Antonio Rozier Honored with NIB’s 2025 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award
Antonio Rozier Honored with NIB’s 2025 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award
Antonio Rozier, Director of Information Technology Systems at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., has been named the 2025 recipient of the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award, a prestigious national honor recognizing career advancement, leadership, and professional excellence among individuals who are blind.
The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, partnering with organizations like The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Receiving NIB’s Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award places Antonio Rozier among an elite group of leaders recognized for excellence, impact, and professional growth on a national stage.
This achievement celebrates close to a decade of Antonio Rozier’s impact in accessible IT systems, organizational leadership, and advocacy for employees who are blind or low vision. Through his work at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., Antonio Rozier has become a national model for inclusive technology leadership, workforce accessibility, and professional growth.
Presented annually, the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional growth and impact at an NIB-associated nonprofit agency or within the private sector. Antonio’s selection reflects nearly a decade of visionary leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to accessibility and upward mobility for people who are blind or low vision.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Determination
Born in Georgia and diagnosed at birth with a condition that caused improper development of the blood vessels in his eyes, Antonio has navigated vision impairment his entire life. He attended a residential school for the blind in Macon, Georgia, where he excelled academically and athletically, participating in wrestling, cross country, and later discovering goalball—a sport designed for blind athletes that would become a lifelong passion.
Antonio’s interest in technology began early. By third grade, he knew computers would shape his future. After high school, he pursued a degree in information technology, specializing in networking. During this time, his vision further declined following a diagnosis of keratoconus, yet Antonio remained focused on building a sustainable and impactful career.
In 2010, he moved to Colorado to attend the Colorado Center for the Blind, where he completed independence training and later became a residential computer trainer, teaching assistive technology to blind students. This role strengthened his belief that accessible technology could transform lives and careers.
Rising Through the Ranks at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Antonio joined The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. in Seattle in 2016, initially serving as Accessibility Manager after contract work supporting accessibility initiatives with Microsoft. His deep knowledge of assistive technology, Section 508 compliance, and software testing quickly distinguished him as a leader.
Within two years, Antonio was promoted to IT Manager, overseeing external technology partners, managing budgets, and guiding strategic initiatives. His leadership trajectory continued naturally, culminating in his current role as Director of IT Systems, where he oversees all organizational technology projects, infrastructure, and accessibility strategy.
“As the leader of the IT department, every day brings a new challenge,” Antonio shared. “I get to help my organization support employees by selecting technology that enables people to be successful.”
Today, Antonio ensures that all Lighthouse systems are fully accessible, integrating tools such as JAWS screen reading software and customizing technology solutions to meet the diverse needs of employees across the organization.
Driving Innovation Through Accessible Technology
One of Antonio’s most significant achievements has been leading the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system—modernizing infrastructure that had been in place since the 1990s. As project lead, he guided the organization through system selection, planning, and execution, working across departments, time zones, and operational needs.
Antonio also serves on the Lighthouse Quarterly Leadership Roundtable, the Lighthouse Accessibility Committee, and NIB’s national Technology Forum, where he collaborates monthly with peers from across the country to advance accessible technology practices.
Leadership Beyond the Workplace
Outside of work, Antonio remains deeply involved in the blind and adaptive sports community. He is a board member of Seattle Adaptive Sports and leads local goalball initiatives. A competitive athlete himself, Antonio captained the King Cobras Goalball Team to victory at the 2024 National Goalball Championship.
He is also a devoted father of five, balancing leadership, athletics, and family life—an accomplishment he credits to perseverance, support, and accessible technology.
A National Honor and a Powerful Message
Receiving the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award came as a surprise to Antonio.
“I’m honored by this recognition and grateful for the support of my team,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to support my organization and the entire NIB network as a leader in accessibility and technology.”
His message to others who are blind and pursuing ambitious goals is both simple and powerful:
“We can do everything we want with the proper support. I’ve always been willing to do what I need to do to be a better version of myself—and to be a contributing member of society.”
Antonio Rozier’s career stands as a testament to what is possible when talent, opportunity, and accessibility intersect—and why he is a deserving recipient of NIB’s 2025 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award. Read more on NIB’s website about Antonio.
