Montana Association for the Blind

self-sufficiency for blind and low vision Montanans.  These are:

•    Summer Orientation Program – This is an intense 4-week program for blind and partially sighted

Montanans.  Students are taught adaptive ways to cope with the loss of vision.  Most
of the instructors are blind.  Students must reside in Montana.  Age of students ranges from teenagers to over 90
years.

•    Emil A. Honka Scholarship – A scholarship fund will assist one visually impaired Montana

student to  further his/her higher education. 

•    Lelia Proctor Braille Scholarship Fund – This fund is to assist Montanans wishing to develop or

improve Braille teaching skills.

•    Memorial Loan Fund – Interest-free loans are made to legally blind members of the association to

acquire skills or equipment of a technological nature. 

•    Elder Blind Equipment Program – Montanans with impaired vision and over the age of 55 may

purchase adaptive equipment through this interest-free lease/purchase program.  They need not be members of
the association.    Being a resident of Montana is a requirement to participate. 

•    Montana Business Enterprise Program (MBEP) – The association supports this corporation and

concept through lobbying efforts and advocacy.  The MBEP assists visually impaired Montanans to develop
vending machine routes in state and federal buildings as authorized under the Randolph Sheppard and Montana
Blind Vendor Acts.