Walk for Independence (Single Day Event)

Walk for Independence

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Mt. Ida campus of UMass Amherst, 100 Carlson Avenue, Newton MA

This fun, family-friendly event brings together the community to support the Carroll Center’s mission of empowering those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and lead a fulfilling life. Attendees will participate in a 1-3 mile walk followed by food and activities for all ages. This event could not be a success without our volunteers!

Morning Shift 1: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

• Alumni Reunion tent - Help distribute food and assist with activities in the alumni tent
• Registration - Assist with participant check in/registration
• Set Up - Help the Carroll Center staff set up the event
• Parking Guide - Support attendees with where to park and how to get to the main area

Morning Shift 2: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Activity support - Provide assistance to facilitators at various activity tables
• Food Station - Distribute food, monitor food station lines, and restock condiments
• Ice Cream Scoopers - Scoop ice cream provided for participants as they return from the route
• Walking Route Cheerleaders - Encourage and guide participants along the route
• Breakdown - Help the Carroll Center staff break down the event
• Water Station - Hand out water to participants along the route during the run/walk

Full Day 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• You may be asked to support with any of the above tasks or other tasks as needed

Human Guide 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (18+ years of age)

• We are looking for friendly individuals to be paired with blind or visually impaired attendees. Your role will be to support the attendee for the entire event in maneuvering the space and accessing all activities and resources. You do not need any prior experience as a human guide, we will provide you with the proper training and information to fulfill this task.

How can you sign up? Deadline: May 18, 2026

1. Go to the Walk Volunteer Registration page.
2. Click on the “Join Team” button on the top left
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and add the number of volunteers you’d like to register.
4. On the bottom right of the screen, click the “Register” button
5. Complete the questionnaire by filling in the personal information for each volunteer
6. On the bottom right of the screen, click the “Register” button again
7. Continue through the process and until you get the final “Success!” screen

Questions or concerns? Please contact development@carroll.org or (617) 969-6200 ext. 236 and a member of the Carroll Center team can happily assist with any questions.