Montana Association for the Blind

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  The Montana Association for the Blind (MAB) is a statewide nonprofit organization founded in 1947 that works to empower Montanans who are blind or have low vision by providing education, training, support, and advocacy. Its mission is to promote the economic and social self-sufficiency of blind and low-vision individuals through quality education, adaptive training, community engagement, and opportunities for employment, while also fostering a positive public understanding of blindness. MAB offers programs such as its cornerstone Summer Orientation Program and local chapter activities across the state, helping people adjust to vision loss, develop essential independent-living skills, access adaptive tools and services, and build supportive peer networks.

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• 80 Years Serving the Blind in Montana

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• MAB - 80th Annual State Convention

  The 80th Annual MAB Convention will be held in Great Falls, Montana on September 11, 12, and 13 at the Holiday Inn, bringing together members, presenters, and guests from across the state for several days of connection, learning, and celebration. This year’s convention places a strong focus on 80 years of serving the blind and low vision community, highlighting the impact and growth of the organization over time. A central theme of the event is that vision loss does not define or limit a person’s ability to achieve their goals. In line with that message, all of the main presenters are blind or low vision themselves, sharing their experiences, talents, and expertise to inspire others. The lineup includes professionals discussing eye conditions and how the eye functions to provide vision, along with a professional musician and a variety of other engaging topics. The convention is designed to educate, motivate, and reinforce the message that your vision should not hold you back.

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• Get Involved

  

  Getting involved with the Montana Association for the Blind (MAB) is a great way to connect, contribute, and strengthen the blind and low vision community across the state. You can start by becoming a member, which helps support MAB’s advocacy, programs, and outreach while giving you a voice in the organization. Many members choose to get involved at the local level by participating in a chapter, where friendships are built and community needs are addressed close to home. Others volunteer their time by helping with chapter events, fundraisers, or statewide programs, offering skills and support that make a real difference. Whether you choose one path or a mix of all three, there is no single “right” way to be involved—every level of participation helps move MAB’s mission forward and strengthens the community as a whole.

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• Summer Orientation Program

  

  The MAB Summer Orientation Program is an immersive experience designed to support individuals who are blind or have low vision as they build independence, confidence, and essential life skills. Through hands-on instruction and real-world practice, participants strengthen skills such as orientation and mobility, daily living, assistive technology use, and effective communication. The program also emphasizes self-advocacy and personal goal setting, helping participants prepare for successful transitions into education, employment, and community life while fostering a strong sense of independence and self-determination.

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• MAB Low Vision Center (Bozeman, MT)

  

  The MAB Low Vision Center in Bozeman, MT, is a welcoming resource offered by the Montana Association for the Blind where people who are blind or have low vision can explore and try adaptive tools, technology, and equipment to support independence in daily life. Staff and volunteers provide hands-on assistance with a wide range of devices—such as magnifiers, lighting solutions, accessible computer tools, kitchen adaptations, labeling systems, mobility aids, and more—helping individuals discover what works best for their needs. Open to drop-ins and appointments on Thursdays, the center is designed to be a supportive, accessible place to see, feel, and learn how to use the latest innovations that enhance confidence and independence for low vision Montanans.

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• Contact Us - Montana Association for the Blind

  

  For general questions, the Montana Association for the Blind main office is the best place to start and can help with information about local chapters across the state, membership, upcoming events, donations, volunteering opportunities, advocacy efforts, and other ways to get involved or support our mission. For program-specific contacts, you can reach out to us for direct information about the Summer Orientation Program, services offered through the Low Vision Center, and details about available grants and loan programs designed to support independence and access to adaptive tools and training. We’re also committed to website accessibility—if you have trouble finding information, navigating the site with assistive technology, encounter accessibility barriers, or have suggestions for content you’d like to see added, we want to hear from you. To get started, click on any of the links below to be directed to the appropriate contact page for your needs.

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