Elm St, Amesbury, MA 01913.
978-388-8138
Director, Doreen Arnfield, arnfieldd@amesburyma.gov
Contact: Nancy Marrs, Outreach Coordinator
Arlington
Arlington COA, 669 Mass. Ave., Arlington, MA 02476
Contact: Laurie August, 781-316-3410, laugust@town.arlington.ma.us
Bedford
Carlton Willard Assisted Living, Bedford, MA 01730
Contact: Maeve Lobo, 781-275-8700 (closed group)
Boston
Boston Veterans Administration (VA)
Boston Healthcare, 150 S Huntington Ave Boston MA 02116
Contact: Carol Faherty, 857-364-6586, carol.faherty@va.gov
Canton
Orchard Cove Assisted Living, Del Pond Rd., Canton, MA 02021
781-821-0820
Contact: Mindy Gilmore 781-821-3268 (closed group)
Danvers
Danvers Senior Center, 25 Stone St., Danvers, MA 01923.
Contact: Lisa Westrate, 978-762-0206, lwestrate@mail.danvers-ma.org
Franklin Foxboro
Foxboro Coa, 75 Central Street, Foxboro, MA. 02035
Contact: Pam McGuire, 508-543-1234
Hamilton
Hamilton-Wenham COA, 29 Bay Rd Hamilton, MA. 01982
Contact: Tim Morris, 978-468-5595
New Director, Theresa Woodbury, reorganizing group
Hingham
Linden Ponds Independent Living, 203 Linden Ponds Way, Hingham, MA. 02043
(Retirement/Assisted Living Community)
Contact: Caren Benjamin, Resident Services Coordinator
781-534-7272 (closed group)
Ipswich
Ipswich Council on Aging, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, Ma 01938
Contact: Beth Wright, 978-356-6650
Lynnfield
Lynnfield Senior Center, 525 Salem Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940
Contact: Deborah (Debbie) Trifletti, 781-598-1078, Dtriffletti_coa@hotmail.com
Lowell
Lowell Association for the Blind
169 Merrimack Street, Lowell MA 01852
978-454-5704,ecannon@lowellassociationfortheblind.org.
Website: http://www.lowellassociationfortheblind.org.
Adult day program meeting twice a week with in-house activities, guest speakers and day trips
Contact: Joshua Stachowski
Marshfield
Talking Information Center (TIC)
Meetings hosted on a quarterly basis, virtually
Join meetings by calling 781-834-5836; specialized TIC radio receiver; smart speakers; TIC app
Contact: Liz Zandenberg, 781-834-4400
For general information: general@ticnetwork.org
Medfield
Medfield COA
Contact: Lisa Donovan, 508-359-3665
Provides transportation to Franklin
Medway
Medway COA
Contact: Marcia Lomberto, 508-533-3210
Provides transportation to Franklin
Merrimac
Merrimac Senior Center, 39 School Street, Merrimac, MA 01860
Contact: Stacey Sherman, 978-346-9549
Milford
Milford Senior Center
Low Vision Workshop
60 North Bow St., Milford, MA 01757
Contact: Marie O’Leary, 508-473-8334, moleary@townofmilford.org
Millis
Millis COA
508-376-7051
Provides transportation to Franklin, ask for dispatcher
Peabody
Brooksby Village, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, MA 01960
Contact: Marina Gigliello, 978-536-7839 (closed group)
Quincy
Fore River Clubhouse, 16 Nevada Road, Quincy, MA 02169.
Contact: Peg O’Connor, 617-471-1781.
Currently closed for renovations
Revere
Jack Satter House, 429 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere, MA 02151
Contact: Lisa Meola, 781-485-5002, lisameola@hsl.harvard.edu
(Closed group)
Somerville
Somerville COA, 167 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144
Contact: Natasha Naim, 617-625-6600, Extension 2317
Westfield
Westfield COA, 40 Main Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Contact: Agnes Flemming, 413-562-6435, a.flemming@cityofwestfield.org
Wrentham
Wrentham COA/Senior Center
Contact: Janet Angelico, 508-384-5425, jangelico@comcast.net .
