You are viewing this document in text format. If you would like to adjust the margins or font to make it more legible or easier to print, we recommend that you save the document to your hard-drive. To save the document, choose "File," "Save As...," then select a directory on your computer. THE LANTERN FALL 2004 ON THE COVER: The Perkins Panda character. INSIDE COVER CAPTION: IN THIS ISSUE - Perkins History Book 2004 Graduation Perkins Panda INSIDE COVER CAPTION: In this issue, we invite you to learn about the Perkins Panda, an exciting new program for literacy. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT For 175 Years Perkins School for the Blind has been helping people overcome barriers and live to their fullest potential. This success has been the result of dedicated staff, committed volunteers, active alumni, parents and our dynamic students. It is also due to support from the greater public. On behalf of the entire Perkins family, thank you for your interest. Perkins continues to reach out to even more people. In this Fall 2004 Lantern, you will learn about the Perkins Panda Early Literacy Program that will reach young children here in Massachusetts and across the country. A new initiative will help advance the skills of rural teachers of children who are blind, and another will help bring braille literacy to Latin America. Adults in our State who have visual impairments can sign up for newspapers by touchtone phone through Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. The heart of Perkins programs and services are the students here on campus. In this issue of the Lantern, you will also learn about graduation ceremonies, a student voter registration drive and an annual trip to the beach. During Perkins' 175th Anniversary this school year, we hope you will visit our new museum on campus, attend a concert, learn about Perkins during an Open House in May 2005, and join as at our Spring Gala Celebration. Details of these and other events are at www.Perkins.org. Thank you again for your continued support of Perkins School for the Blind. Sincerely, Steven M. Rothstein President Perkins School for the Blind The Lantern FALL 2004 Volume LXXIV, Number 1 CONTENTS: Perkins History Book Perkins Panda Launch - Encouraging Early Literacy Celebrating 175 Years Graduation 2004 - Celebrations from preschool to high school Reflections - Perkins people and happenings on and off campus New Directions PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND: A HISTORY BOOK OF THE 19TH, 20TH AND 21ST CENTURIES. Arcadia Press has included Perkins, the first school for the blind in the United States, in its visually stunning and richly informative Campus History Series. PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND contains over 190 photos and 200 pages. Chapters cover 175 years of Perkins, and especially shine on its founding, Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan, daily life at Perkins and the dynamic changes over the years that have touched the lives of so many people around the world. Author Kimberly French is an accomplished writer and essayist whose work has been included twice in the Best American Essays series. French compiled the history by tapping Perkins' extensive archives and the rich experience of our staff. Available for $20 in your local bookstore, online, or through Perkins School for the Blind. To receive Perkins' new Catalog of Publications, or for more information, go to www.Perkinspublications.org or call 1-877-473-7546. WELCOME PERKINS PANDA! THE PERKINS PANDA EARLY LITERACY PROGRAM Most of what we know comes through sight. Children who are blind or visually impaired therefore must learn through their other senses. Imagine how intimidating it can be for parents, who most likely are not familiar with the education of children who are blind, as they help their child compensate and still develop essential literacy skills. A cuddly, sweet panda named Perkins now makes it easy for parents and fun for children to begin the building blocks to literacy. The Perkins Panda Early Literacy Program is a revolutionary educational tool developed by Perkins staff, and tested by professionals across North America. The loveable Perkins Panda is the star of storybooks in braille, large print, high-contrast pictures and tactile elements for kids who are blind or have low vision. The program also includes activity and resource guides, audiocassettes and a "story box" of objects mentioned in the books. The Perkins Panda has