In recent years, the BSCB has presented three awards during the banquet at the annual Spring Convention to individuals and organizations who have provided outstanding service to the Massachusetts blindness community. Descriptions of these awards are presented below. After that, beneficiaries from the most recent year back to 1996 are identified. As you will see, titles of the awards have varied somewhat over the years. Many thanks to Kim Charlson for compiling this comprehensive list, as well as for providing profiles for the 2020 recipients.
The Outstanding Service Award is given to an individual or organization that provides products or services of particular value to blind persons. This award is presented annually. The appropriate candidate is usually a company or individual who provides a tangible product or service.
The Community Access Award goes to an individual or an organization that has demonstrated a commitment to increased access for blind and visually impaired persons. This could be access to the printed word, transportation, the arts, employment, Etc. This award is presented at the discretion of the BSCB board of directors.
The Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award goes to a BSCB member who has performed exemplary advocacy work. This can include those who have worked on national, statewide or local issues. This award is given out at the discretion of the BSCB Board of Directors.
2020 BSCB Award Recipients
The 2020 awards were presented on March 28 during the BSCB Virtual Hangout. Below are profiles of the four recipients.
Community Access Award – Karen Santiago
Worcester, MA
Karen Santiago has been working at Easter Seals in Worcester for several years now as a fundraiser, she is dogged in keeping up with all the accessible technology challenges that have come her way. Karen is incredibly bright and capable and has taught herself numerous things over the years.
She was selected as the Hadley Institute for the Blind Student of the Year in 2010. According to her instructor, she finished both Lit 1 and 2 in less than 3 months. Karen completed the 30 lessons of Braille Literacy 4 in one year.
Karen is the lead member of the editorial team for The Blind Perspective Newsletter, a free online and email monthly informational publication for blind and visually impaired individuals anywhere in the world. It started publication in January, 2015. Karen is the writer for the Movers and Shakers column of the magazine. She has literally interviewed nearly 75 movers and shakers in the blindness community for this feature in the magazine. Karen strives to keep the blind community informed and entertained with her column. Maintaining a commitment to a monthly publication schedule is no small feat, and the fact that the magazine is written by and for blind people is truly impressive. There are feature columns on such topics as braille, book reviews, accessible craft projects, healthy living, computer tech for PC and Apple devices, and much much more! Karen’s role in the publication and production of The Blind Perspective should not be minimized, it is a major responsibility and commitment, and the value and information her efforts contribute to the community are priceless.
Community Access Award – The Memorial Foundation for the Blind
Worcester, MA
The Memorial Foundation for the Blind (MFB) is a private charitable foundation that provides funding to organizations in Worcester County that serve the needs of persons who are blind or visually impaired. The foundation also provides funding to individuals who are certified as legally blind to purchase adaptive equipment; assistive technology; or other items that enhance the quality of life for individuals who are blind, including academic scholarships.
To understand and get to know the Memorial Foundation for the Blind, its important to know a bit about its history. MFB was originally founded as the Memorial Homes for the Blind in 1905 by a group of leading Worcester citizens who believed that blind people would be better served in small group homes rather than large, impersonal institutions. In 1910, the organization opened its first home for blind women at 81 Elm Street in Worcester, and then Whitcomb Hall for blind men at 51 Harvard Street, ten years later.
Whitcomb Hall, a three-story granite Victorian mansion, had been owned by envelope manufacturer George Whitcomb, who died in 1916 and was blind the last two years of his life. In his memory, his family donated the home to Memorial Homes for the Blind. After the last male residents left Whitcomb Hall, the mansion was a residence for blind women for the next 40 years. The adjacent carriage house was the site of a popular chair caning service operated by blind men.
Changing lifestyles, Social Security, and community supports that allowed blind people to be more independent eventually caused many to find other living accommodations. In 1981, in the spirit of the original donors of the mansion, the Whitcomb House was donated to the Age Center of the Worcester Area.
In 1988, Memorial Homes for the Blind changed its name to the Memorial Foundation for the Blind and refocused its mission as a private charitable foundation dedicated to serving the needs of blind and visually impaired residents of Worcester County.
