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Shawmut Design and Construction Wins Award from National Group for the Visually Impaired

(Left to right) Kathy Heydt, Assistant Education Director of Perkins Lower School, Tom Goemaat, CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction, and Rob Hair, Education Director of Perkins Lower School.

Watertown, MA – Shawmut Design and Construction has been honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER).

The Boston-based construction company was recognized on August 13 for an innovative program that turned a construction project at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown into a learning experience for students who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired.

Shawmut CEO Tom Goemaat accepted the award at the AER Regional Conference, held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel.

"I am honored to receive this award," said Goemaat. "We consider it such a privilege to work with Perkins. The experience for our staff on site has made a lasting impression on them. The love, dedication and spirit on campus is truly inspirational."

Shawmut has been working at Perkins since 2009, constructing two new buildings and renovating a third. The Shawmut project team engaged Perkins students during every phase of the construction process.

Shawmut's Project Superintendent answered email questions from students, created a tactile construction board with samples of various construction materials, taught students to lay bricks, hosted a hands-on class on solar panels and more.

"The Shawmut team has opened their doors to students and staff in all phases of the construction process, guiding tours and answering questions," said Dorinda Rife, Perkins Superintendent. "Shawmut's involvement with Perkins through the construction process is what Distinguished Service is all about."

Founded in 1982, Shawmut Design and Construction is a national construction management firm and general contractor. In addition to its Boston headquarters, Shawmut operates offices in New York, Providence, Las Vegas and New Haven.

AER's Distinguished Service Award honors individuals or groups that play a significant role in the education and rehabilitation of people with visual impairments. AER is a national organization of professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to people with visual impairments.