The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) received funding through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide compensatory services for our consumers with a current or previous Individualized Education Plan (IEP) who turned or will turn age 22 between March 10, 2020, and September 1, 2023.
The goal of MCB’S Coordinated Pandemic-Related Transition Services (CPR-TS) program is to compensate for the knowledge and/or skills consumers would have gained if the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact Turning 22 programs and services. Other state agencies, including Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, also received funding for this purpose.
MCB will offer a voucher for the consumer to purchase service(s) that appeal to them. The service(s), which can be purchased individually or in group settings, may include:
- Assistive technology skills
- Computer and smartphone use
- Social media and Internet utilization
- Self-advocacy skills
- Civic participation groups
- Networking and social skills
- Orientation and mobility training (public transit, rideshare, etc.)
- Recreation groups (boating, camps, sports enthusiasts, movie buffs, audio described theater, social events, etc.)
- Therapeutic activities (swimming, hippotherapy, etc.)
- Respite
- Transportation to any of the above services/activities
Please contact MCB DeafBlind Extended Supports Director Lesli Baker Johnson at DeafBlind@mass.gov or 857-248-0930 if you have any questions or to discuss accessing this funding.