MAB - Roe River Chapter
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The Roe River Chapter of the Montana Association for the Blind, located in Great Falls, serves as a hub of community, support, and empowerment for individuals with vision loss. As a newly established chapter, our mission is to foster independence and enhance the quality of life for blind and visually impaired residents in Great Falls and surrounding areas.
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Summer Orientation Program
The Summer Orientation Program is a hands-on, immersive experience that helps blind and low vision students build confidence, independence, and practical skills they can carry into everyday life. Because the program takes place right in our own backyard, the Roe River Chapter plays an active role in supporting students beyond the classroom. Chapter members help coordinate and host activities during students’ downtime, giving them opportunities to relax, socialize, and explore the community in a meaningful way. From bowling nights and casual dinners to nature hikes and local outings, these activities reinforce orientation and mobility skills while also creating space for connection, fun, and a sense of belonging. Through this support, the Roe River Chapter helps ensure the Summer Orientation Program is not only educational, but welcoming, engaging, and rooted in real community life.
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New! Braille Buddies - Braille Learning and Support Group
The New Braille Buddies program from the Roe River Chapter is a welcoming peer-support initiative designed to encourage and support new braille readers as they build confidence and skills. Whether someone is just beginning to explore braille or returning to it after vision changes, participants are paired with experienced braille users who offer guidance, practice, and encouragement in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. Support is available either in person or over Zoom, making the program accessible to members across the region. More than just learning dots and patterns, New Braille Buddies fosters connection, independence, and a shared sense of progress within the blind and low vision community.
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Monthly Chapter Meetings
The Roe River Chapter meets on the second Saturday of each month at 11:00 AM, providing members with a welcoming space to connect, share updates, and engage in meaningful discussion. Meetings focus on chapter business, upcoming events, advocacy issues, and resources relevant to blind and low vision individuals in the Great Falls area, while also offering time for conversation, mutual support, and community building among members and guests.
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Contact the Roe River Chapter
The Roe River Chapter welcomes questions, ideas, and involvement from anyone interested in learning more about our work. The easiest way to get in touch is by email, where a chapter officer can respond and help connect you with meetings, programs, or volunteer opportunities. You may also reach out during our regular chapter meetings, which are open and welcoming to members and guests alike. We’re always glad to hear from community members and fellow Montanans who want to get involved or learn more about the chapter.
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Make a Donation
Donations to the MAB Roe River Chapter are guided by the unwritten but deeply valued principle of Treasure, Talent, and Time. We understand that everyone gives in different ways, and all forms of support are meaningful to our chapter. Financial contributions help us fund programs, events, and outreach that directly benefit blind and low vision individuals in our community. Equally important are donations of talent—sharing skills, knowledge, or professional expertise—and time, whether through volunteering at events, helping with planning, or simply showing up to support one another. This approach also shapes how we request support for chapter activities and events, ensuring that giving is accessible, respectful, and inclusive for everyone who wants to be involved.
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Most Recent RRC Updates
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April 2, 2025 - Meeting Minutes
summer program with student participation, and exploring options to sponsor regular meals for students through community donations. The meeting concluded shortly before noon.
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March 15, 2025: Meeting Minutes
The meeting was held on March 22, 2025, at 525 Central Ave. #M4 and was called to order at 11:01 AM. Attendance included both in-person and Zoom participants. The minutes from the February 15, 2025 meeting were approved. The treasurer reported an increase in the account balance since the last meeting due to donations and dues. A district report noted ongoing interest in filling a membership coordinator position. Old business included planning for a May 3 bake sale during a car show, with coordination of table shifts, and the postponement of a planned spring lunch until a future meeting. New business included announcing that the annual convention will be held September 12–14 and gathering presentation topic ideas such as fitness, safety, recreation, accessibility, and emergency preparedness. Additional discussion covered an upcoming April 14 press conference related to Section 504 and agreement on creating a centralized chapter email hub. The meeting was adjourned at 11:38 AM.
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Feb. 15, 2025: Meeting Minutes
letter sharing personal impacts of Section 504. The next meeting was scheduled for March 15 at 11:00 AM, and the meeting was adjourned after a motion and second.
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