Perkins School for the Blind

MISSION Perkins School for the Blind is committed to helping children and adults who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or with multiple disabilities reach their greatest possible independence. DESCRIPTION Perkins School for the Blind was the first school in the United States for the Blind. Established 175 years ago, it 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 continues to grow and evolve with the needs of its students and their families. The school fulfills, enriches and teaches and provides its students with the tools and knowledge to chart a course towards independence. Perkins programs provide education and training for students from birth to 22 years of age on a residential or day basis. Residential rehabilitation services are provided to adults. From pre-school to secondary education, their on-campus programs develop each student's and client's maximum abilities and foster maximum independence. IMPACT Perkins houses the Braille and Talking Book Library which provides books on tapes to over 18,000 patrons in Mass. They run a recording studio where volunteers are trained to put books on tape. They established a elder program that serves individuals 60 and over who are visually impaired. The Hilton Perkins Program provides services to over 28 countries throughout the world.