Montana Association for the Blind

A couple walking down a paved path, with white mobility canes.

Since our founding in 1947, the Montana Association for the Blind (MAB) has been dedicated to empowering blind and low-vision Montanans through training, education, advocacy, and community support. What began as a small group of blind individuals, family members, and allies has grown into a statewide nonprofit focused on helping people adjust to vision loss and develop the skills needed for independent, confident living. Over the decades, we have expanded our programs, including our flagship Summer Orientation Program, which provides intensive, no-cost training for adults experiencing blindness or low vision. Through our local chapters and statewide initiatives, we continue to uphold our mission of fostering independence, promoting understanding, and ensuring that every Montanan with vision loss has access to the resources and community they need to thrive.

Learn More

Summer Orientation Program

A close up of hands reading a braille document.

The Montana Association for the Blind’s Summer Orientation Program (SOP) is a four-week residential training program that helps adults who are blind or experiencing vision loss regain confidence and independence. Offered each summer in Great Falls, with all room, board, and tuition covered by MAB, the program provides essential training in Orientation and Mobility, Activities for Daily Living, and peer-discussion groups focused on adjusting to vision loss. Participants also choose from electives such as Braille, computer and assistive technology, adaptive cooking, crafts, woodworking, and work-skills development. SOP teaches practical, real-life skills—like safe cane travel, budgeting, cooking, and using accessible technology—while fostering a strong sense of community and peer support. As MAB’s cornerstone program, SOP empowers participants to move forward with greater independence and self-sufficiency.

Learn more

Local Chapters

A roomm with chairs set up, waiting for a meeting.

The Montana Association for the Blind is supported by seven local chapters spread across the state, giving blind and low-vision Montanans a way to connect with peers, resources, and advocacy close to home. These chapters offer regular meetings, peer support, educational presentations, and social activities that help members adjust to vision loss and build confidence in daily life. Working alongside MAB’s statewide programs, each chapter serves as a local hub for information about services, training opportunities, and community events, ensuring that people in different regions of Montana can find the tools, skills, and sense of community they need to live more independently and stay engaged in their communities.

Learn more

Low Vision Center

A low vision person sitting in a chair using a magnifier to read a book.

The Montana Association for the Blind’s Low Vision Center in Bozeman is a community-focused resource that helps individuals with low vision explore and evaluate adaptive tools designed to support greater independence. Located in downtown Bozeman, the center offers hands-on access to a wide range of devices—including magnifiers, specialized lighting, kitchen and household aids, mobility tools, and computer or assistive technology—allowing visitors to discover what best meets their specific needs. Knowledgeable MAB staff provide guidance, demonstrations, and personalized recommendations, ensuring each person can make informed decisions about tools that may enhance daily living. The center operates free of charge and reflects MAB’s mission to improve quality of life and promote self-sufficiency for blind and low-vision Montanans.

Learn more