Provides transportation to Franklin
MABVI Peer Empowerment Support Groups
Boston Elders: Phone
Braintree: In Person
Braintree Council on Aging
71 Cleveland Avenue
Braintree, Ma 02184
Brockton: Phone
Brookline: Phone
Concord: Zoom and Phone
Dorchester: Phone
East Hampton: In Person
East Hampton Council on Aging
19 Union Street
Easthampton, MA 01027
Framingham: Hybrid
Callahan Senior Center
535 Union Avenue
Framingham, Ma 01701
Franklin: Hybrid
Franklin Senior Center
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Gloucester: Phone
Greenfield: Phone
Haverhill: Phone
Hingham: In Person
Hingham Senior Center
224 Central Street
Hingham, Ma 02043
Holyoke/South Hadley: Hybrid
- Hadley Council on Aging
45 Dayton Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
Marlborough: Hybrid
New Horizons at Marlborough
370 Hemenway Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
Medford: Hybrid
Medford Senior Center
101 Riverside Avenue
Medford, Ma 02155
Middleborough:
Middleborough COA
558 Plymouth Street
Middleborough, MA 02346
Montachusett: Phone
Natick: Phone
Needham: Hybrid
Center At the Heights
300 Highland Avenue
Needham, Ma 02192
Newburyport: In Person
331 High Street
Newburyport, Ma 01950
New Bedford: Hybrid
New Bedford Main Public Library
613 Pleasant Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Northborough: Hybrid
Northborough Senior Citizen Center
1 Centre Drive
Northborough MA 01532
Peabody: In Person
Peabody Life Center
79 Central Street
Peabody, Ma 01960
Plymouth: In Person
Plymouth Council on Aging
44 Nook Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
Quincy: Zoom and Phone
Reading: Phone
Sharon: Hybrid
Sharon Community Center
219 Massapoag Avenue
Sharon, Ma 02067
Sudbury: In Person
Sudbury Senior Center
40 Fairbank Road Ste B
Sudbury, MA 01776
Springfield: In Person
Greenleaf Community Center
1187 ½ Parker Street
Springfield, MA 01129
Taunton: Phone
Watertown: Zoom and Phone
Winthrop: In Person
Winthrop Senior Center
35 Harvard Street
Winthrop, MA 02152
Worcester: In Person
Friends of the Worcester Senior Center
128 Providence Street
Worcester, Ma 01604
For further information, contact Amy Ruell, 857-262-1993, aruell@mabcommunity.org
Transportation Services
Blind Access CharlieCard (MBTA)
People who are legally blind, as well as an accompanying guide, can ride most MBTA services for free with a Blind Access CharlieCard. These cards are valid for five years.
https://www.mbta.com/fares/reduced/blind-access-charliecard
Boston: The Ride
Paratransit services in Greater Boston.
https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride/how-apply-the-ride
Phone:
617-337-2727
Email: mbtamobility@mtm-inc.net
Massachusetts Ride Match
Online searchable directory for public, private, and accessible transportation options in Massachusetts.
Springfield Paratransit Services
Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
Worcester Regional Transit Authority
Paratransit services in Worcester.
https://www.wrtaparatransit.com
Guide Dog Resources
International Guide Dog Federation: Guide Dog Providers in North America
A list of guide dog training programs accredited through the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). They have accredited 14 programs in the United States and four in Canada.
https://www.igdf.org.uk/closest-dog-guide-providers/north-america/
Guide Dog Resources from the American Council of the Blind (ACB)
Provides a list of 18 guide dog schools in the United States categorized by state of location and including contact information and service areas, a link to Guide Dog Users, Inc., (an affiliate of ACB), and a list of mail order sources for dog supplies.
https://www.acb.org/guide-dog-resources
Guide Dog Resources from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
Provides information for the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU, a division of the NFB for guide dog users and those interested in learning about guide dogs), and 16 guide dog schools in the United States listed according to state location.
https://nfb.org/resources/guide-dog-resources
Free Screen Readers
Narrator
Microsoft built in screen reader that allows for the user to navigate the computer.