a backpack for a tape player. Perkins is grateful to the many staff who lent their expertise, as well as to storyteller Odds Bodkin who worked with Perkins staff to develop the storybooks, tapes, and the Perkins Panda character. We are also grateful to the countless parents and families who helped develop the program. The foresight of Verizon, Bank of America, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Massachusetts Charitable Society, and many individual donors has made the Perkins Panda Early Literacy Program possible. Thank you for helping Perkins launch this project, which will bring literacy to the youngest children. "I'm so happy to say at last Shayne had a toy he found both joy and comfort with... As a parent, I highly recommend Perkins Panda." - Karin Luciano, Parent Lyrics from Perkins Panda Program's DOING, DOING, DOING cassette: The toothpaste goes on. (Can you squeeze it onto your brush?) Wiggle it around. (Are you wiggling yet?) Make a toothpaste grin. (Come on, smile. A big silly smile!) Water flows down. (Feel it on your brush.) Make a splashy sound. (Can you hear it?) The toothpaste goes on. (Can you squeeze it onto your brush?) Wiggle it around. (Are you wiggling yet?) Make a toothpaste grin. (Come on, smile. A big silly smile!) Water flows down. (Feel it on your brush.) Make a splashy sound. (Can you hear it?) To be placed on our mailing list, place an order, to donate so that children can receive this package, or to ask any questions, call 800-972-7671 or email Perkins.Panda@Perkins.org. Thanks to everyone for helping Perkins Panda take his first steps! 175TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS At Perkins, all we see is possibility. This year, in addition to witnessing the achievements of people living to their fullest potential, we are celebrating 175 years of the caring, compassion and expertise that has helped so many. We hope all members of the Perkins family will join us in celebrating the 175th anniversary of Perkins School for the Blind. Perkins Museum Opening mid-November Exhibits feature the history of education of children who are blind, Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, and other important people and events from the school's 175-year history. Displays include visual, auditory and tactile elements. The museum is accessible. SEEING WITH OUR HEARTS & VOICES - A jazz concert series featuring artists who are blind. Hero Among Us: Tony Deblois Tuesday, October 19, 2004. 7:00 p.m. Rendering Women's Voices & Visions: The Vlieg Sisters Tuesday, February 22, 2005. 7:00 p.m. OPEN HOUSE - Campus tours for all in the community Sunday, May 22, 2005 Tours of campus and demonstrations on Braille writing, sign language, and goal ball lessons GALA THE GRAND FINALE - Spring 2005 ~ Celebratory dinner with special guests and entertainment ~ Honoring those who have made a difference For more information, please visit www.Perkins.org or call 617-972-7328. PERKINS 175TH ANNIVERSARY HONORARY COMMITTEE: Ann Romney, Chairperson Ą First Lady, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sandra and David Bakalar Rick Burnes - Charles River Ventures Heather Campion - Citizens Financial Group, Inc. Geri Denterlein - Denterlein Worldwide Thomas and Linda DiBenedetto Lawrence S. DiCara, Esq. - Nixon Peabody, LLP Ronald R. Dion - R.M. Bradley & Co., Inc. Margaret Boles Fitzgerald - Hill, Holliday, Inc. Russell A. Gaudreau, Jr. - Ropes & Gray Wycliffe Grousbeck - Boston Celtics Paul Guzzi - Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce The Rev. Dr. Ray A. Hammond - Bethel AME Church The Rev. Dr. Gloria E. White-Hammond - South End Community Health Center Dennis J. Kearney, Esq. - Kearney, Donovan & McGee Ray Kurzweil - Kurzweil Technologies, Inc. Mary Ann Lareau - Perkins School for the Blind Alumni Association Philip Lembo - NSTAR Martin Linsky - Cambridge Leadership Associates Patricia McGovern - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Peter Meade - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MA Charles R. Menard - International Association of Lions Clubs Patrick Moscaritolo - Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau Kevin C. Phelan - Meredith & Grew Dusty S. Rhodes - Conventures Inc. Barry Scheur - Talking Solutions Corporation Thomas G. Stemberg - Staples, Inc. Stephen P. Tocco - Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Michael J. Widmer - Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation GRADUATION 2004 Last June, joy, pride and