Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude for the Summer Orientation Program the MAB offers free of charge to adults experiencing blindness and low vision. It changed my life and gave me the confidence, tools and training to adjust to ever changing sight. The volunteers who work tirelessly live with the students 24 hours a day for an entire month teaching skills and supporting each student in finding solutions to overcome their unique challenges. The majority of the teachers are visually impaired and act as powerful role models and mentors. The friendships and training I received help me every day as a business owner. Most of the students reluctantly go into the program, feeling alone, and as if their life is over because of their vision loss. They leave a different person knowing they are not alone and connected to a caring family that includes ongoing support through local chapters throughout the state. I encourage you to support this organization. They deeply care about the people they serve, and are constantly seeking ways to help make their lives better in spite of their sight loss.
I. am a legally blind person who has learned many important ways of navigating a world mostly designed for sighted people. This summer I was able to attend the MAB Summer Orientation program at no cost to me. This year they even provided transportation for a number of us who would otherwise not have been able to cross Montana and attend the program in Billings. While there I learned and relearned many techniques with cane travel that keep me safe out on the streets, climbing stairs, entering doors and finding my way. I also learned to be safer and less messy in the kitchen and doing other household choirs.
Spending time with in a community of blind people who were teaching and learning blind skills was exciting. I saw not only my progress but that of others. I was buoyed up by discussions with other participants. Visiting the zoo, the art museum, and marching in the 4th of July parade were exhilarating,
I am a retired special teacher and have had macular degeneration for over 12 years. The Bozeman chapter of the Montana Assoc. for the blind was a life saver to encourage and help
me learn new skills & to live a productive life. I attended SOP in 2014 & 2015. & in 2021. As my sight decreases, the cane skills are a life saver for mobility. All the classes are necessary plus the positive atmosphere is encouraging and fun. The SOP director has a long background of working with low vision/blind and works very hard for successful classes plus the administrative aspects. She truly cares for each student and their individual needs. MAB has a long history of supporting low vision/blind of Montana.
I am an O&M specialist (COMS) who retired from teaching at a school for the blind in another state in 2010. My late wife and I became involved with the MAB summer program and spent almost every summer since then making the long trek from the deep south up to Montana just to be a part of the SOP staff. My wife passed away over 3 years ago, and since then I have remarried a former student of the school for the blind in our home state. She has joined me in continuing to be involved with the SOP program after it moved to its current location in Billings. We both deeply feel that God has used us in ministering to the clients who choose to attend the SOP program and will continue to do so as long as He wills.
I have been associated with the Montana Association for the Blind for two years. Although I don’t have any deficiencies myself I have observed the association to be devoted to helping those with visual impairments become independent in their lives to the fullest extent possible . The assistance the association provides includes social, psychological, and mobility factors in addition to specific training in using technology in their lives.
I presently serve as 1st Vice President for Montana Association for the Blind (MAB). I first learned of MAB membership and community service in September 1999, following a cornea injury in my one usable eye. I subsequently learned of our Summer Orientation Program while serving as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and eventual Area Supervisor for Montana Blind and Low Vision Services. I have since taught during five summer sessions for our Summer Orientation Program (SOP).
I know of no service organization composed largely of members with blindness and low vision doing so much to contact and assist fellow visually impacted individuals of all ages and occupations. We seek to enlarge our community to include as many Montanans with limited or no vision in an enriching association with others dedicated to overcoming all traditional limitations of vision loss, encouraging full employment, social interaction, and independent living to every possible extent.
We are, in short, a caring family of diverse people reaching out to others with similar needs, goals and aspirations. We welcome all Montanans and others around our world to join with us in our ongoing and ever developing mission.
I lost most of my vision about 30+ years ago. My first grandson was born and I could not see his little face. I signed up t o go to the Summer Orientation program, was introduced to a CCFTV. It was then that by putting a picture under the machine that I seen his little face. I ran up and down the halls excited to see him for the first time. I am now the Administrative Assistant at the MAB state level. This is a wonderful, lifesaving organization
Rhonda Cochrane
I was a student of the Montana Association for the Blind's Summer Orientation Program in the summers of 2010 and 2011. This program held one month a year helped me regain the ability to be independent. They showed me how to travel in the world safely, use a computer and helped me regain the confidence I had lost after my vision loss.
I've been working with MAB for the last 20 years. They are an amazing organization with hearts that care about fellow Montanas who have vision issues. Highly recommend them.
Five years ago I joined as a member looking for connection to the blindness community in Montana. Overwhelming many were eager to connect and find supports. Due to the generosity and care of the members, I eventually became a leader and continue to bring others to be a part of the community that helps others achieve independence through training specifically through programs like the Summer Orientation Program, chapter connections through the state and a dedicated board who serves. We also launched our redesigned web site of which we believe this will help capture a younger generation and attract others to volunteer and support the blind.
Truly what I see as strengths is the heart to build a solid foundation, connect with others who are newly diagnosed and find friendships. Although communication can be challenging, we are finding new ways to communicate and get the word out. Our web site is: www.mabsop.org
I learned of this organization through my mother who had MD. I am still sighted but have volunteered for MAB as their secretary for the past 6 years. They are a wonderful group of people. The goal of the organization is to assist people who are dealing with vision loss. They are dedicated to helping folks find ways to live with vision loss through social interaction assistive devices and technology.
This amazing organization has been helping the blind since 1946. My wife and I worked in their four week training program in the 70s and then my wife went blind and became a student. This organization now offers a free low vision center in Bozeman to show folks the latest in low vision equipment. Fantastic program!!
I became involved with the MAB when my father lost his sight. He was very depressed and felt his life was over. Then he attended the MAB's one-month training program one summer. He really learned "I CAN" instead of "I CAN'T". I have been involved in many ways over the last years. I have seen so many people's lives be changed for the better from this program. From people learning what services or equipment there are to help them, to people coming to the summer program and in one month walking away with confidence. It is a small nonprofit, but it does great work for the blind and low vision population in the state and their families.