LANTERN PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND | FALL 08 Updating a classic: Perkins unveils a NEW Brailler for the next generation. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Technology makes the world a faster, smaller, flatter, more exciting place every day, and Perkins School for the Blind is no exception. For years we've incorporated technology into the lives of our students to make the seemingly impossible, possible - from teaching a student who is blind to type a book report on a Perkins Brailler, to conversing with a student with multiple challenges via the help of a computer that speaks for her. We're always looking for new ways to make technology more accessible and available, and a new partnership brings us several steps closer to that goal. We recently acquired Adaptive Technology Consulting, a private company out of Salisbury, Mass., that will now be known as Adaptive Technology, a division of Perkins Products. AT will provide evaluations and technology training for students on campus, as well as training for teachers and elderly in Perkins outreach programs. Finding the technological tool that performs best for each individual is a key part of our goal to help every person reach their highest potential. This fall opens one of the most exciting chapters in the history of Perkins technology yet. I am thrilled to share with you the redesign of Perkins' most useful and successful tool: the Perkins Brailler. This new version is smaller, lighter, and easier to use than ever before. As the first redesign since the Perkins Brailler was unveiled nearly 60 years ago, it is the culmination of much research, hard work and dedication. I am also pleased to share news of our reaccreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It is a reaffirmation of Perkins' ability to provide excellence in education, as well as a tribute to our committed educators and staff. Sincerely, Steven M. Rothstein President, Perkins School for the Blind Officers of the Corporation & Board of Trustees Chair of the Board Janet B. James Vice Chairs of the Board Linda DiBenedetto* Frederic M. Clifford* Andrea Lamp Peabody Chair of the Corporation C. Richard Carlson Treasurer Charles C.J. Platt Assistant Treasurer Randy E. Kinard Secretary Charles A. Cheever Board of Trustees Linda DiBenedetto* Frederic M. Clifford * Andrea L. Peabody Charles C. J. Platt C. Richard Carlson Andrew Chapman * Elizabeth Cabral Curtis William J. Edwards Edward G. Fey Brenda J. Furlong William D. Gamelli Paul S. Goodof Corinne Grousbeck Janet B. James Philip L. Ladd William A. Lowell Greg J. Pappas W. David Power Paul Raia* * Appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth ************************************************************************ CONTENTS: CAMPUS: - From common place to cutting-edge, technology abounds at Perkins - Advice for the Class of 2008 - An online lesson in grocery shopping - Students serve as webmaster for a day COMMUNITY - Visually-impaired veteran joins the computer age - Fenway Day at Perkins - Braille & Talking Book Library goes digital - Mealtime skills: new webcast FOCUS - Classic goes cutting-edge: Perkins unveils the Next Generation Brailler AROUND THE WORLD - Long distance lessons - Members named to new International Advisory Board PERKINS - In memoriam - Alumni weekend recap - A tale of giving - Greetings from the Perkins Trust - Congratulations, Celtics - Calendar Save paper by receiving the Lantern by email. Sign up at: http://support.perkins.org/lantern ************************************************************************ CAMPUS TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS From common place to cutting-edge, technology equals opportunity for Perkins students At first glance, the gold watch on Dan Dintzner's left wrist looks like an attractive men's model available at any department store. But spend a little time with Dan, who is blind, and you realize a typical department store watch wouldn't get him very far. "Right now, it's 2:50," he announces, flipping open the glass face and running his fingertips over the Braille dots where numbers would be. Students at Perkins School for the Blind such as Dan - whether they are blind, deafblind, or blind with additional disabilities -- face a variety of challenges. Because no two individuals' needs are exactly the same, Perkins uses a wide spectrum of technology to help all students reach their highest potential. The technology available - from the most simple Braille analog watch to advanced machines like a handheld GPS that reads text aloud - makes the world that much more accessible. Secondary School student Minh Farrow walked into a college classroom for the first time this fall with her Braille notetaker under her arm. The small, electric word processor allows Farrow to take notes, write essays, or even download a book to which she can listen with headphones. Her English class at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston is the first of many on the road to her ultimate goal. "I'm hoping to become a TVI (teacher for the visually impaired)," said Minh, 19. "I'm a student who knows where she wants to go in