celebration buzzed through campus for Perkins 2004 graduating class. Students marched through the crowd, sang, and delivered speeches. Their smiles beamed-no less than the smiles of family, friends, and staff in the audience. One graduate, who first came with his parents to an infant/toddler group at Perkins when he was six-weeks old, who attended public school for several years then returned to Perkins, had grown into a tenor and at graduation sang a stunning rendition of an aria by Scarlatti. Every graduate had overcome obstacles and was reaching-and continues to reach-for his or her full potential. Every Perkins student is a star. CAPTION: "Human rights are how you treat the person sitting next to you." - Professor Hope Lewis, Northeastern University School of Law & Perkins Graduation Speaker, 2004 GRADUATES 2004: Randy Shaun Bellavance- Leeds, ME Kristen Borgstrom- Hudson, MA Natoya Elethia Brown- New London, CT Mark Alan Bush- Glenburn, ME Nicole Leanne Dunlea- Portsmouth, R.I. Matthew Fish- N. Turner, ME Andrea Grande- East Boston, MA Tyron Hill- Fall River, MA Derick Ryan Hoffman- Bennington, VT Melissa Ann Jones- Bedford, NH Beth Kollett- Uxbridge, MA Gerard D. Landry- Boothbay Harbor, ME James Patrick Martin- Ellington, CT Crystal Ann Martineau- Winchendon, MA Jonathan Carl Matte- Brockton, MA Lindsay Allison Norcross- Norwood, MA Ian P. Perrault- Shelburne, VT Adrianna L. Ritacco- Worcester, MA Stephen Peter Yerardi- Peterborough, NH Heather Rae Zagrobski- Ipswich, MA EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (ELP) GRADUATION The Perkins family wishes good luck and safe travels to the visiting professionals of the 2003-2004 Educational Leadership Program as they return to their home countries with new information to help children who are blind or deafblind. Welcome 2004-2005 ELP's. This year's class consists of professionals from Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Ghana, India, Slovakia and Uruguay. We are also pleased to welcome, for the first time ever, teachers from Jordan and Vietnam. We would also like to thank the John Milton Society for their years of support for Perkins Educational Leadership Program. The Society recently made a major gift to Perkins, ensuring a vibrant teacher training program for years to come. REFLECTIONS PERKINS PEOPLE AND HAPPENINGS ON AND OFF CAMPUS PERKINS PUBLICATIONS SPREADING THE WORD Perkins staff are leaders in their fields. Whether in the classroom, visiting families at home or students in public schools, or leading workshops around the world, Perkins staff transform lives. Our publications are a further way of bringing this expertise to many. Some books are geared for educators and some help families. All are the result of years of experience and offer guidance in helping people live to their full potential. For a new catalog of publications, go to www.Perkinspublications.org or call 1-877-473-7546. WE GOT THE SUN For decades, the National Seashore has treated the elementary school-age kids at Perkins School for the Blind to a week at the beach. Exploring the Buttonbush nature trail complete with braille descriptions, feeling the sun and sand, and sleeping in an old Coast Guard station, the field trip is always a highlight for Lower School children. Thank you to the National Seashore for another wonderful year. NEWS FROM PERKINS BRAILLE & TALKING BOOK LIBRARY Listen to your daily newspaper through your touchtone phone. For information about subscribing to Newsline or becoming a Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library patron, please visit www.Perkinslibrary.org or call the Library at 617-972-7240 or 1-800-852-3133. VOTE! In September, Perkins students had the chance to try accessible "talking" voting machines. Perkins ran a voter registration drive, complete with a mock election, to encourage students - and everyone - to be responsible citizens. Keynote speaker Congressman Edward Markey spoke to students, staff and local residents about the importance of voting and the Help America Vote Act, HAVA, which provides funding for an accessible voting machine in every polling place by 2006. State Senator Steve Tolman (photo below), and State Representative Rachel Kaprielian also spoke, and Watertown Town Clerk John Flynn registered new voters. Everyone helped to send a clear message to us all about the duties of citizenship. WWW.PERKINS.ORG Thousands of people visit Perkins Website every day. This rich resource - which is attractive and easy to navigate for people