MCB members gain exclusive access to Missouri's most comprehensive suite of assistance programs for blind and visually impaired residents — plus community, advocacy, and a national voice through the American Council of the Blind.

Membership is open to all blind, visually impaired, and sighted ally Missourians who support MCB's mission. Annual individual membership is just $20 per year — one of the highest-value memberships in the disability advocacy community.

Membership at a Glance

Annual Cost:
$20/year individual membership
Who Can Join:
Blind, visually impaired, and sighted allies
Membership Year:
January 1 – December 31
Core Programs:
8 assistance programs
National Affiliate:
Automatic ACB membership included
State Served:
All of Missouri

Program Benefits — Member vs. Non-Member

MCB programs are available to all legally blind Missourians, but members receive significantly higher benefit rates. See exactly what your $20 annual membership unlocks.

Adaptive Technology Grants

Reimbursement grants for screen readers, magnification software, GPS devices, and other qualifying assistive technology.

Member 50% grant reimbursement
Non-member 25% grant reimbursement

Educational Scholarships

Annual scholarships for blind and visually impaired Missourians pursuing post-secondary education.

Member Up to $2,000 per year
Non-member Up to $1,000 per year

Youth Services

Reimbursement for adapted educational materials for blind and visually impaired students from birth through 12th grade.

Member Up to $225/year (K–12)
Non-member Up to $225/year (K–12)

Summer Camp

Annual residential summer camp for blind and visually impaired Missourians — social skills, independence, and outdoor experience.

Member Priority registration
Non-member Available (space permitting)

White Cane Program

Free white canes for legally blind Missouri residents. Cane type depends on membership status and application history.

Member Choice of all 3 cane types
Non-member Standard cane only

Health Benefits Program

Members Only

Financial assistance during hospitalization, illness, or injury — helping members cover expenses during recovery.

Member $45/week for up to 10 weeks
Non-member Not available

Special Services

Emergency financial assistance for qualifying expenses not covered by other MCB programs or public agencies.

Member Full program benefit
Non-member Up to 50% of benefit

First-Timer Convention Scholarship

Covers lodging, transportation, and meals for first-time MCB convention attendees — making convention accessible to everyone.

Member Eligible — apply each year
Non-member Eligible — apply each year

Additional Member Benefits

Beyond the eight core programs, MCB membership opens doors to community, representation, and national resources not available to non-members.

Automatic ACB Membership

All MCB members are automatically full members of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) — the national organization advocating for blind Americans before Congress, federal agencies, and the courts.

Voting Rights & Governance

Members vote at MCB's annual convention and participate in organizational governance — shaping MCB's programs, bylaws, and leadership through democratic process.

The Missouri Chronicle

MCB's official member periodical, delivered to your inbox. Stay current on MCB news, program updates, legislative alerts, and community stories from across Missouri.

Community Connect

Access to MCB's weekly Friday community calls and statewide peer network — connecting members across Missouri for mutual support, shared expertise, and friendship.

Advocacy Voice

MCB advocates on your behalf at the Missouri Capitol and nationally through ACB — on transportation equity, accessible technology, employment rights, and the full range of issues affecting blind Missourians.

Convention Discounts

Members receive discounted registration rates for MCB's annual convention — a multi-day event featuring speakers, workshops, committee meetings, and peer networking for Missouri's blind community.

Join MCB Today — $20/Year

For $20 a year, MCB membership connects you to Missouri's most comprehensive support network for blind and visually impaired residents — plus automatic membership in the American Council of the Blind.