the future." The notetaker's predecessor - the Perkins Brailler, a machine comparable to a typewriter that allows a blind person to punch Braille dots onto heavy paper -- has itself undergone an exciting technological transformation. Readers can learn more about the new Brailler, which is smaller and more user-friendly, by turning to page 12. But technology at Perkins doesn't stop at writing and reading. A small computer called MiniMerc actually speaks for Kristen Buss, a student with cerebral palsy. When a visitor asks her age, Kristen beams and pushes a switch on the side of her wheelchair to scan through MiniMerc's files, directing the machine to "speak" the appropriate answer. "I am 20 years old," MiniMerc states, while Kristen smiles. "My birthday is February 12, just like Abraham Lincoln." Many students have not seen one of the newest, most advanced technologies available: the KNFB reader, a hand-held scanner that may become one of the most popular at Perkins as it catches on. The size of a small cell phone, the machine snaps high-definition photos of text, such as from a newspaper, price tag or instruction manual, and then reads it aloud. But the best part about the KNFB reader might still be to come. Jim Denham, assistive technology coordinator, hopes future models might become advanced enough to find and read a store sign from across the street, or even employ face recognition. "Technology allows students to do more," says Denham, who uses a KNFB reader to show students what is possible. "(Whether) you're using a cane or a screen-reader, it's a means to an end." ************************************************************************ CAMPUS PARTING ADVICE Grads told to embrace change A joyous commencement ceremony in June bade farewell to 13 accomplished graduates who emerged from Perkins School for the Blind with a wealth of knowledge, including hands-on experience with technology inside the classroom and out. To be successful, grads will need to rely on those technological skills - and be ready to learn new ones to ensure their personal and career success, said commencement speaker Janet LaBreck, commissioner for the Mass. Commission for the Blind. "They need to embrace the changes that come with technology," said LaBreck, whose commencement speech centered on the themes of innovation, change and hope. "As they venture out from Perkins... they will need to be very creative and innovative with technology (in) college and the world of work." LaBreck, who is legally blind and spent seven years at Perkins before returning to public school in 1977 to graduate, received loud applause from enthusiastic students after her speech. She, in turn, was equally impressed by the grads. "It was a great experience. It was nice to see that some of them were going off to college and that they really already had laid out plans for themselves... and were moving forward with their lives as productive citizens," said LaBreck, who stayed after the ceremony to share conversation and lunch with the graduates. "They were incredibly supportive of each other. That's what was really impressive to me." ************************************************************************ GROCIERIES TO GO Online Program Helps Students Shop with Ease Whether you need a week's worth of groceries or select ingredients for a special holiday dinner, heading to the market can be as simple as turning on the computer. It's a recipe for success for Perkins students who are learning to be independent. That's why teacher and Assistive Technology Coordinator Jim Denham is showing his students how to access Peapod, the online grocery shopping experience available locally from Stop & Shop. While not made specifically to assist individuals who are visually impaired, students can shop with the help of screen-reading software that verbally reads text that appears on screen. The Peapod service divides products into online "aisles" and reads aloud the selections available. Users can also click links to read product nutrition labels and cooking instructions. However, warns Denham, the program isn't perfect: a simple graphic image such as a banana stumps the software, which can't find any brand-name text to read. In those cases, visually-impaired users must rely on practice and memory to find their favorite fruits and vegetables. "Adding text labels to all of the graphics on the site is a relatively simple thing to do," said Denham. "It would enhance what is otherwise a terrific service." ************************************************************************ WEBMASTER FOR A DAY Deafblind students learn to construct their own webpage Wondering whether you need those galoshes on your way to class? Check in with Perkins' own student-run web page, where instructor Wendy Buckley's kids are in charge of assembling the day's weather news and other interesting tidbits about themselves and their classroom. The intranet website, which is accessible by any computer connected to the on-campus network, is headed by a different "webmaster" from the Deafblind Program every day. Each student has an opportunity to construct the webpage and an access link, and uploads information