Carl Augusto is passionate about Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s work empowering people who are visually impaired. “Severe vision loss is a serious challenge, but with the right attitude, perseverance and adaptive skills, people can — and do — live and work with dignity and success alongside their sighted
peers,” Augusto said. “Our students prove that every day.’’ Augusto, himself blind, took over as chair of the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey Board of
Trustees last month. The retired president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind said he will seek to increase financial support so VLANJ can expand beyond its current communities. VLANJ is the only non-governmental, comprehensive life-skills training program in the state for adults with vision loss.
“My vision is that Vision Loss Alliance will continue to grow, serving more people and covering more areas in New Jersey,” said Augusto, who joined the board in 2016. Augusto is proud VLANJ introduced low vision occupational therapy services in 2018, and that it’s prepared to kick off the Technology Learning Lab. He said the staff impressed him by quickly shifting programs onto Zoom after the COVID-19 crisis forced shutdowns. The 74-year-old has included the nonprofit in his will, and he hopes others will follow his lead. “Increasing legacies will ensure that VLANJ continues to serve future communities of people with vision loss,” Augusto said.
Augusto has been a successful advocate at VLANJ’s Dining in the Dark events. Last year, after guests ate a three-course meal with their eyes covered and heard moving testimonials from VLANJ participants, Augusto took the stage. He asked guests to commit on the spot to making a donation. The effort added several thousands of dollars to the fundraiser’s total.
In addition to increasing contributions and the donor base, Augusto is committed to expanding the trustee board. “We want to include members with a diversity of expertise to maximize the board’s ability to govern VLANJ at the highest level,” he said. Augusto began losing his sight at age 8 to a recessive gene disorder. During the 45 years the disease took to fully claim his sight, he learned adaptive skills like Braille and using a cane
before he needed them, and came to terms with it emotionally as a young man. Before his 45-year career in the blindness field, Augusto was a rocker. He played guitar and sang in three 1960s rock bands over seven years. The last one, Pulse, released an album as well as several singles. Augusto left the band for graduate school, earning a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. He went on to lead regional and national organizations for 31 years, including 25 at the AFB.
The Mahwah resident and father of two traveled extensively for work. He and his wife, Sue, continue to seek out warmer climes in the winter. Augusto said he cannot wait for the couple’s next adventure.