WORCESTER—The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) has been awarded a $300,000 grant from Point32Health Foundation, a significant investment that will bolster the organization’s work in fostering age-friendly communities across Massachusetts.
As the population ages, more people face vision loss or blindness, which can create challenges to accessing essential services for healthy and independent aging.
With this grant, MABVI, which is based in Worcester, aims to increase its capacity to serve older adults with visual impairments, focusing on communities like Worcester, Boston, Framingham, New Bedford, and Springfield.
One of the key focuses of MABVI’s expanded efforts is promoting digital accessibility and providing training in access technologies, ensuring older adults with visual disabilities can stay connected and engaged. Interim Executive Director of MABVI Cynthia Canham emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating in a press release, “Point32Health Foundation is a wonderful partner. Their commitment to equity in aging is deep, wide, and impactful.”
The grant is part of a broader initiative by Point32Health Foundation, which recently distributed nearly $3 million to 31 organizations across New England. These investments focus on advancing healthier, more equitable communities through solutions like increased social connections, mental health initiatives, and culturally relevant food access. Nora Moreno Cargie, president of Point32Health Foundation, said the organizations receiving these grants are helping to make communities more inclusive and equitable, particularly for older adults.
By partnering with local communities and statewide providers, MABVI aims to implement best practices that support age-friendly environments, ensuring that older adults with visual impairments can lead healthy, engaged lives.
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