The event, which raises awareness and helps transform the lives of children, teens, adults, and seniors who are blind or have low vision, adds an all-new virtual 5K run and Blindfold Challenge option.

NEWTON, Mass. (March 29, 2021) – The Carroll Center for the Blind, one of the largest vision rehabilitation agencies in the country, has transformed its 9th annual 5K Run & Walk for INDEPENDENCE into a nationwide virtual experience taking place throughout the entire month of April and culminating in a live celebration on Sunday, April 25, 2021. The virtual 5K Run & Walk for INDEPENDENCE, presented by PLAN of MA & RI, is a new opportunity for all to come together, without boundaries or travel restrictions, and celebrate how active and successful blind and visually impaired people can be while raising much-needed funds to support the nonprofit organization’s transformative programs and consumers of all ages.

At any point during the month of April, the Carroll Center for the Blind is encouraging 5K Run & Walk for INDEPENDENCE participants to complete a walk or run in their neighborhood, either alone or with a team. With a virtual walk or run, you can pick your own route, your own pace, who you participate with, and what time you start, all while fundraising to support the Carroll Center for the Blind. Then, on Sunday, April 25, 2021, join the Carroll Center for a live, virtual 5K Run & Walk for INDEPENDENCE celebration via Zoom and Facebook Live Stream.

“Although we won’t be walking shoulder-to-shoulder, the reason we walk remains the same—to help individuals of all ages and all stages of vision loss achieve independence and their greatest dreams” said Greg Donnelly, CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind. “We are so grateful for the community’s continued support and kindness during these unprecedented times. Now more than ever, we need to unite and make an outstanding difference to help transform the lives of children, teens, adults and seniors who are blind or have low vision.” We cannot forget how fragile our eyesight can be at any time in our lives.

A Blindfold Challenge will also be included as part of this year’s 5K & Walk for INDEPENDENCE. The Blindfold Challenge aims to bring awareness about the impact vision loss can have on an individual as well as insight as to how crucial the services offered by The Carroll Center for the Blind are to those in need. By joining this challenge, participants will test their skills, open their mind, and sharpen their senses while experiencing running in an unique way—without relying on eyesight. Training for the Blindfold Challenge will be supported by the National Braille Press.

The final virtual celebration on April 25th will feature special guests including Antoinette Antonio, Anchor, WCVB-TV Channel 5 and Vicki Greene, Community Conversations Host, WXLO-FM (104.5). Sponsors of the event include PLAN of MA & RI, WCVB-TV Channel 5, WXLO-FM (104.5) radio, and many others.

Since 2013, the annual Walk for INDEPENDENCE has raised over $822,000 for individuals in different stages of vision loss. These funds are used to further the Carroll Center’s mission of empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead fulfilling lives.

For more information about creating a team, registering as an individual or making an impactful donation, visit www.carroll.org/walk or contact development@carroll.org.