that may feature classmates, a favorite teacher and personal items. Students post graphics such as a sweater or raincoat to reflect the day's climate. "They have to check the weather and decide what (clothes) would be appropriate," said Buckley. "They also interview a teacher, write about the students and put up pictures. With this project the students work on social interaction and language - not just computer skills." ************************************************************************ COMMUNITY POLITICALLY ACTIVE AND PLUGGED IN At 90, visually-impaired veteran uses newfound technology skills to make a difference In all his 85 years, Hank Maiorana had never touched a computer. He was perfectly happy with that track record -- until the day he could no longer read his morning newspaper. Legally blind as a result of macular degeneration, the Walpole resident and World War II veteran faced an important choice: give up his active lifestyle, or open himself to the possibilities of technology. He chose the latter. His local Veterans Affairs office connected him with Arthur Gould, a trainer for Perkins company Adaptive Technologies, and he began the painstaking process of learning to use a computer. "He struggled with it and he struggled with it, and he finally got it," said Gould, who introduced Maiorana to ZoomText, software that combines magnified text and audio to help Maiorana see and hear the words on his computer screen. "And once he got it, he was off and running." Gould remembers Maiorana's first successful e-mail as one of the "great moments" of his career. "I said, 'Congratulations. You sent your first e-mail.' And he was like, 'I did?' It was almost a childlike wonder on his face." Today, at age 90, Maiorana is using those computer skills and that same determination for a new cause: rallying support for Jessica's Law, legislation that would create a minimum jail sentence for the rape of a child. As grandfather to a 11-year-old girl, Maiorana found endless energy, enthusiasm - and, he admits, free time as a retiree - to throw himself wholeheartedly behind the cause. Working with the office of Rep. Karyn Polito, a Shrewsbury Republican sponsoring the bill, he has written to newspapers, contacted legislators and spoken twice at State House hearings in favor of the legislation. "I truly admire his spirit and tireless efforts," said Polito. "We need more people like Hank who are willing to take the time to make a difference in the lives of others." ************************************************************************ A DAY OF FENWAY FOR PERKINS' FANS A Red Sox baseball legend and the 2004 and 2007 World Series Trophies graced Dwight Hall last month, as Fenway Park came to Perkins for an event featuring the tales of baseball authors. Johnny Pesky, the namesake of Fenway's right field foul pole and author of Diary of a Red Sox Season - along with his coauthor Maureen Mullen - and children's author Melinda Boroson, who penned 86 Years: The Legend of the Boston Red Sox, told baseball stories and took questions from more than 200 students and staff. Carl Beane, the so-called Voice of Fenway Park, emcee'd the event. Everyone showed their spirit by donning Perkins' baseball caps designed to resemble the classic Red Sox hat, with the addition of a rubber patch that read "Perkins" in Braille. "You could hear a pin drop in there while the (guests of honor) were talking," said Tim McGrath from the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library, who helped organize the event. "Everyone had a great time." ************************************************************************ COMMUNITY NEW CHAPTER FOR BRAILLE AND TALKING BOOK LIBRARY Nearly 80,000 titles to go digital The Ipod. The GPS. The Blackberry. These wildly popular digital products have been light-years ahead of the audio cassettes still in use at Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library. Until now. The library has begun the gradual transition of its near-80,000 titles to digital form, where each book will be recorded onto an individual cartridge, announced Kim Charlson, library director. The Library of Congress has designed new digital playback machines that will be distributed to Perkins and other talking-book libraries across the country as federal funds become available over the next four to five years, she said. "Cassettes are fading away," said Charlson. "You have to turn them over. They get twisted and they break. Digital recordings don't wear out." The library mails recorded books and players to borrowers who are blind and face other challenges free of charge. Log on to www.perkinslibrary.org for more information. The Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library is excited to announce new loan programs for DVD movies and Victor Reader Streams. Patrons can now borrow audio-described DVD movies that provide complete narration of a program's key visual elements, to be used with a patron's home DVD player and television. Victor Reader Streams are also available for 30 days to patrons considering the purchase of the digital book reader. ************************************************************************ DINING WITH CONFIDENCE "Mealtime skills" one of three new webcasts For the visually impaired, basic tasks such as cutting meat or pouring a glass of milk can be daunting. Meal skills - the latest topic in a series on daily living - are the focus of one of two new webcasts produced by Perkins, said Marianne Riggio, national education consultant for the Hilton/Perkins program and coordinator of publications. The new webcasts are available this fall. They address adaptive physical education for students with multiple disabilities and making reading meaningful to blind students by utilizing the other senses. Each webcast has an accompanying publication that is available by clicking on links at the end of each webcast. The webcasts are a free online service available at www.perkins.org. ************************************************************************ COMMUNITY OUTREACH Perkins' Community Outreach offers a variety of courses and services dedicated to serving the needs of the community. Participants reflect on their experiences: "I love my reading machine because it allows me to take in the mail and read it without waiting for anyone." Joan Bernsee, Arlington, MA "It might take me a long time to pay my bills under the CCTV (Closed Caption Television), but I want to do it myself." Ruth Croke, Watertown, MA "The Perkins Low Vision Clinic staff helps you find the best sort of tools to help you make best use of your available vision. Helen Kukuk, Cambridge, MA "This past spring I signed up for a morning cooking class and the afternoon quilting class. I was very surprised I could do it. I just called and signed up for the next cooking class." Maureen Fiorentino, Acton, MA ************************************************************************ FOCUS THE CLASSIC GOES CUTTING-EDGE The redesigned Perkins Brailler still has everything you love (with a few new twists) Growing up, the Perkins Brailler was an invaluable tool to Precious Perez, who was born blind and learned Braille as early as age three. The machine helped her master the Braille alphabet and taught her the meaning of literacy. Less helpful, she remembers, was how she struggled to carry around all 10.5 pounds of it. So it's no wonder the improved portability of the new, redesigned Brailler - unveiled this month by Perkins School for the Blind, and 25 percent lighter than the original - is one of Precious' favorite features. "I thought it was awesome," said Precious, now 10, who had the chance to try the redesign recently. "The original was really heavy." The portability is just one of several updates on the new Brailler, whose redesign was inspired by the people who use it every day, said Steven Rothstein, president. "As we traveled around the world, talking with students and teachers about features they'd like to see, (they said) 'Can we add this? Can we make it a little lighter?' So we started to look at that," he said. Perkins contacted the American Printing House for the Blind, based in Louisville, Kentucky, and together they devised a remodel that was lighter, easier to use and with a modern look. The goal was to keep the features that made the classic Brailler so indispensable since it was introduced in 1951, while updating it with a sleek, new look and features that take advantage of today's materials. "All we're really doing is taking the best of the original Perkins Brailler and modernizing it for this new generation of students and adults," said David Morgan, general manager of Perkins Products, who oversaw the research and development. The new Brailler features keys that require less force, which will be attractive to children and older users, said Albert Gayzagian, an honorary Perkins trustee who had the chance to test a version of the new Brailler. It also has a new "easy-erase" button that allows users to delete a cell with a quick click. "(With the original Brailler) they issue a little wooden peg to do the erasing, or sometimes you try to do it with your finger," he said. "This key is supposed to do a much better job." For nearly 60 years, the Perkins Brailler has played a critical role in spreading literacy, with more than 330,000 machines distributed in more than 170 countries. Despite technological advances and the popularity of electrical equipment like the Braille notetaker, the Perkins Brailler remains an important tool for teaching literacy; a machine that makes the written word come alive. "It's much easier to introduce literacy to a person who is blind or visually-impaired when you can actually feel the letters and the shape of the page," said Morgan. "These basic concepts are difficult to understand if you're using an electrical notetaking device. With a Brailler, you are actively engaging the letters and words." Today, Precious does the majority of her school work on an electric Braille notetaker. But when it comes to her math homework, she turns to her Perkins Brailler. "On the Brailler, you can actually type it out and read it, and (calculate) the actual right answers," she said. Her only question about the redesign? Having to choose which color to take home. The new Brailler comes in a brilliant raspberry, midnight