Montana Association for the Blind - Est. 1947

• About Us - Our Mission

  

  The mission of MAB is to promote the social and economic self-sufficiency of blind and low-vision Montanans through the facilitation of quality education, training, community, employment, and adaptive services, in addition to fostering a positive understanding of blindness. We envision a Montana in which blindness is understood to be an ordinary and respectable part of life and in which the skills and tools of blindness are readily available to all who may benefit from them.

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• Summer Orientation Program (SOP)

  

  The MAB Summer Orientation Program is an immersive experience designed to support individuals who are blind or have low vision as they build independence, confidence, and essential life skills. Through hands-on instruction and real-world practice, participants strengthen skills such as orientation and mobility, daily living, assistive technology use, and effective communication. The program also emphasizes self-advocacy and personal goal setting, helping participants prepare for successful transitions into education, employment, and community life while fostering a strong sense of independence and self-determination.

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• Low Vision Center (LVC)

  

  The MAB Low Vision Center in Bozeman, MT, is a welcoming resource offered by the Montana Association for the Blind where people who are blind or have low vision can explore and try adaptive tools, technology, and equipment to support independence in daily life. Staff and volunteers provide hands-on assistance with a wide range of devices—such as magnifiers, lighting solutions, accessible computer tools, kitchen adaptations, labeling systems, mobility aids, and more—helping individuals discover what works best for their needs. Open to drop-ins and appointments on Thursdays, the center is designed to be a supportive, accessible place to see, feel, and learn how to use the latest innovations that enhance confidence and independence for low vision Montanans.

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• Mike Mooney advocates for safer sidewalks & opens Montana Association for the Blind chapter - Laurel, MT

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• Get Involved

  

  Getting involved with the Montana Association for the Blind (MAB) is a great way to connect, contribute, and strengthen the blind and low vision community across the state. You can start by becoming a member, which helps support MAB’s advocacy, programs, and outreach while giving you a voice in the organization. Many members choose to get involved at the local level by participating in a chapter, where friendships are built and community needs are addressed close to home. Others volunteer their time by helping with chapter events, fundraisers, or statewide programs, offering skills and support that make a real difference. Whether you choose one path or a mix of all three, there is no single “right” way to be involved—every level of participation helps move MAB’s mission forward and strengthens the community as a whole.

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• At Large - MAB Connect

  

  The At Large Discussion Group through the Montana Association for the Blind provides a way for individuals across Montana—especially those who may not live near a local chapter—to stay connected, supported, and involved. This group helps create a sense of community by offering opportunities to share experiences, access resources, and build relationships with others who understand vision loss. As part of MAB’s broader mission, the At Large Discussion Group supports independence, self-confidence, and connection by ensuring that no one is left without access to encouragement, information, and a strong statewide support network.

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• Contact Us - Montana Association for the Blind

  

  For general questions, the Montana Association for the Blind main office is the best place to start and can help with information about local chapters across the state, membership, upcoming events, donations, volunteering opportunities, advocacy efforts, and other ways to get involved or support our mission. For program-specific contacts, you can reach out to us for direct information about the Summer Orientation Program, services offered through the Low Vision Center, and details about available grants and loan programs designed to support independence and access to adaptive tools and training. We’re also committed to website accessibility—if you have trouble finding information, navigating the site with assistive technology, encounter accessibility barriers, or have suggestions for content you’d like to see added, we want to hear from you. To get started, click on any of the links below to be directed to the appropriate contact page for your needs.

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