Perkins School for the Blind

Defining a living institution is a challenge. Perkins School for the Blind is more than a campus. It's more than a school. Perkins has been, and continues to be, a source of inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind, deafblind or with multiple disabilities across the nation and the world. True to its Mission, Perkins School for the Blind continues to grow and evolve with the needs, desires and dreams of its students and their families. The School fulfills, enriches and teaches. But ultimately, Perkins provides its students with the tools and knowledge to chart a course toward each individual's maximum level of independence, rich in experience and overflowing with potential. www.perkins.org

Since 2001, I have been volunteering as the first ever Ambassador for the Perkins School for the Blind. As the first school for the blind in the United States, Perkins is often remembered for its most famous student, Helen Keller. However, today there are blind and deaf-blind students at Perkins with a long list of accomplishments of their own. I have had the fortunate opportunity to meet many of these amazing students, and each time I visit Perkins, I learn something new.

Before the 2003 Boston Marathon, Bill Rogers, Coach Squires, and I spent some time with the students running on the indoor track at their school. What energy! I was just hoping that they wouldn't wear me out before the marathon!

The influence of Perkins reaches far beyond their campus.  Their Mission…

Perkins School for the Blind is committed to providing education and services that build productive, meaningful lives for children and adults around the world who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired with or without other disabilities. 

Braille literacy remains a primary goal within their programs. And, Perkins recognizes the need for qualified teachers of deaf-blind students and has funded teacher preparation programs in this specialized field. (My graduate education was funded by a Hilton-Perkins Grant).

As the Ambassador for Perkins, I have the opportunity to stay in touch with the latest educational trends in deaf-blindness. Also, I appear as a guest speaker at specific events throughout the year.  Best of all, I get to hang out with the kids!

175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, Phone 617-924-3434

 

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WATCH: Marla and students at Perkins school for the Blind