Missouri Council of the Blind

Youth Services Program

Who can apply: The child must be a Missouri resident, legally blind, enrolled in school or receiving early intervention services, and have not completed 12th grade. A current eye report from a licensed ophthalmologist or qualifying organization is required annually. MCB membership is not required.

Deadline: Annual application; no specific deadline stated.

Special Services Program

Who can apply: All MCB members, blind or sighted, may apply for the full benefit. Legally blind Missouri residents who are not members may apply for 50% of the member benefit and must provide written verification of legal blindness. Grants are limited to one per household per three-year period.

Deadline: One grant per household per three-year period; no application deadline stated.

White Cane Program

Who can apply: Applicants must be Missouri residents who meet the legal definition of blindness, verified by an ophthalmologist or qualifying authority. No financial qualification is required.

Deadline: One cane per eligible applicant per year; no application deadline stated.

Adaptive Technology Grants

Who can apply: Applicants must be legally blind Missouri residents and provide documentation of legal blindness. MCB members receive a 50% match; non-members receive a 25% match. MCB pays the vendor directly, and the applicant contributes the remainder.

Health Benefits Program

Who can apply: All MCB members, including sighted members, may apply for the full benefit. Legally blind Missouri residents who are not members may apply for 50% of the member benefit and must provide visual-status verification. Benefits begin on day 8 of a covered illness or injury and are limited to 10 weeks per fiscal year.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the last date on the physician's statement.