Press Release  MCB Launches Career-Focused Outreach Campaigns for People Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired

Boston, Massachusetts — BOSTON (October 1, 2020) – The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) launched two initiatives emphasizing the importance of employment for Massachusetts residents who are blind and visually impaired. Launched today to mark the first day of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM),  the initiatives include a campaign titled “What’s Your Vision?” that explores how Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services help individuals achieve their career goals, and a podcast called “Career Views,” that features stories from successfully employed individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

“What’s Your Vision?” includes a powerful public service announcement (PSA) featuring MCB community members sharing their visions for the future. Additional assets, including print ads and participant interviews, explore how MCB’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services help individuals achieve their workforce goals. During the month of October, MassDOT will partner with MCB to share the campaign via digital billboards across the Commonwealth.

MCB also launched “Career Views,” a podcast featuring stories from successfully employed individuals who are blind and visually impaired, as well as insights from MCB staff and employers.  It’s free to listen to “Career Views” via www.mass.gov/mcb. Four episodes will be released in October to recognize NDEAM, and additional episodes will be added regularly.

“We believe that all people, including those who are blind or visually impaired, should have the opportunity to work, and the resources to help them achieve their career goals. This year has shown the necessary ability to adapt and persevere. People with visual impairments demonstrate these talents every day,” said Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Commissioner David D'Arcangelo. “Part of our core mission is to prepare individuals for employment opportunities. Becoming employed leads to enhanced independence and self-determination, and the campaign and podcast provide encouragement and resources for to help people achieve their goals.” 

Both initiatives were funded via federal allotment from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and are the first of their kind for MCB to provide enhanced outreach opportunities for individuals who receive VR services. This milestone year also marks the 100th anniversary of VR and the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Massachusetts has a long and rich history of advancing employment for people with disabilities, and MCB, founded in 1906, is one of the oldest state blindness agencies in the U.S. One of 15 agencies in Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Health and Human Services, MCB specializes in vocational as well as social rehabilitation services, with additional supporting programs and services, such as orientation and mobility, assistive technology, rehabilitation teaching, children's services and the older-independent blind program.

To learn more about MCB, visit www.mass.gov/mcb, call 1-800-392-6450, or email MCBinfo@mass.gov. Follow MCB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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