Volunteer Opportunities

Joining MABVI as a volunteer offers a distinctive chance to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Numerous opportunities exist including being a one-to-one volunteer or providing access to technology training.

Become a One-to-One Volunteer

Volunteers are matched one-to-one with clients and assist with activities such as shopping, reading, clerical work, or enjoying a walk in the park. Volunteers may also be matched as guides for fitness or community activities, opening new doors and opportunities. This is an in-person volunteer opportunity. See below for details and application.
Click here for details, qualifications, and information on how to apply.

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 1 year. Volunteers usually meet with their match once a week for 1-2 hours or once every other week for 1-2 hours. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Bilingual volunteers in Spanish or Haitian Creole are needed!

To be matched with a consumer, prospective volunteers must:

• Complete an online application and choose from a list of tasks you are willing to help with (volunteers can choose to help with more than one task)
• Take a virtual training
• Complete a Criminal Offender Record Information check
• Have a brief interview with the Volunteer Department Staff

Volunteers can choose to help with the following:
• Reading mail, magazines, books, and paperwork
• Clerical tasks such as writing letters, emails, and filling out forms on paper or online
• Accompanying match to assist them with grocery shopping or errands (volunteers use their own vehicles)
• Serving as sighted guides for running, walking, the gym, or other fitness activities
• In Central Mass only, provide medical escort transportation to doctor’s appointments (must be 18 or over)

Ready to make an impact? APPLY HERE

Questions before applying to be a volunteer?

If you are not ready to fill out the application or you want more information, please contact us at volunteer@mabcommunity.org

Click here to find One to One volunteer opportunities in your area right now.

Volunteer as an Access Technology Trainer

Volunteers for MABVI’s Access Technology Training (AT) Program help blind or visually impaired people learn how to use technology that helps them do what they want. They serve as peer support and role models to demonstrate how technology can improve the quality of life for individuals with vision loss. Some of MABVI’s AT trainers are volunteers who are honing their skills in AT and love to work with trainees in the blind and visually impaired community. These training services are provided in person at senior centers and other community facilities around the state and remotely via video or teleconference as the trainees reach a level of proficiency when remote training makes sense. Click here for qualifications and information on how to apply

The requirements for an AT Volunteer Trainer are as follows:

- - Familiarity with any one of the following devices:
  - iPhones / iPads
  - Windows Computers
  - Mac Computers
  - At least a general AT knowledge in one of the three systems mentioned above.
  - Interpersonal skills in working with people.
  - A general understanding of some training techniques.

For more information or to apply as an AT trainer, contact Assistive Technology Director Jerry Feliz at jfelix@mabcommunity.org or Assistive Technology Deputy Director Dave Dunham at ddunham@mabcommunity.org

Check out a recent story about our volunteer program on WBZ 1030 NewsRadio:

Volunteers In Need: Statewide Organization Provides Aid To The Blind

We respect the rights of all volunteers and participants and make every effort to match each person according to their preferences. We no longer ask for COVID vaccination status from the consumer or volunteer. However, if a consumer or volunteer prefers someone vaccinated or to wear a mask in the other’s presence, we will be sure to honor that request and, therefore, may need to ask on behalf of the preferred party. We maintain strict confidentiality and respect your privacy.

We want all who are involved with the volunteer program to be comfortable. Please respect one another’s preferences about social distancing and wearing masks.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: volunteer@mabcommunity.org.

For Current Volunteers: Check out our Volunteer Resource page.

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