Advocacy
One of our main focuses as an organization is to work to improve the quality of life for the visually impaired and blind residents of Monroe County. Our intent is to advocate whenever necessary or create programs where none exist.
Advocacy Issues:
Accessible transportation
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Improving the voting experience
Programs:
Education Awareness & Training
We believe that one of the only ways to make positive change in the community is to have an open dialogue. Our Education, Awareness and Training Program is a 90-minute presentation where we discuss various topics including service dog use and etiquette as well as sighted guide training. In addition, we will attempt to dispel many of the myths and misconceptions associated with blindness
We answer many questions about sight loss and blindness while promoting positive images.
Vision Loss Help and Support Line
Losing your sight does not have to mean losing your freedom, independence or the ability to participate in enjoyed activities.
The belief in the above statement is one of the motivating forces that sparked MCCB to create a telephone support hotline.
The Vision Loss Help and Support Line is geared to servicing all those affected by sight loss. This includes family and friends of a visually impaired or blind person. Affected individuals are urged to ask any question pertaining to visual impairments or blindness.
The hotline is operated and staffed by MCCB volunteer peer counselors who are themselves visually impaired or blind or directly affected by blindness. Those seeking support whether emotional or informational can call the hotline and leave a message at (570) 421-4118 24 hours a day. The volunteers will retrieve messages and respond to inquiries during the specified response hours of 8 am through 8 pm. Inquiries left during any other time will be returned during the next response hours. The volunteer support staff is well versed in the many services available to those losing sight. MCCB will provide referrals as well as research information specific to an individual inquiry.
The MCCB Emotional and Support Hotline is a service provided by the Monroe County Council of the Blind. The hotline is operated by a volunteer staff of peer counselors and in no way replaces psychological counseling, medical advice or legal advice.