Are we truly doing all we can to unlock the potential within every child with cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI)? The answer, emphatically, is yes, we can. With timely diagnosis, targeted interventions, and a commitment to trained educators, we can empower children with CVI to not only navigate their world but to define their own successes.
Mark your calendars for May 3, 2025, as the Perkins School for the Blind hosts a crucial event. Whether you join us on our Watertown campus or through our convenient conference app, this is an opportunity to delve deep into the latest advancements and strategies for supporting children with CVI.
Perkins School for the Blind has a long and illustrious history of providing programs and services meticulously designed to cater to the needs of children and young adults grappling with multiple disabilities. Their reach extends far beyond the confines of their campus, impacting families across the globe. Moreover, Perkins is a hub of learning and support for educators, professionals, and researchers who dedicate their lives to advancing the field of visual impairment and multiple disabilities.
To fully appreciate the school's dedication to excellence, one need only read Anne Sullivan's valedictory address from her graduation. Her words resonate deeply, reflecting a commitment to empowering individuals through education and opportunity. You can also visit the Perkins History Museum, located on the Watertown, MA campus, which provides further insight into the school's rich legacy and pioneering work.
For those seeking to stay connected and informed, Perkins School for the Blind maintains a robust online presence. You can find them on Charity Navigator (opens a new window), Candid (opens a new window), and through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (opens a new window). Stay up-to-date on their Facebook page (opens a new window), LinkedIn page (opens a new window), Twitter page (opens a new window), and YouTube page (opens a new window) for news, updates, and inspiring stories.
One such inspiring figure is Ashley, who, after working as a BCBA at Perkins, now serves as one of the Assistant Education Directors in the Deafblind School. Her career trajectory showcases the school's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting internal growth.
The heart of Perkins beats with a special rhythm, crafted for the unique needs of its students, families, staff, and supporters. The school fosters an environment of inclusivity, and unwavering dedication to personalized learning.
It is important to note, due to legal requirements, Perkins School for the Blind may not always be explicitly named as the host of every event. For instance, a fundraiser cannot be titled "Perkins School for the Blind Ride for the Kids." Instead, it would be appropriately named "Ride for the Kids benefiting Perkins School for the Blind."
The NECO Center for Eye Care at Perkins School for the Blind provides a critical service. The center offers excellence in clinical eye care, support, and training, ensuring patients can maximize their functional vision within a caring and compassionate setting.
CVI Now, developed by Perkins School for the Blind, is a testament to the school's dedication to empowering families. This tool fosters a sense of community and shared connection, providing families with the knowledge, guidance, and tools needed to help their child thrive. Perkins also offers a wide range of programs, each customized to meet the individual needs of students of all abilities. They provide instruction in academics, independent living, assistive technology, and vocational training, all designed to empower students.
High school reading rates, particularly for longer passages where eye fatigue is a concern, have been informally estimated at 75 words or less. This underscores the need for specialized instruction and support for students with visual impairments.
Perkins, the first school for the blind chartered in the United States, has served as a beacon of hope and innovation for nearly two centuries. The Perkins Archives holds some of the most historically significant collections in the world. These archives, filled with photographs, documents, tactile objects, and audio-visual materials, provide an invaluable window into the past, enriching the present, and inspiring the future.
Perkins is a global leader in providing education services for children and young adults who are blind and visually impaired and have multiple disabilities. It is an international NGO relentlessly innovating to address the challenges facing the communities they serve, and the families they support.
Perkins provides a continuum of services for students with visual impairments, CVI, deafblindness, and CHARGE syndrome, from birth through age 22. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive the support they need at every stage of their development.
Founded in 1829 by Samuel Gridley Howe, the school has a rich legacy of innovation and impact. Perkins is a place where history and innovation meetespecially regarding Braille and inclusive education. The school recently welcomed guests from Harvard University for an immersive exploration of early Braille alternatives, including a look at the world's oldest tactile globe! You can learn more in the Harvard Gazette.
Perkins School for the Blind is a nonsectarian school that offers a continuum of services, including teacher training, assistive technology, and transition programs. These programs are based on the expanded core curriculum. It is a global leader in education for children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities, offering a range of programs, resources, and services both on and off campus, including the CVI Now initiative, a valuable resource for parents.
Katie, a student, perfectly embodies the spirit of Perkins. As she walks across campus on a sunny afternoon, her white cane moving rhythmically across the sidewalk, she exemplifies resilience and determination. Her orientation and mobility instructor, Donna Bent, guides her, reminding her to "make a wide swing with your cane." This highlights the dedicated support that Perkins provides its students.
Funding for Perkins programs is often available through the state commission for the blind. However, contacting them before enrolling a child in a program is a crucial step. Families can also explore funding opportunities through their school district, Lion's Club charities, church groups, or other organizations.
The Perkins Museum, which opened in 2004, offers a comprehensive view of the school's history, from its inception in 1829 to the present day. It is a testament to the enduring commitment of Perkins to education and empowerment. Perkins carefully selects schools for collaboration, using its own quality indicators to ensure the best practices for children with disabilities.
Perkins' work in Mexico reflects almost two centuries of global leadership in blindness education, making it a champion for children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities.
Understanding the importance of graphics is crucial. Textbooks are full of them. Teaching children to read these graphics early is critical for their comprehension and success.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | May 3, 2025 |
| Event Location | Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA or via conference app |
| Focus | Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) |
| Target Audience | Children and young adults with multiple disabilities, their families, educators, professionals, and researchers. |
| Key Organizations | Perkins School for the Blind, NECO Center for Eye Care Perkins |
| Historical Significance | First school for the blind chartered in the United States (founded in 1829) |
| Areas of Service | Visual impairments, CVI, deafblindness, and CHARGE syndrome |
| Resources | CVI Now, Teacher training, assistive technology, transition programs |
| Accessibility | Braille, inclusive education |
| Funding Options | State commission for the blind, school districts, Lion's Club charities, church groups |
| Museum Opening | 2004 |
Here is the list of relevant links:
Charity Navigator
Candid
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Perkins School for the Blind Facebook Page
Perkins School for the Blind LinkedIn Page
Perkins School for the Blind Twitter Page
Perkins School for the Blind YouTube Page
