Awards serve as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of having an inclusive work environment.

NEWTON, Mass. (June 16, 2021) – The Carroll Center for the Blind, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, will honor three outstanding individuals who are blind or visually impaired during the 36th annual Carroll Society Awards on June 23, 2021.

The Carroll Society Awards recognize blind and visually impaired employees who have made significant contributions to their companies or nonprofit organizations by their outstanding ability and job performance. Individuals are chosen because, despite vision loss, they are exemplary employees and contribute to the overall culture of both their business and community.

The following individuals will be inducted into the Carroll Society:

• Robert Dias, of Somerville, a Disability Rights Information Specialist at the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD);
• Cheryl Cumings, of Brighton, the President of Our Space Our Place.

The two blindness organizations will also recognize Joseph Quintanilla of Burlington as the Blind Employee of the Year for his work as the Vice President of Development and Major Gifts at National Braille Press in Boston.

“The 2021 Carroll Society Award recipients represent a remarkable group of leaders, role models, difference makers and change agents,” said Gregory J. Donnelly, President and CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind. “This diverse group shares a common goal: to shatter attitudinal barriers to employment for people who are blind by being exceptional members of the workforce.”

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is a longstanding institutional collaborator with The Carroll Center for the Blind. As one of the Commonwealth’s Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, MCB is keenly aware of the importance of inclusive workplaces.

“Employment is an important component of establishing independence and self-determination for individuals who are blind and visually impaired,” said David D’Arcangelo, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. “The Carroll Society Awards program and its recipients empower our entire community to achieve career success and envision a world where individuals with disabilities have opportunities to work and thrive.”

This year’s award ceremony will be virtual. The general public is encouraged to join and help raise awareness about the limitless possibilities of people who are blind or visually impaired. Learn more about the Carroll Society Awards here.

About the Carroll Center for the Blind
Established in 1936, The Carroll Center for the Blind empowers those who are blind and visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. The nonprofit organization provides services for individuals of all ages including vision rehabilitation services, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, low vision services and essential skills for seniors, and more. For more information, visit www.carroll.org.