Is it possible to transform lives and redefine the boundaries of education for those who navigate the world without sight? Perkins School for the Blind, a beacon of hope and innovation, proves that it not only is possible, but has been a reality for nearly two centuries.
The journey of Perkins School for the Blind, which began in 1829 in Watertown, Massachusetts, is a testament to the power of vision, not just in sight, but in purpose. Founded as the first school for the blind in the United States, Perkins has evolved from its early days as the Perkins Institution for the Blind, always striving to break down barriers and illuminate the path toward education, literacy, and independence for those who are blind, visually impaired, and deafblind. Its an international non-governmental organization (NGO), dedicated to solving the most pressing issues faced by its community, students, and their families.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Perkins School for the Blind |
| Founded | 1829 |
| Location | Watertown, Massachusetts, USA |
| Mission | To transform lives by helping children with disabilities find their place in the world through education, support, and advocacy. |
| Services Offered | Education, training, and support for children and young adults who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, and those with multiple disabilities; including cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI) and CHARGE Syndrome; Services tailored to every need from infancy to adulthood, immersive training and support to professionals and families, and advocacy for inclusion. |
| Key Initiatives | Manufacturing of Perkins Braillers and Smart Braillers; Development of the CVI Center and educational assessment tools; Pioneering of inclusive education practices. |
| Historical Significance | The oldest school for the blind in the United States; steward of historically significant collections, including photographs, documents, and tactile objects. |
| Innovations | Pioneered braille printing and teaching tools; hosts Radio Perkins, an internet radio station run by students. |
| Leadership | Leaders in the field for almost 200 years. |
| Address | 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472 USA |
| Funding Sources | State commissions for the blind, school districts, Lion's Club Charities, church groups, and other organizations. |
| Website | Perkins School for the Blind Official Website |
Perkins' commitment to innovation extends to its products. The institution manufactures the Perkins Brailler, a machine used for printing embossed tactile books for the blind. They also create the Perkins Smart Brailler, which is used as a tool for teaching braille. These devices are vital for providing those with visual impairments access to literacy.
The impact of Perkins extends beyond Massachusetts. For nearly 200 years, the institution has been dedicated to educating children and young adults who are blind, deafblind, and visually impaired, reaching from the Watertown campus to developing countries worldwide. Perkins School for the Blind is a place where history and innovation converge, especially when it comes to braille and inclusive education. It showcases some of the most historically significant collections of their kind in the world. From tactile objects to audio-visual materials, it's a treasure trove of information.
The CVI Center at Perkins School for the Blind is proud to release a comprehensive, inclusive, educational assessment tool for students with CVI. Perkins recognizes that article literacy is a human right, exploring CVI and dual media literacy. They often welcome guests from institutions like Harvard University for a deep dive into early braille alternatives, where they can explore the worlds oldest tactile globe!
The origins of library services for people who are blind and the history of Perkins are intricately intertwined. Samuel Gridley Howe, upon returning from a trip to visit schools for the blind in Europe, brought with him two teachers and a small number of embossed books. This began a lasting transformation. It was a gathering of the intellectual and the wealthy of the city. This gathering included The Governor, the officers of the Boston Athenaeum, and Dr. Howe from the Perkins Institution for the Blind, and the choir consisted of children from the institute. A testament to their commitment to education and inclusion.
At Perkins School for the Blind, the programs and services are designed to serve children and young adults with multiple disabilities and their families worldwide. The impact is felt by the educators, professionals, and researchers who support them. The school offers immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities.
One of the core functions of Perkins is breaking down barriers and addressing persistent issues within the field of education for those who are blind and visually impaired. Radio Perkins, an internet radio station, is a testament to this, giving students control over the airwaves. The institution was founded in 1829. John Dix Fisher and Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe collaborated, working together in the cause of education and opportunity for people who were blind, with an impact now reaching around the world.
Perkins legacy extends to many areas. Service members can choose a service term to support Perkins students in expanded core curriculum activities or support the campus grounds and students with outdoor gardening and horticulture. This commitment to practical skills is matched by the rich historical legacy. The Perkins archives preserve significant collections of photographs, documents, and tactile objects, creating an invaluable resource for research and education.
Perkins School for the Blinds approach centers on the idea of transformation. They do this by helping children with disabilities find their place in the world. As a leader in education for children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities, including deafblindness, cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI), and CHARGE syndrome, Perkins provides services tailored to every need, from infancy to adulthood. This holistic approach ensures students are prepared for life beyond transition.
Funding for programs at Perkins can often be accessed through the state commission for the blind. They recommend contacting them before enrolling a child. It is also possible to find funding through school districts, Lion's Club Charities, church groups, or other organizations. This focus on financial accessibility enables a wider group of families to benefit from Perkins services.
The comprehensive nature of the educational offerings includes interactive sessions covering topics such as how to create a transition life plan and understanding special needs. Students learn how to create their own transition life plan and create special needs. They offer the type of experiences that help every student, regardless of their disability, make the most of their time at Perkins.
Perkins is not just an educational institution; it is a hub of knowledge and innovation. The institution is a worldwide leader in education services for children and young adults with disabilities, creating a supportive environment for the families and students they serve. The institution continually offers courses, and opportunities to create a better world.
Perkins' unwavering commitment to the visually impaired has established it as a place where history and innovation intersect. Its a place that offers more than just an education, its a place that transforms lives. The Perkins CVI certificate is available for enrollment. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy apply.