who are blind or have low vision - now contains more photo galleries, details about Newsline at Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library, and up-to-date volunteer and employment opportunities. Of the many new areas, check out: Research Library - for parents, teachers, students, researchers, and anyone who wants more information on Helen Keller, Perkins or non-medical aspects of blindness. Assistive Device Center - where people learn about making customized materials for children with disabilities. PERKINS AND THE WORLD - STRENGTHENING AFRICA In Africa, where insufficient health care and poverty contribute to incidence of blindness, the needs of people who are blind are great. Service providers in Africa have made great strides in recent years. At the third Africa Forum, funded by Perkins School for the Blind and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in collaboration with Sight Savers International and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, African leaders gathered to celebrate their success, network, brainstorm and break down barriers. Over 230 delegates traveled from 27 countries across the continent to attend the conference. The impressive list of speakers included: a South African constitutional judge (similar to the U.S. Supreme Court), a university Chancellor who is blind, and Parliamentarians (congressmen and women) from across Africa. Panels addressed inclusion, technology, braille literacy, and other areas of interest. Our program will create opportunities... as we...walk into the room of social inclusion, not exclusion," said Aubrey Webson, Coordinator of Hilton/Perkins Programs in Africa and the Caribbean. A new era has not just begun. It is well underway. CAPTION: Educational programs for children across Africa, like these deaf-blind children in Ghana, will benefit from the third Africa Forum. NEW DIRECTIONS: INTRODUCTORY QUOTE: "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." - Helen Keller, Perkins alumna Sharing Perkins Knowledge A grant from The Gibney Family Foundation of Vermont has provided seed money for the Partners in Training Program to help bring Perkins expertise to rural schools. Through this grant, Perkins is developing a training manual, video and activities for staff training to help teachers and other professionals in schools that have never before served students who are blind. From the woods of northern New England to the Pacific coast, these materials will be helping children receive a strong educational start. Literacy in Latin America - USAID Thanks to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), hundreds of children in Latin America will have their own Perkins Braillers for the very first time. The grant will provide schools, training centers and individual children in many countries with Perkins Braillers, the personal braille writing machines, designed at Perkins, that are considered the pen and paper for people who are blind around the world. Through Brailler distribution and repair and teacher-training support, USAid and Perkins are together changing lives throughout Latin America. PHOTO CAPTION: Lower school students enjoying a trip to the beach. MEMORIAL & HONORARY GIFTS Honor a friend or family member through the Tribute Program at Perkins. Gifts made "in memory" commemorate the life of a loved one who has passed away, while a gift made "in honor" celebrates a special occasion such as a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or other important event. A moving testimonial to a friend or loved one, tribute gifts support the important programs at Perkins and make a difference in the lives of students who are blind, deafblind or have multiple disabilities. After we receive your tribute, we send a letter to the bereaved family or the person being honored to inform them of your kindness. We also send you a note to thank you for your generosity. The amount of your gift is always kept confidential. All gifts are tax-deductible. We are often asked what amount should be sent for a memorial or in honor gift. A good rule of thumb is to send what you would spend on flowers. Many gifts range from $50 to $500 or more. But, the only "right" amount is the one your heart tells you to send. To make a tribute gift, please send your check to: Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472 Attn: Development Office, Tribute Program. Or, call (617) 972-7328 to make a donation with your MasterCard or VISA. Please be sure to include the full name