4110-1000 Community Services for the Blind

For the community services program; provided, that the Massachusetts commission for the blind shall work in collaboration with the Massachusetts commission for the deaf and hard of hearing to provide assistance and services to the deaf--blind community through the deaf--blind community access network; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for social workers, rehabilitation teachers and orientation and mobility instructors at the Massachusetts commission for the blind; provided further, that not less than $1,100,000 shall be expended by the Massachusetts commission for the blind to maximize the independent living skills of legally blind residents of the commonwealth through rehabilitation programs, housing assistance services, adjustment counseling services and the provision of accessible devices, assistive software and equipment and supportive technology training provided by qualified nonprofit providers in community, residential, virtual and facility--based settings; and provided further, that not less than $500,000 of said $1,100,000 shall be made available for the Carroll Center for the Blind, Inc. and not less than $300,000 of said $1,100,000 shall be made available for the MAB Community Services, Inc.