blue or American Printing House Blue. "I think I'd pick the blue one," said Precious. "No - it's kind of hard to pick. The raspberry color is pretty good." Go to www.perkinsbrailler.org for more information. Features included on the NEW Perkins Brailler: - 25 percent lighter than the Classic Perkins Brailler - Gentle Touch Keys require less strength - Key strokes and end-of-line bell produce less noise - Easy-Grip Handle for portability - Easy-Erase Button - Reading Rest positions page for reading typed copy - Front panel margin guides - Ergonomic paper-feed knobs - Available immediately in American Printing House Blue; raspberry and midnight blue coming in 2009 ************************************************************************ AROUND THE WORLD LONG DISTANCE LESSONS Aremnians in Perkins' Educational Leadership Program hope to take home new skills Perkins has long had a reputation of being the teachers of teachers. It's a mantra that's not lost on the 12 fellows that come from around the world to the Watertown campus each year to learn how our teachers teach. Among this year's participants in the Educational Leadership Program (ELP) are two women from Armenia. Astghik Nalbandyan and Hasmik Dzvakeryan arrived at Perkins in September with high hopes and big plans. "We are happy to be here, to have a chance to learn more about children who are blind and to be able to share our knowledge with our colleagues," said Nalbandyan, 28, a speech therapist. "The United States is very different from Armenia." The ELPs will spend nine months learning Perkins' teaching methods as well as leadership skills. For these two, returning home will mean going back to their teaching jobs at the Gyumri Children's Home - where 135 children, many who are blind or visually impaired, live. They both hope the skills they learn in the U.S. will make them better teachers when they return to Armenia. Dzvakeryan, 26, has been studying psychology in Armenia while working as a teacher. "I like my job," she said. "It can be very difficult, but I want to help these children, so it is also rewarding. I work with pleasure." Due to generous support from Karisma Foundation and many others, Perkins has partnered with the Children's Home in Armenia for two years now, sending instructors to Gyumri to provide workshops and training. The Children's Home, which provides services to newborn children through age 7, is expanding to develop preschool services. Technology will likely play a role both with the teachers and the students, as the Children's Home expands their services and their reach over time - and Perkins will continue to partner with them and share techniques and knowledge. "It is empowering to give young teachers from other nations a glimpse at our methods and to know that they will then take what we have shown them and teach those lessons to their colleagues as well as the students they serve," said Cafer Barkus, supervisor of the Educational Leadership Program at Perkins. "This program makes the world seem a lot smaller in a very good way and I am proud to be a part of it." ************************************************************************ MEMBERS NAMED TO NEW INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD In an effort to increase advocacy and awareness for blind and deafblind issues around the globe, Perkins is pleased to announce the launch of its International Advisory Board. Seven members who are committed to helping individuals who are disabled will work together to further the mission of Perkins International: to improve the quality of life for children who are blind or visually impaired with multiple disabilities throughout the world. Perkins International's work is based on the principles that every child deserves to reach his or her potential, that family members are a child's best advocates and teachers and that solutions lay within society. Perkins is proud to share the names of these founding board members, appointed by the Perkins Board of Trustees: Paul Polman, (chair) group chief executive of Unilever PLC; Avraham Rabby, international writer and speaker on equal opportunities and empowerment, and retired diplomat for the U.S. Department of State; Paul Cellucci, 69th governor of Massachusetts and former US ambassador to Canada; Steve M. Hilton, president and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation; Richard Carlson, Perkins Trustee since 1971; former board chair of Perkins; and senior vice president of UBS Financial Services; George H. W. Bush, (honorary chairman), 41st President of the United States of America; Steven M. Rothstein (Ex-officio Member), President of Perkins School for the Blind. ************************************************************************ PERKINS Perkins School for the Blind said goodbye to three valued members of its community this year. Each will be remembered in a special way for making Perkins a better place to live, work and learn. Michael T. Collins It's hard to say how many lives Michael T. Collins may have touched during his years at Perkins School for the Blind. What is clear is that Collins' love for all people - especially students who are blind and deafblind, at Perkins and beyond - left a permanent mark on students, parents and teachers on campus and across the world. Collins, who died last May, dedicated 30 years of his career to Perkins, first as supervisor for the Deafblind Program and finally as director of the Hilton/Perkins International Program. "In the most unassuming way, Mike made such a profound impact," said Perkins President Steven M. Rothstein. "Mike believed in children and their families." Collins is the recipient of Perkins' Annie Sullivan Award. