Bay State Council of the Blind
Enhancing the lives of blind people in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond.
We are blind and low vision people, together with the family, friends and allies who stand with us. BSCB is the Massachusetts affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
BSCB at a glance
- 50 years of advocacy and community
- 5 chapters across the state
- 100% volunteer-run
- $15 a year to join
How can we help?
Whether you are new to vision loss or work alongside people who are blind, start here.
New to vision loss
Practical help close to home: transportation, audio-described entertainment, accessibility support lines and organizations that can help.
Family and friends
Membership is open to anyone who cares about someone who is blind or has low vision. Join us and learn alongside them.
Healthcare providers
Printable guides on serving blind and low vision patients with respect, from paperwork to guiding in person.
Lawmakers and advocates
The bills and policies BSCB supports in this legislative session, in plain language.
What we do
Advocacy
BSCB members work with state legislators, agencies and partners for access to transportation, voting, technology and public places. This session we are backing bills to hold ride-share drivers accountable for refusing guide dog users, and to make bike lanes safer for pedestrians.
Community
Our four regional chapters (Boston, Charles River, Central Massachusetts and South Shore) and Guide Dog Users of Massachusetts meet throughout the year. Members from across the state also come together at our spring convention and fall conference, and for outings from museum trips to bowling.
Information and resources
Massachusetts leads the nation in audio-described movies, live theater and museum tours, thanks in part to BSCB and our partners. Find local listings, accessibility support phone numbers, transportation information and more.
Upcoming events
Saturday, November 21, 2026
BSCB Fall Conference
Our fall one-day conference brings members together for workshops and discussions on advocacy and everyday life. See the program, lunch menu and other ways to register.
See all events, or join the announcement list to hear about new events first.
From our members
Stories, reflections and spotlights written by BSCB members.
- What is the Audio Description Project?by Dianna Leonard | From BayLines Express, October, 2026 Many of you may have heard of the Audio Description Project (ADP), an initiative of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), … Read more
- Advocacy in Action: Our Voices Are Being Heard!By Nona Haroyan on behalf of the BSCB Advocacy Committee | From BayLines Express, September, 2026 The BSCB Advocacy Committee has been busy this spring and summer, and we’re excited to … Read more
- Accessible Voting Equipment Fairs: Having a Voice in What Comes NextBy Nona Haroyan, Chair, BSCB Advocacy Committee | From BayLines Express, August, 2026 During the week of August 10, the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office held a series of Accessible Voting … Read more
Join BSCB
Whether you are totally blind, partially sighted, or a friend or relative of someone who is, BSCB membership can enrich your life. Members shape our advocacy, get news you will not find anywhere else, and become part of a close-knit community.
Membership is $15 a year.
Already a member? Pay your dues online.
Stay connected
BayLines Express
Our monthly email newsletter: news from the board, upcoming events and member articles.
Third Thursday
A monthly Zoom call where members explore a topic together. Recordings of past calls are online.
Email lists
Get BSCB announcements by email, or join the members-only discussion list.
Support our work
BSCB is run entirely by volunteers, with no paid staff. Member dues cover less than 10% of our costs, so donations keep our advocacy, events and communications going.