Blog Post

Blog Post  Erich's VR Success Story

9/24/2025
  • Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Side view of Erich working at his desk. He is a middle-aged white man, wearing glasses and headphones, and he’s viewing the details of an upcoming Zoom meeting in a magnified view on his large-screen display.

Born with retinitis pigmentosa but not diagnosed until age five, Erich gradually experienced vision loss, eventually becoming legally blind. After building a career in technology, Erich reached a point where his declining vision required additional support to adapt, both personally and professionally. That’s when MCB became an invaluable resource.

Through MCB, Erich received an in-home assessment that changed everything. A caseworker helped him identify simple but essential adaptations, from improving lighting to using his first magnifier and assistive devices for everyday tasks like reading menus. Beyond these tools, MCB provided life skills rehabilitation, teaching him strategies to stay safe and independent at home, including cooking, as well as navigating new environments in his career endeavors.

Today, Erich thrives as a Digital Accessibility Consultant at Harvard University, earning comfortably in the six figures. “MCB helped me adapt to my progressive vision loss,” he says. “Their support made continued success in my career possible.”

  • Massachusetts Commission for the Blind 

    The mission of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is to provide individualized training, education, and empowerment to people who are legally blind, and advocate for inclusive policies across the Commonwealth, with the goal of life-long independence and full community participation.
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