Matching Grant Program (Adaptive Technology)

Matching Grant Program (Adaptive Technology) is sponsored by Missouri Council of the Blind. This matching grant program provides up to $3,000 over a five-year period for the purchase of adaptive technology for legally blind residents of Missouri.

Adaptive Technology Grants for Blind Missourians | MCB Adaptive Technology Grants for Blind & Visually Impaired Missourians Adaptive and assistive technology can transform daily life for blind and low-vision individuals — enabling independence at home, school, and work. But screen readers, Braille displays, magnification software, and other assistive devices are expensive, and not everyone can afford them out of pocket.

That's why the Missouri Council of the Blind created the Adaptive Technology Grant Program : a matching grant fund that helps legally blind Missourians obtain the technology they need to connect with the mainstream world and live independently. Dollar-for-dollar match on qualifying technology Available to all legally blind Missouri residents Lifetime maximum: $3,000 over any five-year period What Does Adaptive Technology Include?

MCB funds technology specifically designed to help blind and low-vision individuals connect with the mainstream world and maintain independence. Examples of qualifying technology: Software that reads on-screen text aloud, enabling use of computers and smartphones without sight. Software and hardware that enlarges screen content for low-vision users.

Devices that translate digital text to tactile Braille output in real time. Refreshable Braille displays Camera-based devices that magnify printed materials for reading. Portable handheld magnifiers Mobile devices and GPS tools configured for blind and low-vision users.

Software that scans printed materials and reads them aloud. Scanning and reading systems Document accessibility tools The Missouri Council of the Blind created the Adaptive Technology Grant Program to help fulfill its mission of enriching the lives of legally blind Missourians.

MCB understands that adaptive technology can be very expensive — and that many legally blind Missourians are not yet benefiting from its use because of cost barriers.

Any legally blind Missouri resident MCB members receive the higher matching rate: 50% Maximum lifetime grant: $3,000 over any five-year period Documentation of legal blindness required (letter from ophthalmologist or qualifying agency) MCB works directly with the technology vendor. Once a grant is approved, MCB issues payment to the vendor on the applicant's behalf. The applicant contributes their matching portion of the cost.

Applicants do not receive cash directly. Appeals: If your application is denied, you may file a written appeal with the MCB Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Join MCB to Maximize Your Grant MCB members receive twice the matching rate of non-members — 50% vs. 25%.

If you're a legally blind Missouri resident and not yet a member, joining before applying can significantly increase the financial assistance you receive. Example: A $1,200 screen reader costs you $600 as a member (MCB pays $600) vs. $900 as a non-member (MCB pays $300). How to Apply for an Adaptive Technology Grant Two ways to apply — online applications are processed faster.

Fill out the online application Complete the secure online form — no download or printing required.

Mail your supporting documents After submitting online, mail the following to MCB: Technology specifications from your chosen vendor Price quotes from two vendors (one if only one source exists) Written verification of legal blindness (ophthalmologist letter, within the past year) Signed Release of Information Form Download and complete the PDF application mcb-adaptive-technology-grant-application-blank.

pdf Gather your supporting documents Attach your blindness verification letter, two vendor quotes (one if only one source exists), and a signed Release of Information Form. Mail your completed application Missouri Council of the Blind, Adaptive Technology 5453 Chippewa Street, St.

Louis, MO 63109 Adaptive Technology Committee Chair Missouri Council of the Blind Tech Tidbits — Featured Assistive Technology MCB regularly shares adaptive technology spotlights in Both products below may qualify for MCB's matching grant program. The WeWalk is an innovative upgrade to the standard white cane.

Using ultrasound, it detects obstacles above chest level — tree branches, telephone poles, traffic signs — that a traditional cane tip cannot feel, sending a vibration alert to the user. A touchpad on the handle connects to public transit apps, announcing bus numbers and arrival times in real time. May qualify for MCB's Adaptive Technology Grant Program.

IrisVision — Low Vision Headset IrisVision uses virtual reality technology to help people with low vision see better — not by replacing vision, but by magnifying and adjusting what the user sees within a controllable bubble. Users zoom in to read, zoom out to navigate a grocery store, while maintaining full spatial awareness outside the bubble.

Not covered by standard insurance or Medicare Covered for qualifying veterans and GSA-contracted agencies. MCB's $3,000 lifetime grant may significantly offset the cost. Browse more technology reviews in The Missouri Chronicle → Frequently Asked Questions Who is eligible for MCB's Adaptive Technology Grant?

Any legally blind Missouri resident is eligible. MCB members receive a 50% matching grant; non-members receive 25%. You must provide documentation of legal blindness — a letter from your ophthalmologist or a qualifying agency such as Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation.

MCB members receive 50% of the qualifying technology cost (dollar-for-dollar match). Non-members receive 25%. The maximum lifetime grant per person is $3,000 over any five-year period.

Does MCB give me cash for the technology? No. MCB pays the vendor directly on your behalf. Once your grant is approved, MCB issues payment to the technology vendor for its portion of the cost.

You pay your share directly to the vendor. What if I'm not sure which technology to request? Contact the Adaptive Technology Committee Chair, Joe Morgan, at (314) 313-4272 or joe.

morgan1955@gmail. com. He can help guide you toward the right technology for your specific needs and budget.

How do I apply for an Adaptive Technology Grant? The fastest way is to apply online at moblind. org/membership/forms/adaptive-technology/.

After submitting, mail your supporting documents — blindness verification letter, vendor quotes, and signed Release of Information Form — to Missouri Council of the Blind, 5453 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109. A printable PDF application is also available if you prefer to apply by mail.

Can I apply for a grant if I'm not yet an MCB member? Yes — non-members receive a 25% matching grant. However, MCB members receive 50%, so joining before you apply can significantly increase the amount you receive.

Membership is open to all legally blind Missouri residents. Technology Training & AI Tools for the Blind MCB is developing resources to help blind Missourians get the most from their adaptive technology — including hands-on training workshops and a guide to emerging AI tools specifically useful for blind and low-vision users. Looking for guidance on which adaptive technology is right for your needs?

MCB will publish accessible product reviews and demonstration resources to help blind Missourians make informed technology decisions. Ready to Apply for Your Adaptive Technology Grant? Don't let cost be a barrier to independence.

MCB is here to help blind Missourians access the technology that changes lives.