In the last 30-plus years, under the careful stewardship of the volunteer board, assets from investments and charitable gifts have grown considerably. Today, the Memorial Foundation For the Blind continues its charitable work for the visually impaired and distributes grants annually to organizations and individuals in Worcester County, empowering people who are blind to lead more productive independent lives.
The Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award – Nona Haroyan
Worcester, MA
This award was presented to Nona Haroyan. It is in recognition of the efforts she has been making in assisting a Central Massachusetts area special needs high school student in being able to attend Perkins School for the Blind as the most appropriate placement for him.
Nona first started speaking with the student last July, when she was given his name and number by a town librarian indicating he could use some help with getting access to recorded books and to assistive technology. From this initial referral she began working with him on accessing talking books through BARD and helping him in his use of his iPhone with voice Over.
But most importantly through their phone conversations, she learned about his public school experience as a student who is not only legally blind but has other disabilities.
He spoke of having been introduced to Braille late in his academic learning due to the school thinking he could not learn it; this in fact was not true, as he did learn it and is now using it regularly. But this had put him at a learning disadvantage. He spoke about not being independent with his mobility and had to always be with an aide in school. He was also isolated in many of his classes.
In the subsequent months, Nona dedicated herself to learning about the out of district placement process and worked in close partnership with the student’s case worker from MCB. After Kim Charlson provided the appropriate contact name from Perkins School, Nona reached out and established communication with the School in order to begin the process of assessment for future enrollment.
Through these efforts, the student has now completed a successful interview at Perkins and the Administration from his public school is now favorably considering Perkins as an out-of-district placement.
Most recently, Nona was informed that the team would now be making a recommendation for the student to attend Perkins. This is good news, but the latest hitch is that the district is trying to get him enrolled as a day student, and the family feels that is not appropriate because the trip one-way is over an hour and a half. Nona and his family are actively advocating for residential placement.
The student spent February vacation break week at Perkins participating in a program and he had an amazing time. He called Nona during his time there and he sounded like a different kid, so animated, clear, focused and very happy. If that is how Perkins effected him for one week, one can only imagine how he will benefit from being a full-time student. IT is clear he will thrive at Perkins.
Nona has been so committed to making this student’s future education the best it can be and she is truly making a difference for him!
In other activities, Nona is the chair of the Worcester Talking Book Library Consumer Advisory Council and volunteers in their technology assistance program, and she is the Secretary of the Central Massachusetts Chapter of BSCB.
Outstanding Service Award – Hannah Fairbairn
Santa Cruz, CA
Previously a resident of Belmont, MA
Hannah Fairbairn taught personal management for 18 years at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton. She enlarged the scope of the department to include the vital topic of spoken communication, called Interpersonal skills for adults and for teens.
Hannah retired from the Carroll Center in 2016 to write When You Can’t Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery, published by Charles C. Thomas, 2019.
Born in England with a vision impairment and with no support at school, she trained as a chef and became a partner in a successful London restaurant. After losing nearly all her remaining vision at 33, she switched careers and contributed to the BBC “In Touch,” national radio program for the blind and visually impaired for more than ten years. She also wrote an award-winning cookbook.
Her family moved to Massachusetts where her husband grew up, and she began her work at the Carroll Center. She joined MAB in 2000, and BSCB and AER a few years later. She has given many talks to parents, and to adults and seniors at meetings and conferences.
She and her husband have raised two lovely and accomplished daughters, the younger of whom inherited her eye condition. Hannah has experienced sight loss from three standpoints; as a legally blind person, as a parent advocating for her visually impaired daughter, and as an instructor of students with recent and long term vision impairment and blindness. Hannah wrote her book as a resource for adults facing vision loss, their friends, and families.
About “When You Can’t Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery” by Hannah Fairbairn published by Charles C. Thomas, 2019.
Hannah says in her own words “The experiences of my adult students and my own experience of sight loss convinced me that everyone losing vision needs access to good resources and information about the process of adjustment, as well as practical ways to use assertive speech.”
