At the Middlesex Association for the Blind (MAB), we are dedicated to empowering visually impaired individuals to live independently and fully participate in their communities. We understand the unique challenges faced by those with sight loss, such as difficulties finding employment and exclusion from activities that sighted people often take for granted. Through our comprehensive range of services, we strive to break down these barriers and enhance the lives of hundreds of visually impaired individuals across Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Enfield, Haringey, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, and Richmond.
Our current services include:
1:Home visits: Our trained staff and volunteers provide personalised support to visually impaired individuals in their own homes, helping them navigate daily challenges and maintain their independence.
2. Social clubs: We organise social clubs throughout our boroughs, providing opportunities for visually impaired individuals to connect, share experiences, and engage in a variety of activities designed to combat isolation and foster a sense of community.
3. Dedicated volunteer network: Our extensive network of passionate volunteers is the backbone of our organisation. They generously give their time and skills to support our service users, whether through home visits, skill-sharing, or fundraising efforts.
4. Digital inclusion support: We offer guidance and training to help service users access and utilise technology, enabling them to stay connected with loved ones, access information, and engage with the digital world.
5. Employment services: Our team works closely with visually impaired individuals to identify their skills and interests, provide training, and help them secure meaningful employment opportunities.
6. Braille training: We offer Braille courses to help service users develop literacy skills and access written information independently.
7. Mobile Resource Unit (MRU): Our MRU serves as an outreach tool, allowing us to demonstrate and showcase relevant equipment for visually impaired individuals, empowering them to make informed decisions about the tools and technologies that can enhance their daily lives.
8. Adapted radios: As agents for the British Wireless for the Blind Fund, we provide adapted radios on permanent free loan to our service users, ensuring they have access to information, entertainment, and a vital connection to the world around them.
The importance of our volunteer network cannot be overstated. These committed individuals make it possible for MAB to reach more visually impaired people and offer a wide range of services tailored to their needs. We are incredibly grateful for their unwavering support and dedication to our cause.
We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many donors who make our work possible. Your generosity enables us to continue providing vital services to the visually impaired community and empowering them to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Thank you for your ongoing support and belief in our mission.
Our History:
MAB has a rich history dating back to 1922, when it was founded in response to the increasing number of soldiers returning from World War I with sight loss due to gas exposure. Since then, MAB has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the visually impaired community, weathering challenges such as World War II, the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial uncertainties.
Throughout our long history spanning over a century, MAB has provided a wide array of services, including residential housing, holidays, community clubs and activities, horticultural pursuits, practical advice, and support for the visually impaired seeking employment. We have always worked to support local authorities and other organisation in their efforts, ensuring that the visually impaired receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives. Today, we continue to work closely with the RNIB and local authorities, receiving referrals to support visually impaired individuals in our community.
As we move forward, we remain committed to our core mission of empowering the visually impaired. We continue to adapt and innovate, seeking new ways to support our service users and secure the financial sustainability of our organisation. With the ongoing support of our donors, staff, volunteers, and trustees, we look forward to continuing our vital work for many more years to come.