Perkins School For The Blind: Education, History & Resources
Can a single institution truly reshape the landscape of education and opportunity for generations to come? For nearly two centuries, Perkins School for the Blind has been doing precisely that, becoming a beacon of hope and innovation for individuals with visual impairments and multiple disabilities.
Established in 1829 in Watertown, Massachusetts, Perkins School for the Blind holds the distinction of being the first school for the blind chartered in the United States. This pioneering spirit has fueled its evolution from a humble beginning to a global leader in education and services. The institution, once known as the Perkins Institution for the Blind, has consistently championed the cause of inclusion, providing not only education but also a pathway to a fulfilling life for its students. The school's commitment extends beyond the classroom, offering comprehensive support for families, professionals, and researchers worldwide. Perkins helps kids with disabilities find their place in the world.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | Perkins School for the Blind |
| Location | Watertown, Massachusetts, USA |
| Founded | 1829 |
| Mission | To provide education and services that build productive, meaningful lives for individuals with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. |
| Target Audience | Children and young adults (birth through age 22) with visual impairments, CVI (Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment), deafblindness, and CHARGE syndrome. |
| Key Programs | Academic instruction, independent living skills, assistive technology, vocational training, transition workshops, and family support. |
| Historical Significance | First school for the blind in the United States; has been a leader in the field for nearly 200 years. |
| Key Figures |
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| Additional Information | The school is an international NGO and is a worldwide leader in education services. |
| Reference Website | Perkins School for the Blind Official Website |
Perkins's impact extends far beyond the walls of its Watertown campus. It is an international NGO, serving as a worldwide leader in education services. The organization provides immersive training and support to professionals and families, actively advocates for inclusion, and consistently accelerates innovation for individuals with disabilities. The institution's influence is felt globally, offering programs and services designed to support children and young adults with multiple disabilities and their families around the globe, alongside educators, professionals, and researchers.
The legacy of Perkins School for the Blind is interwoven with historical figures and groundbreaking initiatives. Michael Anagnos, the second director, played a pivotal role in establishing the Kindergarten for the Blind in 1887. His wife, Julia Romana Anagnos, also contributed to the institution's rich history. The school's commitment to innovation is evident in its embrace of technology and its dedication to providing accessible and engaging learning opportunities. The institution offers a diverse range of programs catering to students of all abilities, with customized instruction in academics, independent living, assistive technology, and vocational training.
The school provides crucial resources to families and caregivers, recognizing that the leap from high school to young adulthood can be challenging for students who are blind or visually impaired. The school offers transition workshops and a supportive caregiver community. This includes courses teaching practical skills such as finding housing, accessing medical care, and understanding general safety, including first aid and essential home systems.
The institution is a place where history and innovation converge. It is a place where history and innovation meet\u2014especially when it comes to #braille and #inclusiveeducation. The Perkins Archives hold some of the most historically significant collections of their kind in the world. Visitors can experience the evolution of assistive technologies, explore historic documents, and interact with tactile objects that bring the past to life.
The time is now to confront cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI). With timely diagnosis, targeted interventions, trained teachers, and effective services and education, children with CVI can learn to access their world and define their success. For families seeking financial assistance, funding for Perkins programs is often available through the state commission for the blind, and it's essential to contact them before enrolling a child. Additionally, funding opportunities may occasionally be found through school districts, Lion's Club charities, church groups, and other organizations. The school's commitment extends to volunteering, building a world where people with disabilities have every opportunity to succeed. Various volunteer opportunities are available, encouraging community engagement and support.
The campus itself is designed to be fully accessible, and the school is also an AIRA access location. Walking around, one can take a tour of living spaces. The school encourages its students, staff, and supporters to find out what makes Perkins special. The institution continues to evolve, seeking to solve both longstanding and emerging challenges facing our communities, our students, and our families.
The school is committed to providing education and services that build productive, meaningful lives, making the foundations of the future rooted in the past. The school welcomes guests and encourages them to read about the literature and disability course in the Harvard Gazette. From photographs and documents, to tactile objects and audio visual materials, the perkins archives stewards some of the most historically significant collections of its kind in the world.
Ashley, for instance, who previously worked as a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) at Perkins, has transitioned to the role of Assistant Education Director in the Deafblind School, highlighting the growth opportunities available within the institution.
Perkins offers a rich collection of resources through their social media channels, including the Facebook page, LinkedIn page, Twitter page, and YouTube page. Moreover, Perkins offers tours of their living spaces, a chance to see why it is such a special place for its students, families, staff, and supporters. Additionally, the school's history can be explored at the Perkins History Museum. Historic photographs, including postcards and architecture photographs, are accessible on platforms like Flickr, providing glimpses into the past and the evolution of the institution.
The school, established in 1829, is committed to helping children with disabilities find their place in the world. As the oldest school for the blind in the United States, Perkins has a long and distinguished history, serving as the first of its kind. Through innovative programs and a commitment to individualized support, the school fosters an inclusive and empowering environment.
The schools mission is clear: to deliver the very best education and services for children and young adults. The school serves students with visual impairments, CVI, deafblindness, and CHARGE syndrome, offering programs and services designed to meet their unique needs. The school's commitment to inclusive education is steadfast.
By providing equitable educational opportunities and engaging learning experiences, Perkins School for the Blind is shaping a future where individuals with disabilities can thrive. The institutions dedication to innovation, coupled with its rich history and unwavering commitment to its students, makes it a true leader in the field. Perkins offers a tailored program for students and resources for their families and caregivers. The institution's impact is felt not only within its walls but also across the globe, as it continues to advocate for inclusion and accelerate innovation for people with disabilities.
