The Carroll Center for the Blind and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind recognize outstanding employees who are blind or visually impaired through the annual Carroll Society Awards. These awards recognize employees who are blind or visually impaired and who have made significant contributions to their companies through their outstanding ability and job performance.

The Carroll Society Awards also serve as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of having an inclusive work environment. By emphasizing the competence, achievement and job diversity of the award winners, the campaign conveys a positive impression on the attitudinal barriers that often confront persons who are blind or visually impaired seeking employment or job advancement.

Individuals are chosen because, despite vision loss, they are exemplary employees and contribute to the overall culture of both their business and community. Despite the employment barriers people with disabilities face, inductees have proven their commitment to making a difference by serving as both leaders and examples for others. Each new Carroll Society inductee demonstrates the passion, professionalism, and excellence to change the perception of what it means to be blind in the workplace.

If you know a person who is blind or visually impaired and who demonstrates the highest degree of excellence as an employee or is successfully self-employed, we invite you to nominate them to be recognized through the Carroll Society Awards. Persons who are “employed” are defined as those who work at least 15 hours a week in a permanent position and have worked for their employer for at least one year. While individuals may be nominated by anyone, their supervisors will be required to submit a letter supporting the nomination.

Please use the following guidelines when considering a nomination.

Note: Employees of The Carroll Center for the Blind or the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind are not eligible for nomination.

2024 Carroll Society Award Winners

Carroll Society Membership:

• Jason Allen, New England Low Vision & Blindness
• Katie Crocker, Polus Center for Social & Economic Development
• Frank Antonucci, Secretary of the Commonwealth
• Kevin Trainor, Bay State Property Management

Thomas J. Carroll Award for Employment “Blind Employee of the Year”:

• Lorna DesRoses, Archdiocese of Boston