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.

Apply for a Grant Download Application (PDF)

Grant Matching Rates

50%
MCB Member Rate

Dollar-for-dollar match on qualifying technology

Join MCB for Best Rate
25%
Non-Member Rate

Available to all legally blind Missouri residents

Apply as Non-Member
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:

Screen Readers

Software that reads on-screen text aloud, enabling use of computers and smartphones without sight.

JAWS NVDA VoiceOver Narrator

Screen Magnification

Software and hardware that enlarges screen content for low-vision users.

ZoomText MAGic Windows Magnifier

Braille Technology

Devices that translate digital text to tactile Braille output in real time.

Refreshable Braille displays Braille notetakers Braille embossers

Electronic Magnifiers

Camera-based devices that magnify printed materials for reading.

CCTVs Video magnifiers Portable handheld magnifiers

Accessible Devices

Mobile devices and GPS tools configured for blind and low-vision users.

Accessible smartphones Tablets with AT GPS navigation devices

Reading & OCR Software

Software that scans printed materials and reads them aloud.

OCR software Scanning and reading systems Document accessibility tools

Program Guidelines

Purpose

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.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Any legally blind Missouri resident
  • MCB members receive the higher matching rate: 50%
  • Non-members receive: 25%
  • Maximum lifetime grant: $3,000 over any five-year period
  • Documentation of legal blindness required (letter from ophthalmologist or qualifying agency)

How Are Grants Paid?

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).

Join MCB Today

How to Apply for an Adaptive Technology Grant

  2. Complete the application
    Include documentation of legal blindness — a letter from your ophthalmologist or a qualifying agency (such as Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation or the Wolfner Talking Book Library).
  3. Get a vendor quote
    Include a current price quote or estimate from the technology vendor for the specific device or software you are requesting.
  4. Submit your application
    Mail, email, or call the MCB office — or contact the Adaptive Technology Committee Chair directly for guidance.

Application Contacts

Adaptive Technology Committee Chair

Joe Morgan

MCB Office

(314) 832-7172 (800) 342-5632 moblind@moblind.org

Mail Applications To

Missouri Council of the Blind
5453 Chippewa Street
St. Louis, MO 63109
Download Application (PDF)

Tech Tidbits — Featured Assistive Technology

MCB regularly shares adaptive technology spotlights in The Missouri Chronicle. Both products below may qualify for MCB's matching grant program.

WeWalk Smart Cane

$599

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.

Sizes available:
51″, 54″, and 59″
Where to buy:
wewalk.io or thelowvisionshop.com
May qualify for MCB's Adaptive Technology Grant Program. See application details above.

IrisVision — Low Vision Headset

$2,950

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.

Insurance:
Not covered by standard insurance or Medicare
VA coverage:
Covered for qualifying veterans and GSA-contracted agencies. (855) 449-4536
Where to buy:
shop.irisvision.com or Amazon
MCB's $3,000 lifetime grant may significantly offset the cost. Apply today.

Browse more technology reviews in The Missouri Chronicle →

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.
Coming Soon

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.

Sign Up for MCB Updates
Coming Soon

Product Reviews & Demos

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.

Browse Current Reviews

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.

Download Application Get Help Applying Join for Best Rate