NEWTON, Mass. (April 4, 2024) – The Carroll Center for the Blind, a leader in vision rehabilitation, is excited to announce that Brian Switzer has joined the team as the new Program Manager of Accessibility Technology, Training, and Research.

Prior to joining the Carroll Center, Brian Switzer served as the Training and Technology Manager at Perkins School for the Blind. During his time at Perkins, Brian worked with transition-aged youths and adults entering the workforce to ensure that they had the technology, pre-employment, and employment skills needed to be successful on the job. To this end, he contributed to the launch of several initiatives at Perkins, including the brand new PathFinder program.

Brian was a high school math teacher earlier in his career and became interested in assistive technology after losing his own vision. He holds a Master’s degree in Ethics and Public Policy from Suffolk University, a second Master’s in Education, a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist graduate certificate from UMass Boston, along with a CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist) certification.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brian is an outspoken advocate for people with blindness, low vision and deafblindness. He is the Chairperson for the Rehabilitation Council for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and chairperson for the Advisory Council for DeafBlind Community Access Network.

In his new role at the Carroll Center, Brian will lead the Technology team, overseeing service delivery to clients, enhancing existing technology programs, supporting external research projects, and managing the Screen Reader User Tester Training (SRUTT) Program.

In his personal life, Brian enjoys running and rucking. He has completed 13 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and the Equinox Marathon in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Equinox Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most challenging marathons in the world, and Brian is the only deafblind person to complete the race. He was also on the first team of all blind and visually impaired athletes to complete a Ragnar Relay Ultra, where his team ran over 200 miles through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He is the only person with deafblindness to complete Ruck 4HIT, where participants run with a 20 pound backpack for over 30 miles while maintaining a sub-10 minute mile pace through the hilly landscape of Cape Cod.

Bringing together his love of running with his expertise in assistive technologies, Brian has consulted with a number of fitness-minded tech firms like RunKeeper and Strava to make their digital applications more accessible.

Brian Switzer is also a co-author of three books: “Walk In My Shoes: An Anthology On Usher Syndrome”, “ Walk In My Paws”, and “Ankommen zwischen univeränderbarem und eigener entscheidung” (translated: “Coming to Understand the Unchangeable”). These books cover Brian’s journey with dual sensory loss, hearing and vision, along with his adventures with his guide dog, Intrigue.

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.

Contact: Julie Friedman, Marketing & Communications Manager, The Carroll Center for the Blind

Phone: (617) 969-6200 x 206 | Email: julie.friedman@carroll.org