and address of the person to whom you wish us to acknowledge your gift. BEQUESTS The gifts and bequests of Perkins friends make it possible for the School to sustain the excellent quality of service that has become the Perkins hallmark over the past 175 years. While a few foundations and government grants enable Perkins to initiate new programs, the consistent support of donors makes possible our daily academic, residential and home-based programs. You can make a bequest to Perkins School for the Blind by creating a new will, adding a codicil to your current will, designating Perkins as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, or including Perkins in your revocable trust or other estate plan. The following language may be used for an outright gift by will. Specific dollar amount for unrestricted use: I give (________________) dollars to the Perkins School for the Blind, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Percentage amount for unrestricted use: I give (__________) percent of the residue of my estate to the Perkins School for the Blind, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These examples may be tailored to best suit your interests. For more information please contact the Treasurer of the Corporation as follows: Mr. Charles C. J. Platt, Treasurer Planned Giving Office Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 (617) 972-7284 VISIONARY SOCIETY OF PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND: The Visionary Society is a group of leadership donors whose contributions to Perkins make a significant difference in the lives of the 40,000 people whom we serve by supporting the operation of our many programs. Your membership gives infants and toddlers a better start in life, helps elders, and supports children who are blind, deafblind or with multiple disabilities, and their families. Leader ($10,000+) Anonymous (3) The Rae and Aaron Alberts Fund at The Boston Foundation Mr. Paul D. Alizio A.W. Baldwin Charitable Foundation Mr. Fred Bigony Mr. James A. Black, Jr. Mr. Donald Brecher Mrs. Wesley Brown Mr. and Mrs. C. Richard Carlson Choate Hall & Stewart Mr. John F. Cogan, Jr. Naomi & Nehemiah Cohen Foundation Mrs. Gladys Copeland Demoulas Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Thomas DiBenedetto Mr. and Mrs. Mason Fernald FleetBoston Financial Foundation Ms. Johanna Friedenstein Grousbeck Family Foundation Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Amos Hostetter, Jr. Ms. Jennifer M. Huntington Mr. and Mrs. William E. James George Frederick Jewett Foundation Lake Contracting, Inc. Mr. Dana Lake Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation Massachusetts Association for the Blind Mr. and Mrs. David Mazza NSTAR Electric & Gas Corporation Massachusetts Charitable Society Mr. and Mrs. Eijk van Otterloo Mr. Anthony L. Rinaldi Mrs. Henry B. Roberts Mr. Jan Rolff Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation Mrs. Helen G. Scott Miss Marcy A. Scott Verizon Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dudley H. Willis Yawkey Foundation Steward ($5,000-$9,999) Anonymous (9) Agnes M. Lindsay Trust Mr. Robert E. Allen Mr. and Mrs. Walter Amory Mr. David G. Baird, Jr. Berklee College of Music Mrs. Barbara Beyea Boston Center for Blind Children Brewer & Lord Constellation New Energy Mrs. Jane B. Cook Thomas G. Gallagher Mechanical Contractors Mr. Marcel P. Gaudreau Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hubbs Ms. Hope B. Hynes Jewish Community Foundation of Metrowest Beth S. Klarman and Seth A. Klarman Mr. and Mrs. William A. Lowell Mr. Joseph Messler Mr. and Mrs. Ernest H. Monrad Mr. and Mrs. Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani Oswald Family Foundation Mr. Jerry Perl Patricia B. Rice N. Sacca & Sons Sanders Fund, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John J. Semper Siemens Information and Communication Network Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Steiner Benefactor ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous (9) Mr. and Mrs. John T. Bennett, Jr. Mr. Edward L. Bigelow, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Robert Buckley Mr. and Mrs. Frederic M. Clifford Walter Henry Freygang Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Charles Furlong Gallagher Painting Service, Inc. Mr. William Gamelli and Ms. Tracy Vitols Goldman Sachs & Co. Beryl David & Harry N. Gorin Foundation Keystone Systems, Inc. Mr. Lawrence D. Laven and Mrs. Irene Kellert-Laven Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Mann