Paul Polman Chairs Perkins School for the Blind International Advisory Board

Business Wire, Sept 24, 2008

WATERTOWN, Mass. -- 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. Perkins International's work is based on the principles that every child deserves to reach his or her potential, that family members are a child's best advocates and teachers, and that solutions lay within society.

Paul Polman, newly-named Group Chief Executive of Unilever, serves as IAB chair. "Clearly, many corporations have opportunities in sharing more of what they are accomplishing and in showing that their expertise and experience can be placed in the service of others." Polman puts his words into action by chairing Perkins International Advisory Board.

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. Members are listed here in alphabetical order, with detailed profiles attached.

* 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."

Founded in 1829, Perkins School for the Blind, the nation's first school for the visually impaired, provides education and services to help build productive, meaningful lives for more than 90,000 children and adults who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired with or without other disabilities in the U.S. and more than 60 countries worldwide. Learn more online at www.perkins.org.