David Tarrant

Each holiday season, David Tarrant and his family pull names from a hat and exchange gifts with one another. This past year he suggested that instead of continuing the tradition of exchanging gifts, they would each contribute to a charity instead. To his delight, his family agreed. Together they decided to purchase something tangible. His family decided to make their gift to The Carroll Center where David was receiving training. They could see how David, a newly blind person, was learning skills and developing confidence through his training. The gift they chose to buy was a large screen television. David proposed this gift for The Carroll Center dormitory, where its only television had a small screen that was difficult to view by people with low vision like himself. During downtime between demanding classes here at The Carroll Center, it is important for the clients to be able to relax. David saw the new television as a wonderful way for clients to escape their pressures temporarily and share in enjoyable entertainment.

The television is much easier for those with low vision to see. It also has

Thanks to a very generous donation from a good friend of The Carroll Center who wishes to remain anonymous, we have recently purchased new exercise equipment and renovated the dormitory basement to create a state-of- the-art workout facility. “This is a great resource for The Carroll Center’s clients, as it enables them to get into shape, improves physical coordination and gives them a chance to release stress,” said Rachel Rosenbaum, Carroll Center president. “Exercise has amazing benefits for our clients, many of whom have become inactive since losing their eyesight. In addition to our adult rehabilitation clients who are already enjoying it, this facility should be a big hit with the blind and visually impaired youth who will be attending programs this summer.” The equipment includes a treadmill, an elliptical training machine, a recumbent bike, a rowing machine and three weight-training stations. Several Carroll Center staff members have received training to enable clients to make the most of this equipment safely, and to effectively maintain their health and well-being. SAP (Secondary Audio Programming) capabilities, which enable blind persons to hear an audio description of what is going on, so they can better understand what they cannot see. As someone who knows how tough it can be for clients who must live here for weeks or months while undergoing The Carroll Center’s intensive residential rehabilitation program, David is delighted to know that for years this gift will give them pleasure. The Carroll Center sincerely thanks David and his family for such a thoughtful, lasting gift. It is most touching to see a client wishing—and able—to give back so much.