Her book has 12 chapters arranged in 5 parts, which follow the process of personal recovery. Each chapter contains many short sections and bullet-point lists to facilitate access to essential information. A list of nearly 100 useful resources is included at the end of the book.
The book is intended for adults losing vision, including young adults leaving home, and seniors who are ready to consider changes in their lifestyles.
The book is available in several formats:
Regular Print from Amazon: $28.95
Accessible eBook, Google Play Books: $15.63
Hannah has set up a fund for those who may not be able to afford to purchase a copy. Apply for an accessible copy without charge at VisionLossandPersonalRecovery.com.
Digital audio on NLS cartridge: DBC 11619
Available on BARD
A braille version is in process from the Perkins Library.
2019
Community Access Award (two recipients): Huntington Theatre Company – Meg O’Brien, for expanding access to live theater through audio description.
Greater Boston Legal Services Inc. – Dan Manning and Alexa Rosenbloom, for providing excellent legal representation to increase access to services in the Boston area
Outstanding Service Award: Sassy Outwater-Wright for her leadership of the Massachusetts Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) and establishing its VIBRANT program
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Bruce Howell, for his work at the Carroll Center to improve web accessibility, and his effective chairmanship of the MCB Rehabilitation Council
2018
Community Access Award: James Izatt and The Worcester Talking Book Library, for his commitment and dedication to the provision of specialized library-based technology access programs in Central Massachusetts
Outstanding Service Award: Paul Saner, for his leadership and management of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind As Its Commissioner since August 2013
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Vicki Vogt, for her dedication, advocacy, and hard work on all issues surrounding audio description
2017
Community Access Award: Vince Lombardi and Audio Journal, for his commitment and dedication to the provision of specialized information access programs and audio description services in Central Massachusetts and beyond
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Deann Elliott, for her dedication, determination, leadership and hard work on issues of importance to people with disabilities
Outstanding Service Award: Venkatesh Chari and Orbit Research, for his engineering breakthroughs and design initiatives to create products to make the world more accessible
2016
Community Access Award: Lawrence Raymond, for his leadership and dedication to the provision of specialized programs and services in Central Massachusetts and beyond
Outstanding Service Award: Carla Burke, for her leadership in the library community in Harwich, on Cape Cod and beyond
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Denise Karuth, for her dedication, determination, leadership and hard work on all issues of importance to people with disabilities in Massachusetts and across the nation
Lifetime Achievement Award: Rosalind (Roz) Rowley, for her lifetime commitment to the education of students who are blind or visually impaired
2015
Community Access Award: Beverly A. Scott, for her commitment and dedication to the provision of accessible transportation services for all people who are blind or visually impaired in Massachusetts
Outstanding Service Award: Myra Burloff, for her leadership in the disability community
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Marcia Dresser, for her leadership and hard work on all issues of importance to people who are blind or visually impaired in Massachusetts and across the nation
2014
Community Access Award: Amy Ruell, for providing information and access to enhance the use of assistive technology
Outstanding Service Award: Steven M. Rothstein, in recognition of his leadership in the blindness community
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Mary Haroyan, for her leadership and advocacy in Central Massachusetts
2013
Community Access Award: American Repertory Theater, for their provision of audio description
Community Access Award: Not Your Average Joe’s, for their provision of Braille menus in all of their locations
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Brian Coppola, for his work to make prescription drug labels more accessible
2012
Community Access Award: Carl O. Richardson III, Massachusetts State House Bureau of State Buildings, for his leadership in bringing physical and programmatic accessibility to the Massachusetts State House
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: David Kingsbury, Co-Chair, BSCB Transportation Committee, for his leadership in the area of accessible transportation
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Rick E. Morin, Co-Chair, BSCB Transportation Committee, for his leadership in the area of accessible transportation
Leadership Award: Robert Hachey, for his outstanding contribution to the organization as president from 2006 to 2012
