Can a world truly be accessible to all, regardless of ability? Perkins School for the Blind, a beacon of hope and innovation, believes the answer is a resounding yes.
Perkins School for the Blind stands as a global leader in education and services for children and young adults facing blindness, visual impairments, and multiple disabilities. As an international non-governmental organization (NGO), Perkins is relentlessly focused on innovating solutions to long-standing and emerging challenges affecting communities, students, and families worldwide. Founded in 1829 in Watertown, Massachusetts, Perkins holds the distinguished title of being the first school for the blind in the United States. Its legacy, spanning nearly two centuries, is built upon a profound commitment to education, literacy, and independence for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, and deafblind.
Perkins School for the Blind offers a comprehensive range of programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. The institution serves students with visual impairments, Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), deafblindness, and other complex needs, welcoming individuals from birth through age 22. The school's approach is rooted in the belief that every student deserves an equitable and engaging educational experience. With individualized programs tailored to students of all abilities, Perkins provides customized instruction in academics, independent living, assistive technology, and vocational training. Their commitment to accessibility goes beyond the classroom, extending to the global community, with programs and services designed to support families around the globe, as well as the educators, professionals, and researchers who work with them.
One of the most significant programs at Perkins focuses on Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Perkins recognizes the critical need to address CVI, and is dedicated to helping children with CVI learn to access their world and define their success. The institution offers timely diagnoses, targeted interventions, and the support of trained teachers and effective educational services. Through its CVI Now initiative, Perkins fosters community and shared connection, empowering families with the knowledge, guidance, and tools needed to thrive. The school provides in-depth training, resources, and a supportive environment for both children with CVI and their caregivers.
Name | Perkins School for the Blind |
Founded | 1829 |
Location | Watertown, Massachusetts, USA |
Mission | To provide education and services to children and young adults who are blind, visually impaired, and have multiple disabilities. |
Key Programs |
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Notable Alumni | Helen Keller |
Website | https://www.perkins.org/ |
International Presence | Yes, with programs and partnerships worldwide. |
Perkins commitment to transforming the landscape of education services for children with disabilities extends beyond its campus. Through international programs and partnerships, Perkins works to set new standards for what is possible, empowering children with disabilities and transforming the world around them. Their global impact is driven by almost two centuries of global leadership and expertise in the field of blindness education, making them a global trailblazer, convener, learning lab, and champion for children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities. The school's influence is further amplified through its work in Mexico and around the world, where they collaborate with local partners to achieve meaningful change.
The transition from high school graduation to young adulthood is a pivotal moment, especially for students who are blind or visually impaired. Perkins offers tailored programs and expert resources to ease this journey, including transition workshops, supportive caregiver communities, and tours of living spaces. These resources equip students with the essential skills needed to navigate housing, medical care, and general safety, encompassing first aid and essential knowledge of electrical, heating, and plumbing systems. This preparedness is a cornerstone of the school's philosophy.
The legacy of Perkins is interwoven with the remarkable achievements of its students and staff. The school proudly acknowledges its contribution to the education of Helen Keller and her brilliant teacher, Anne Sullivan. Reading Anne Sullivans valedictory address from her graduation provides a glimpse into the school's transformative impact on individuals' lives. This rich history is preserved and presented in the Perkins History Museum in Watertown, MA.
Beyond its educational programs, Perkins recognizes the importance of supporting the entire community of individuals with disabilities. This includes expert resources for families, caregivers, and professionals. Perkins encourages community involvement through its various online and offline channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. These platforms offer insights into the institution's work, allowing the public to learn about programs, services, and the daily lives of those at Perkins.
Perkins School for the Blind consistently strives to offer equitable educational and engaging learning opportunities for every student. The organization is committed to innovating and adapting to meet the ever-evolving needs of its students. They provide a wide range of assistive technology and vocational training, enabling their students to lead fulfilling and independent lives. Perkins focus on individualized programs underscores its belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of their abilities.
The impact of Perkins School for the Blind is felt globally. The institutions reach extends to children and young adults with multiple disabilities and their families around the globe. Perkins also supports educators, professionals, and researchers who dedicate their lives to helping individuals with visual impairments and other disabilities. In every facet of its mission, Perkins School for the Blind is committed to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating a more inclusive world for all. The school is not just an educational institution; it's a symbol of hope, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Vicky Wu Davis, an entrepreneur, educator, activist, angel investor, and mom, is a powerful example of the transformative potential of inclusive environments. Through her various roles, Davis works to bridge disparate communities, cultivating genuine appreciation for diversity, which in turn fosters innovation and promotes the proliferation of diversity in all areas of leadership. Davis's work is a testament to the belief that a truly inclusive society benefits everyone.
The Perkins School for the Blind has also contributed significantly to research. The team recognizes the importance of research in improving education, and they work to ensure students can get the resources needed to lead independent lives. Perkins' focus on high school reading rates has also highlighted that they are aware of issues like eye fatigue.
Perkins has always championed the needs of children who are visually impaired and those with multiple disabilities. They have done this by providing services that offer excellence in clinical eye care, support, and training for optimal use of functional vision within a caring and compassionate environment focused on each patients individual needs. If you are seeking to understand how Perkins can tailor CVI training for you, fill out the form they provide to learn more.
At Perkins, the dedication extends far beyond the classroom. It encompasses a deep commitment to innovation, research, and community engagement. Their dedication extends to addressing the needs of students with various disabilities, along with their families, and the professionals supporting them. Perkins School for the Blind is a place where dreams take flight, and possibilities become realities.
To ensure accessibility for all, high school reading rates for longer passages (where eye fatigue is often an issue) has been informally stated to be 75 words or less.