Announcing Perkins International Advisory Board

Around the world, nearly 5 million blind children do not go to school. Those millions miss the chance to become literate by learning braille, to move about independently using a white cane, or to gain self-confidence and self esteem under the guidance of a skilled teacher. Perkins International aims to reduce that number.

To that end, Perkins School for the Blind, the first such school in the United States, announces the formation of a Perkins International Advisory Board (IAB). The IAB aims to advance the mission of Perkins International to improve the quality of life for children who are blind, deafblind or blind with multiple disabilities throughout the world.

Paul Polman, newly-named Group Chief Executive of Unilever, serves as IAB chair. The make-up of the growing IAB group encompasses the talents and commitment of individuals with wide experience in education, philanthropy, government, diplomacy and business.

International Advisory Board Members

• George H. W. Bush (Honorary Chair), 41st President of the United States of America
• Richard Carlson, Sr. VP, UBS Financial Services and Perkins Board of Trustees member
• Paul Cellucci, 69th governor of Massachusetts and former US Ambassador to Canada
• Steven M. Hilton, President of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
• Paul Polman (Chair), Group Chief Executive Unilever PLC
• Avraham Rabby, U.S. Department of State, retired, and consultant on employment and
  access for people with disabilities
• Steven M. Rothstein (Ex-officio Member), President of Perkins School for the Blind

“For 179 years, everything Perkins has accomplished on campus, in the community and around the world has been done in concert with partners, supporters and friends,” said Perkins president, Steven Rothstein. “The IAB is a marvelous addition to the Perkins family. Its members’ experience, dedication and zeal match that of our staff who work around the globe to ensure that all children have the opportunity to go to school and to lead productive, independent lives.”

Read about the IAB on MarketWatch.