Perkins

Perkins

Started in 1829 as the first school for the blind in the United States, Perkins is dedicated to improving literacy for children and adults who are blind, deafblind and visually impaired across the globe – providing opportunities for higher levels of education, career development and enhanced daily living.

Perkins provides knowledge and resources to the blind and visually impaired, their families and educators. Services include:

Early intervention for infants and toddlers;

Teaching literacy through braille;

Professional development and curricular resources;

Parent training and instruction;

Technology advancement and use of accessible technologies;

Community outreach and partnerships and international programs.

In 1951, Perkins Solutions division, which is housed on the main campus in Watertown, Mass., created the Perkins Brailler, which has helped improve the lives of thousands of people worldwide. Today Perkins Solutions is a manufacturer and retailer that provides support and training services and draws on its partnerships with Perkins School to stay relevant in the ways visually impaired students learn and use technology. There are more details about the history of Perkins Solutions here.

Perkins is an innovative resource for people who are blind, deafblind and visually impaired in the U.S. and 67 countries across the world, providing education and advocacy.