MCB’s AT program provides adaptive equipment training and deployment, focusing on software and device training such as screen readers that turn regular computers into talking personal computers. AT also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using technology to perform activities of daily living independently or with assistance.
Assistive Technology Resources and Vendor Information
MCB is a government agency that serves residents who are legally blind. We do not sell adaptive devices, nor can we make specific product recommendations or endorse particular retailers. However, we encourage you to review the key technologies below.
If you are a consumer and would like personalized assistance or need further details about assistive technology options, please contact your counselor. They can offer guidance tailored to your needs. To obtain the contact information for your counselor, please call 1-800-392-6450 or email mcbinfo@mass.gov.
MCB has worked with various organizations to support the needs of our consumers for adaptive devices and technology consulting, including:
If your organization would like to be included on this list of resources, please email mcbinfo@mass.gov.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor for MCB, we encourage you to register on the state’s procurement website, COMMBUYS. Click on the Supplier Registration box located at the top right of the homepage. By doing so, you will automatically receive notifications of any relevant bidding opportunities.
Key Technologies Supported by MCB
Screen Magnification Technology
Those with residual vision benefit from the use of video magnifiers and computer screen magnification software. If the consumer is able to use functional vision, they may benefit from the use of a Closed-Circuit Television System (CCTV) or screen magnification software.
Closed-Circuit Television
A Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) is an electronic magnification system consisting of a video camera, reading tray, and large video monitor. CCTVs enlarge text and objects for easy viewing of books, magazines, food containers, prescription bottles, and anything you need to access for independence and employment. Material is placed on the reading tray beneath the camera, the desired magnification level and other adjustments are selected, and the text is viewed on the television screen. Alternatively, portable handheld video magnifiers provide flexibility for reading tasks that might not be conveniently placed under a fixed desktop camera.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Optical character recognition (OCR) converts typed, clearly handwritten, or printed text into digitally read text using a standalone device, a camera added onto a computer system with supporting software, a video magnification device, or a smart device app. This technology tends to be portable and versatile, used for reading correspondence, printed news, financial documents and statements, business cards, printed data, text of computer printouts, or any suitable documentation.
Screen Magnification Software
Screen magnification software enlarges and enhances the contrast of text and graphics on digital devices, supporting various operating systems (Windows, Macintosh, Linux, iPhones, Androids, and others). The consumer can magnify the size of text and graphics to a level that is most comfortable for working with their applications, helping to gain full access to computers, software, information, and the internet.
Screen Readers and Voice Technology
One of the most powerful and cost-effective adaptive technologies currently available, the screen reader turns a computer into an accessible tool for the consumer by reading aloud text displayed on screens. These tools facilitate email, internet browsing, and database and spreadsheet management.
Braille Refreshable Displays and Embossers
Refreshable braille displays and embossers work with screen readers to access a computer and the internet just like a sighted computer user reads a monitor. A person who is DeafBlind may use braille embossers and displays to assist with day-to-day communication and computer access for work, school, or home independence. A braille embosser and translation software can be used to “print” hard-copy braille from computer documents for a wide variety of applications.