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Access Tech

man with sunglasses and white canes by his side, learning how to access features on his phone with an access tech staff memberAccess technology includes apps and devices that help individuals with disabilities complete tasks and increase independence. MABVI’s Access Technology Training Centers help blind or visually impaired people learn to use technology that helps them do what they want. Assistive technology opens access to:

  • Printed and digital text
  • Healthcare information & tools
  • Financial information & banking
  • Apps for daily living
  • Transportation & navigation services
  • Social connectedness and communication

Our Centers employ tech-savvy volunteer trainers, who serve as peer supports and role models to demonstrate how tech can improve quality of life for individuals with vision loss.

MABVI’s Access Technology Training Centers are located in Brookline, Franklin,  Watertown, Natick, Worcester, Harwich, Fitchburg, and Springfield. Full sites are open 2 days (10-12 hours) per week with a staff coordinator. Contact us for an access technology assessment and to ask us about how we can help you. To find a program near you, or to become a volunteer trainer for this program, please contact us toll-free at 888-613-2777  or email us at ATCenter@mabcommunity.org

Would you like to teach your access technology skills to others? We’re recruiting peer volunteer trainers.

Access Tech services are now available for Spanish and Portuguese-speaking individuals.

See more details in these downloadable PDFs:

MABVI Access Technolgy in English 

MABVI Tecnologia de Acceso en Español

MABVI Tecnologia acessibilidade em Português

Special Thanks to our Funders
MABVI’s Access Technology Training Centers are made possible through grants and partnerships with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Highland Street Foundation, BNY Mellon, Boston Foundation, Consumer Technology Association Foundation, Cognex, The Ellenbogen Family, MathWorks, the MetroWest Health Foundation, and the Memorial Foundation for the Blind in Worcester County.

See our access technology Resources Section for links to other local technology resources.

Listen to an interview with Access Technology Director Jerry Feliz on Valley Eye Radio.

Valley Eye Radio and MABVI logos Text: Valley Eye Radio's Harold Anderson Interviews Jerry Feliz, about MABVI's Access Technology Program

Jerry Feliz, Director of  MABVI’s Access Technolgy program, chats with Patrick Olsen, the New England Director of Accessible Pharmacy Services, about their comprehensive home delivery service specializing in the needs of individuals who are blind or low-vision. Patrick was joined by Alexandra Luzier from the Mid-Atlantic division as well as the pharmacy’s founder Dr. Alex Cohen, Ph.D.

What has MABVI’s Access Technology Program Meant for Our Clients During Covid-19?
We asked participants in MABVI’s Access Technology program what the program has meant to them while being isolated during the Covid-19 crisis. Their response reflects the importance of social connection and technology’s role in making that happen.

MABVI’s Access Technology Centers are offering Zoom virtual training courses. We will have a Voiceover Basics Class on Fridays at 10:00 am, Basics of Zoom meetings on Thursdays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm if needed, and HTML & Web design on Mondays at 10:00 am. For more information on how to join these classes, contact Access Tech Center Director, Jerry Feliz jfeliz@mabcommunity.org

As part of our ongoing series, MABVI’s Access Technolgy and Occupational Therapists also provide informative videos on assistive devices or access technology to complete daily activities.


Services we provide

  • Support Groups

    The best support and advice is offered by people who really know what you’re going through – people who’ve had parallel experiences. Peers with shared experiences may even be able to anticipate your questions. While adjusting to vision loss, and even after you’ve grown accustomed to the change, a peer support group is a big help

    Group of seniors sitting at a table talking

  • Adjustment Counseling

    Your life changes when your vision changes. It’s normal for this to feel upsetting and difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Adjustment Counseling program can help.

    Two women standing. The one one the left is a senior citizen with a white cane

  • Volunteer Help

    We were founded by volunteers and today hundreds serve across the state. Volunteers can read mail, help with paperwork or grocery shopping, or be sighted guides for fitness and active living.

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