Agreed. I also do not want to appear to be disrespectful of the long
efforts of Carl Augusto. Like Miriam, I was caught up in the wording
of the release. While much of the AFB's work goes unnoticed out here
in the Frontier land, we do use much of the material on their web
site, designed for Seniors.
I should check to see if they have any representatives in the
Northwest, who would be available as a contact for speaking duty.
Anyway Charlie, thanks for the good words on behalf of Carl Augusto.
Carl Jarvis
On 8/11/15, Miriam Vieni <miriamvieni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Charlie,
Your response makes my point. In one sentence, you wrote about some
specific
things that AFB has worked on. If the press release had mentioned audible
traffic signals, audio description, etc., it would have been much more
meaningful to me. I wasn't criticizing the organization or the man. I was
criticizing the blurb. It sounded like corporate advertising.
Miriam
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Charles Crawford
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 5:50 PM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: AFB CEO Carl Augusto. retires
Hi Carl, Miriam, and all,
I have known Carl Augusto for many years and I have worked on a number of
the projects that AFB has been trying to get done. They have worked to get
joint advocacy by a number of groups in video description, accessible
pedestrian signals, better special education, accessible voting, increased
accessible technology, detectable warnings on subway and other dangerous
platforms, and the like. I understand the problem of hearing about all
these great things and yet they never seem to show up in our neighborhoods
or in our hands. AFB has worked to get real things done and yet as is the
case with many efforts, it initially only impacts upon discrete places or
populations, but think about the internet for example; AFB along with
others
has been pushing for folks to have meaningful access for years. Most of us
now have not only access to the technology and the net, but it is very much
better than it ever would have been were it not for the AFB and other
groups. Perfect world? Nope. Better one? Yep. Why? ACB, AFB, NFB,BVA,,
Lions clubs and more. Like JFK said, each journey of a thousand miles,
begins with a single step. Carl Augusto along with so many of us took that
first step and we are not at the end of the journey, but I do see plenty of
evidence that we are getting there.
Charlie Crawford.
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Carl Jarvis
Sent: 11 August 2015 17:18
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: AFB CEO Carl Augusto. retires
Exactly. Jeff thom sent this out and I had the same reaction.
Reminded me of my years at the Agency, spinning Fairy Tales to those who
needed them in order to keep our funding in place. I have seen some
improvement in AFB's work for the older blind, but it's like a nice old
uncle who lives far, far away. Good to know he's there, but he's not doing
anything for me.
Carl Jarvis
On 8/11/15, Miriam Vieni <miriamvieni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
He may have been a wonderful CEO. I know nothing about him, nor am Iboard.
aware of how AFB has touched my life as an aging blind person. I have
no criticism except that this announcement is filled with modern
jargon, impersonal generalizations that sound positive like Under his
leadership, AFB has made significant strides in leveling the playing
field for people with vision loss, especially in the areas of public
policy, education, technology, aging and employment.
That sounds really nice. But it might be more meaningful to me if
some specific examples were included.
Miriam
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Carl Jarvis
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 4:08 PM
To: blind-democracy
Subject: [blind-democracy] AFB CEO Carl Augusto. retires
Below is a pres release announcing the retirement of AFB CEO Carl
Augusto.
He has been a tremendous force in our community.
Jeff
American Foundation for the Blind President & CEO, Carl Augusto,
to Retire in Spring 2016
NEW YORK (August 11, 2015)-The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
today announced that its President & CEO, Carl R. Augusto, will retire
in the spring of 2016 after 25 years of service to AFB. Augusto, a
longtime champion of people with disabilities and a preeminent leader
in the field of blindness, joined the organization in 1991. Under his
leadership, AFB has made significant strides in leveling the playing
field for people with vision loss, especially in the areas of public
policy, education, technology, aging and employment.
AFB's Board of Trustees has established a search committee and
retained Pangburn Partners, LLC, a leader in nonprofit executive
search to identify a successor for Mr. Augusto. Mr. Augusto plans to
remain at AFB until a successor is in place to ensure a smooth
transition.
"Carl Augusto is one of my personal heroes," said Larry B. Kimbler,
chair of the AFB Board of Trustees. "He is a remarkable leader and
collaborator who has dedicated his life to making the world a better
place for people with vision loss, their families, and the
professionals who work with them. We are incredibly grateful for his
outstanding service."
"This has been my dream job from beginning to end," said Mr. Augusto.
"AFB is a very special place with a talented and committed staff and
I feel fortunate and honored to have spent my career doing what I lovediscipline.
and working alongside colleagues who share my passion to ensure people
with vision loss have an equal shot at achieving their dreams."
A change agent known for his collaborative leadership, Mr. Augusto has
forged numerous strategic partnerships and alliances within the vision
loss community and beyond to address critical issues and expand
opportunities for people with vision loss. This includes broadening
AFB's scope to influence corporate America to make its products and
services accessible.
Augusto has led AFB's move into the digital era. He significantly
bolstered its technology program and created and expanded the
organization's award-winning web programs and services, increasing
access to AFB's information and services. He oversaw the establishment
and growth of AFB TECH, the Technology and Employment Center at
Huntington (West Virginia), and the AFB Center on Vision Loss in
Dallas. In addition, he has strengthened AFB's leadership role and
spearheaded efforts to help AFB attain greater financial stability by
professionalizing its fundraising program and exercising rigorous fiscal
Mr. Augusto is the fifth chief executive of the American Foundation
for the Blind since its founding in 1921.
# # #
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit
that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's
priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the
quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve
people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living
for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with
relevant and timely resources. Headquartered in New York, AFB is proud
to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years
that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB.
