M. N. Adamov Memorial Fund
The M. N. Adamov Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping blind people in Russia.
History
Born in 1920 in St. Petersburg (then known as Petrograd), Russia, Moisey Naumovich Adamov became blind at the age of 2 as a result of complications from a case of measles. Despite this, Adamov went on to complete a university education, receive advanced degrees and teach in the Physics Department Of Saint Petersburg State University for 57 years. On his own or with co-authors, he published over 100 scientific papers in journals in Russia and abroad. When he died in 2005, daughter, Svetlana, and her husband, Harris Sussman, began the Adamov Memorial Fund to assist other blind students and professionals in St. Petersburg.
Current Work
In recent times, the Russian government's support for services for people with disabilities has decreased significantly. The M. N. Adamov Memorial Fund works through a network of individuals in St. Petersburg to distribute equipment and other materials. Resources they have provided in the past include laptop computers, white folding canes, and digital voice recorders. Items sent to Russia are voluntarily carried by travelers including students, businessmen and tourists. The Adamov Memorial Fund is able to accept financial donations through a partnership with the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts.
Based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the Adamov Memorial Fund is under the direction of Svetlana and Harris Sussman. In March 2009, the Bay State Council for the Blind awarded the couple the Outstanding Service Award in recognition of their efforts.