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The Carroll Center for the Blind provides training for professionals worldwide to develop their skills in vision rehabilitation, education services, assistive technology instruction, and program development for all ages. We also partner with several higher education institutions to provide graduate-level students with vital internship experience in vision education and allied professions.

Barbara S., Carroll Intern

“I had the pleasure of watching a group of timid, shy and scared kids show up on our doorstep and through the careful planning and tremendous teamwork of the staff they left changed, for the better–forever. I watched confidence blossom, lifelong friendships being created, “can’ts” turn into “coulds,” and smiles appear on each and every face. I’d heard of The Carroll Center previously but just never grasped all of the dedication, hard work, passion and sacrifice everyone puts in at the Center to create these life changing experiences for the children.”

Professional Development

We offer a diverse range of professional development opportunities to help professionals enhance their skills and better serve individuals with visual impairments. Our trainings—including webinars, courses, and conferences—cover topics such as supporting school-age students, fostering college success, and advancements in assistive technology. Some of our trainings qualify for ACVREP credit. To explore current professional development options, visit our calendar of events and sign up for our email list to receive updates on new opportunities.

Watch the recording of one of our professional development webinars

Carroll Interns Program

The Carroll Interns program provides vital experience to graduate-level students studying in the field of vision education and allied professions. Carroll Interns provides key training and assists with the placement of vision educators whose ranks have declined even as the population of individuals who are blind or have low vision increases. Internships are available for the following professionals: Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), Orientation and Mobility Instructors (COMS), Vision Rehabilitation Teachers (VRT), and Social Workers.

Participants are equipped with the essential experience and knowledge to prepare them for community-based services. Interns will have access to the expertise of over 45 vision rehabilitation professionals employed by the Carroll Center, and will be supervised by staff based on their chosen areas of training. As part of the Carroll Interns program, the Carroll Center for the Blind offers college students the opportunity to participate in community and campus-based internships with our certified staff.

Brenda G-L., Carroll Intern

“The Carroll Interns program truly allowed me to eat, sleep and breathe Orientation and Mobility services. I was able to start working with students as they woke in the morning and address functional skills throughout their daily routines and out into the community. I couldn’t imagine a better way to cement these skills into my repertoire. Every staff member I met was warm, supportive, and dedicated. The focus on our students as a whole person, capable of achieving functional independence, shines through the work of every COMS and TVI I have come into contact with through the Carroll Center.”

International Training Program (ITP)

Professionals from other countries are invited to observe and learn about rehabilitation training in a campus-based setting through the Carroll Center’s International Training Program. This program offers 1 to 2-month educational sessions where professionals, typically teachers, administrators, and policymakers, develop clinical training skills in areas such as Orientation & Mobility (O&M), communication, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and other skills under the supervision of a Carroll Center staff member. Participants also have the opportunity to visit other blindness agencies in the Boston area. Please note that we do not provide certification. Attendees are responsible for securing their own travel, visa requirements, and funding to participate.

Nearly 100 teachers and administrators have attended the International Training Program at The Carroll Center for the Blind, representing 40 countries: Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, China, Croatia, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Palestine, Papua, N.G., Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, and Vietnam.

Contact Information

For more information or to inquire about our professional development programs, please contact Dina Rosenbaum via email or fill out our Contact form.