Carl R. Augusto
Inducted 2023
By Paul Schroeder
Born in Connecticut in 1946, Carl Augusto lost most of his eyesight in his early 20s. Initially resistant to working in the blind biz (his affectionate name for organizations addressing blindness), he channeled his abundant energy, steadfast focus, and passionate leadership into improving services and opportunities for blind people. Over his 45-year career of professional and volunteer service to the blindness community, he demonstrated how to lead from the heart with a commitment to principles and collaboration, while maintaining a focus on results. He provided the mentorship and support for employees and partners that enabled those around him to explore new ideas, advocate for improved legislation and build successful programs. Above all, Carl Augusto radiated indefatigable joy in his work.
Carl began his career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in New York. He then moved to the National Accreditation Council Serving Agencies for the Blind, Inc., (NAC), followed by service as Executive Director of the Cincinnati Association for the Blind, culminating in a 25-year tenure as President and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, (AFB), which he often said was his “dream job.”
During his 25-year career leading AFB, Carl Augusto exercised influence over a wide array of issues and practices relating to employment, education and independent living of blind people. He earned the respect of his colleagues and whenever an issue arose within the blindness field over practice or strategy, Carl Augusto was often called upon to convene the players and create the impetus for action. He championed AFB’s efforts to develop accessibility expertise and influenced a wide array of corporations to advance employment and make products and services accessible to people who are blind or low vision. Under Carl’s leadership, AFB was one of the first disability organizations to develop a robust website, including web-based programs providing information targeting the needs of families, jobseekers, and individuals new to blindness. He made difficult decisions to restructure AFB’s operations to bring financial stability to the organization and prepare it to develop programs and expertise to meet the new challenges of the 21st century. Carl provided strong support for the work of AFB Press and the publications that are the foundation of university training and professional development for professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to people who are blind or low vision. And he provided the leadership that helped raise awareness of Helen Keller through the digitization of her archives held by AFB.
Earlier in his career, Carl led the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CAB) to develop a model assistive technology training program and an early childhood intervention service. He also expanded operations in its industries program. Providing blind workers more varied types of employment and more job opportunities.
Beyond his paid positions, Carl used his passion, energy, leadership, strategic judgment and humor to serve on the boards of and contribute to the work of several organizations including the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), National Industries for the Blind (NIB), and VisionServe Alliance. He always took a particular interest in helping parents of blind children connect with resources and recognize the opportunities available for their children. As a testament to his mentorship, several of the staff who worked for Carl at AFB went on to leadership positions in community-based and national organizations engaged in the “blind biz.”
Carl Augusto earned a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from New York University, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut, and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from Saint Peter’s College in New Jersey. He has received numerous honors and awards, including the Migel Medal from the American Foundation for the Blind; the Ambrose N. Shotwell Award presented by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Robert B. Irwin Award presented by National Industries for the Blind, Wings of Freedom Award presented by American Printing House for the Blind; and the Lifetime Achievement award from Vision Serve Alliance.
Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is a project of the entire field of blindness. It is curated by the American Printing House for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
