Wishlist

International Training Program

Each year we are asked to assist professionals from developing countries by hosting them at the Carroll Center for an 8-week study-tour. Increasingly, these participants are interested in learning computer software to introduce back in their own countries, or with the rise of diabetes worldwide, they often seek instruction in diabetic self-management techniques for visually impaired and blind persons. The tuition for each student is $2,500. Frequently the students need assistance with air travel, which, depending on the country of origin ranges from $500-$2,500.

Minivan

We are in need of a new van to transport clients to and from job sites and other activities. We anticipate that it will cost approximately $20,000.

Computer course updates to match system and software updates

Most of our existing computer courses need to be re-written for use with the Microsoft Vista operating system and the Office 2007 suite of software programs in order for blind and visually impaired college students and employees to keep pace with their sighted peers. These courses teach blind and visually impaired users how to use mainstream software programs using screen-reading or screen-magnification software. The cost to re-write each course is $10,000 and we currently have 15 courses that need to be updated.

Computers

Four new computers to be used for client instruction will cost approximately $1,000 each, screen-reading and screen-magnification upgrades for the new computers cost $1,400 per computer, bringing the total cost of a new instruction computer station to $2,400.

Online Courses

The Carroll Center has a well-established and successful curriculum for instructing blind diabetics in methods of self-care. With a gift of $25,000 we could transform our instructor-lead course into an online course that could be accessed by blind diabetics and their caregivers around the world. As diabetes reaches epidemic proportions around the world, an online course in self-care would provide a much-needed service to the entire English-speaking world.

Magnification Aids

$2,700 to purchase and/or $300 to repair donated CCTVs which we then loan to those who need one but cannot afford to purchase.

Dining Room Chairs

24 industrial-grade chairs to replace broken chairs in the client dining room. Estimated cost: $155 per chair plus shipping.

All-purpose Chairs

40 stackable sturdy chairs to replace plastic folding chairs that are no longer sturdy enough for safe use. Estimated cost: $72.80 per chair plus 2 wheeled chair dollies at $354 each plus shipping.

Accessible GPS System

For Orientation & Mobility staff to use with students. Accessible digital maps and directions help blind persons find their way in urban and rural areas. The estimated cost: $1,695 per unit.

Dishwasher for Training Kitchen

To train blind clients how to use a dishwasher in addition to hand washing dishes. Estimated cost: $500.

Christmas Tree

For client and staff holiday parties. Estimated cost: $100.

For more information please contact:

Joe Quintanilla, Development Director

Carroll Center for the Blind
770 Centre Street
Newton, MA 02458
617.969.6200 or 1.800.852.3131 ext. 245
Email: joe.quintanilla@carroll.org