Old Colony Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Endicott Peabody Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. J. Platt Mr. Michel P. Quercio Mr. Philip W. Rosenkranz Alan and Natalie Rothstein Sawyer Charitable Foundation Mr. Thomas G. Stemberg Mr. John N. Sullivan John and Ellie Svenson Michael & Vincensa Vinciullo Charitable Foundation Mr. Matthew B. Winthrop Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wolf, Jr. Ms. Joan M. Youngman Contributor ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous (16) 1991 Corcoran Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Kamesh Aiyer Mr. Robert Amory III Anaren Microwave, Inc. Mrs. George A. Aspacher ATV Capital Management, Inc. Susan A. and Donald P. Babson Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Cafer Barkus Ms. Joan Bentinck-Smith Bethesda Lodge, No. 30 I.O.O.F Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bianchi Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Boit Nathalie Bridegam Mr. Geoffrey A. Brown, Jr. Rick and Nonny Burnes Butler's Hole Fund at The Boston Foundation Mrs. Emily S. Byrd Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Carr, Jr. Chapman Waterproofing Co. Mr. C. David Chase Citizens Energy Corporation Mr. John M. Corcoran Mr. Prescott C. Crafts, Jr. Mr. George P. Denny III Mr. and Mrs. Dana Djerf Mrs. Pauline L. Donoghue Mr. Patrick D. Dunn Mr. and Mrs. George C. Dyment Ms. Celia M. Echave EDS Mr. and Mrs. William J. Edwards Mrs. Leo J. Feuer Fiduciary Trust Company Mr. William R. W. Fitz Mr. Reinhard Frank Ms. Victoria Fremont Mrs. Marc Friedlaender Mr. Robert Garthwait Mr. Anoop Ghanwani Janice and Robin Goldsmith Mr. Michael C. Gorton Mr. and Mrs. Eric R. Haartz Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Hagopian Mr. William W. Helman Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Holway Mr. Joseph C. Honan Mr. Wilbur Hooven Mr. Michael A. Hughes IKON Office Solutions Mrs. Wanda C. Jennings John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Owen J. Kellett Mr. Frank B. Kelly Mr. Scott Kenyon Lachaise Foundation Mr. Philip L. Ladd Ms. Waltrud A. Lampe LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP The Joan and Theodore Levitt Family Fund at The Boston Foundation Mr. Martin Linsky International Association of Lions Clubs District 33K Mrs. Arthur T. Lyman, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William F. McCarthy Merrimack Valley Pioneer Club Chapter 131 Mr. Robert Mileti Dr. and Mrs. William Moomaw Mount Auburn Hospital Mr. and Mrs. David W. Murray New Outlook Pioneers Mr. and Mrs. H. Gilman Nichols, Jr. Ms. Mary L. Niles Mr. Robert A. Norcross Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Oedel Peabody Essex Museum Perkins Alumni Association Ms. Mary Pinheiro PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Mrs. Richard Prouty Rare Coins of New Hampshire Mr. Norman J. Reilly Mr. Howard M. Reisman Ropes & Gray Mrs. Valerie Rosales Mr. Steven M. Rothstein Mr. A. Herbert Sandwen Mr. Mark Schwartz and Dr. Bettina Katz Mrs. Gertrude F. Shelley Mrs. Jeanette Sinisi Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. Mr. Paul L. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Spitz Mrs. Molly G. Stiller Mr. Paul Stuka Mr. and Mrs. Douglas R. Teece The Baupost Group, LLC. Mrs. Mary Truslow Mr. Charles G. Warner Mr. Roland L. Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Wells, Jr. Mrs. Jean W. Wilson Mrs. Theresa M. Woolverton CAPTION: Perkins students in the 19th century, as shown in our new history book. See page 4 for details. PHOTO CREDITS: Heather Bohm-Tallman, 14 (bottom) Ą John Kennard, 2, 3 (2nd to bottom), 5 (top left), 6,7,10, 11, 14 (top) Ą Meghan Majors, 15 Ą Larry Melander, 3 (bottom), 13, 16 Ą Perkins archives, 3 (top), 4, 5 (right & bottom), 8, 12, 17, 18-19. PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND Perkins School for the Blind was incorporated March 2, 1829. The school is an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Association of Independent Schools. It is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Education and Mental Retardation and by the Commonwealth's Office of Child Care Services. Perkins School for the Blind admits students of any race, gender, color, creed, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, creed, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon Street Watertown, MA 02472 Tel: 617.924.3434 Fax: 617.972.7334 www.Perkins.org Editor: Robert Guthrie