Outstanding Service Award: William Henderson, in recognition of his distinguished career, his leadership in the integration and inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream schools
2011
Community Access Award: Representative Edward J. Markey, for his determination to gain passage of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award
Jennifer Harnish, Ph.D., for her support and establishment of a support group for parents who are blind
2010
Outstanding Service Award: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Hannah Goodwin and Valerie Burrows, for their commitment to accessible arts and museum access
Community Access Award: Massachusetts Audubon Society, for bringing accessible nature opportunities to all people who are blind or visually impaired in Massachusetts
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Nancy Jodoin, for her advocacy on access and public health in Massachusetts
2009
Outstanding Service Award: Svetlana and Harris Sussman, for the establishment of the M.N. Adamov Memorial Fund for independence for people who are blind in Russia
Community Access Award: Louise Beach, for her leadership in minority communities
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: George Mcdermott, for his leadership and advocacy in Central Massachusetts
2008
Outstanding Service Award: Bank of America, for their efforts to promote financial independence for all people who are blind in Massachusetts and around the nation
2007
Outstanding Service Award: David D. Chabot, guide dog harness maker
Community Access Award: Senator Steven A. Tolman,
185th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Outstanding Leadership Award: Judi Cannon
Betty Gayzagian Advocacy Award: Rick E. Morin
2006
Outstanding Service Award: Ron Bersani, Talking Information Center
Special Recognition Award: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, for their 100 years of service
Leadership Award: Jerry Berrier, for his outstanding contribution to the organization as the president from 2004 to 2006
2005
Outstanding Access Award: Wang Center For The Performing Arts, for longstanding commitment to accessibility and dedication to the provision of audio description
Community Awareness Award: Worcester Historical Museum, for their commitment to promoting awareness of guide dogs in Massachusetts
President’s Advocacy Award: Elizabeth (Betty) Soderholm, for her leadership and advocacy in the areas of rehabilitation and transportation services
Outstanding Service Award: Judy Berk, Cultural Access Consortium for her commitment to arts accessibility, and ensuring full participation for people who are blind or visually impaired
Outstanding Service Award: Leon Murphy, for his distinguished career manufacturing Perkins Braillers with care and precision for 45 years
2004
Outstanding Service Award: Arthur O’neil, for his provision of accessible recreational opportunities
2003
President’s Advocacy Award: Albert Gayzagian, for his years of leadership in advocating for a full range of educational, employment, and rehabilitation options for people who are blind
Outstanding Service Award: Stan Eichner, for his commitment to civil rights and lifetime dedication to ensuring full access for all citizens of Massachusetts
2002
Outstanding Service Award: Kevin J. Lessard, for his outstanding career with the Perkins School for the Blind, and for his dedication to the delivery of quality programs and services for all people who are blind and visually impaired
President’s Advocacy Award: Pamela Loch, for her tireless efforts which resulted in the preservation of bus service for Hopkinton and surrounding communities
2001
Outstanding Service Award: Andrea Doane, for her role in the development of audio description services, and her commitment and dedication to quality standards and the goal of access to the arts for all
Access Achievement Award: Wheelock Family Theatre, for its leadership role as the first theater in Massachusetts to provide audio description services, and for its ongoing dedication to the principles of access to the arts for all
2000
Outstanding Service Award: Fran Weisse, for her dedication to the delivery of information and quality programs and services for all people who are blind
Leadership Award: Kim Charlson, for her outstanding contribution to the organization as president from 1994 to 2000
1999
Outstanding Service Award: Beezy Bentzen, for her dedication and commitment to the goals of safe and independent travel and an accessible environment
1998
Outstanding Service Award: Debby Smith, for her commitment to quality programs and services for all people who are blind and visually impaired
Leadership Award: Laura Oftedahl, for her outstanding contribution to the organization as the editor of Baylines from 1990 to 1998
Volunteer Recognition Award: Vicki J. Vogt, for the many tasks she does to support the activities and members of the BSCB
1997
Outstanding Service Award: Diane L. Croft, for her commitment to Braille literacy
1996
Outstanding Service Award: Charles H. Crawford, for his many years of leadership, service, and advocacy for blind and visually impaired people in Massachusetts