Photo: Elana and Brendan Regan (MCB clients), with their mother Sara Regan
How MCB helps:
Nicole Ross, Optometrist
“Often, I'm in the role of talking to patients about being legally blind, what that means, and next steps forward. We register them with the state, which initiates a caseworker from MCB reaching out to them.”
Sara Regan, parent of two blind children/MCB Clients
“One of the things that MCB recognizes, with a diagnosis that will be progressive, they will allow people to receive services before they hit the 20/200 eyesight mark. So you may begin interacting with MCB even before being declared legally blind — that happened with my son Brendan.”
Kara Sittig, MCB Supervisor and Counselor
“We are Vocational Rehabilitation specialists. Vocational meaning work, and rehabilitation meaning to live again. In short, our main objective is to help people learn new skills, maintain employment, or find a new job. We coordinate all the services that help them do that.”
James Leahy, MCB Client
“Your VR counselor is the first person you meet and your go-to person. If I need help getting around, I call them. If I need to learn Braille or how to use a cane, it's them technology, tools, questions, anything. They're like your case manager and first point of contact.”
Kara Sittig
“Our first calls will be gathering some basic information, but we follow that up quickly with a home visit to really understand their needs, explain ways we can help, and even begin talking about goals.”
Brittany Taylor
“When we first meet, I'm not trying to sell you on anything. We often just start with a conversation about you. Who are you? What do you enjoy doing? Tell me about your family, your days.”
Kara Sittig
“We help them understand what MCB can do for them, all the services, and how we, as Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, will be with them moving forward for all of it.”
Brittany Taylor
“The first conversation can be a bit overwhelming. It's all very new for most of them. They're surprised at everything that's there for them — who would know?”