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Distinguished Service Award, both given by Deafblind International, and was recognized by other groups. Terri Werner It was a proud day last October when 15 students unveiled Perkins School for the Blind's very first show at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, putting on display for the world a series of paintings, sculptures, masks and reliefs. The proudest was likely their teacher, Terri Werner, who had spent the last several years proving that art is, indeed, for everyone. Werner, who passed away last June, was a dedicated art teacher whose commitment to helping Perkins students discover art defined her memorable career at Perkins. She joined Perkins' staff in the 1990s, and she approached her classes and students with a tireless passion. "She was very, very creative," said Cynthia Essex, education director of Perkins' Secondary Program, who served as Werner's supervisor. "She was able to work with kids at all levels. And she was able to develop projects that would show their abilities." Benjamin Smith The first director of Perkins School for the Blind who was visually impaired was born with perfect eyesight. Benjamin Smith would eventually consider the explosion that destroyed his vision at age 9 a blessing, which allowed him to become the man he was meant to be. Smith, who died in August at age 95, served six years at the helm of Perkins, culminating a career dedicated to working with blind and visually impaired children. After graduating from the University of Washington in 1936, Smith relocated to Perkins to study for his master's degree. He completed his studies and became director of the school's physical education department. He later served as dean of boys, principal and assistant director. He was named director in 1971 and held the position until he retired in 1977. ************************************************************************ PERKINS NEWS, FRIENDS AND FUN Annual Alumni Weekend reunites friends, former classmates Alumni Weekend took place June 13 - 15, brought about 150 alumni back to campus. From the president's reception to campus tours, the annual banquet and more, alumni thoroughly enjoyed the annual get-together, said Marie Hennessy, whom alumni elected as their new president during the course of the weekend. "The feel of people connecting - with people they know, or maybe people they've never met before - is a wonderful experience," said Hennessy, a 1972 alum who will serve a two-year term. Alumni also welcomed 13 additional members to newly elected positions within the association: Al Gasper, vice president, Ted Filteau, corresponding secretary, Donna Fannelli, recording secretary, Judy Cannon, treasurer, Joy Reiss, sergeant-at-arms, Richard Chapman, Debbie Keating, resolutions committee, Dennis Brady, resolutions committee, Roz Rowley, chair of nominating committee, Paul Del Pape, lay member Madine Ballentine, lay member, Thomas "Tim" Barry, lay member, Tracy Reynolds, lay member Calling all alumni We want to make Perkins alumni the strongest, most active association it can be. New president Marie Hennessy's primary goal is to increase membership and create activities and events for alumni to enjoy throughout the year. As an active alum, not only do you have opportunities to reconnect with old friends; your wisdom and life experience may also benefit a young person who recently graduated. To learn more about Perkins alumni, email alumni@perkins.org, or contact Hennessy at 617-972-7873. ************************************************************************ INVESTING FOR LIFE Frank Hilliard was 15 when he enrolled at Perkins and discovered an independence and self-sufficiency that he previously was only able to imagine. In addition to education and life skills, he found friendship at Perkins, met his wife and made lifelong memories. Hilliard decided to show his gratitude to Perkins by giving his first charitable gift annuity in 1999. He has since given a total of six annuities, all of which increase his income and offer a more profitable alternative to the treasury bills he previously held. "Why give? They gave something back to me," Hilliard said. "If I have any extra income - more than I need - I put some into Perkins. It gives you a guaranteed income, which to me is a convenience. I think it's very good." To learn more about giving, email alleather.toure@Perkins.org or call Alleather Toure at 617-972-7680. ************************************************************************ GREETINGS FROM THE PERKINS TRUST You've read how Perkins School for the Blind continues to put cutting-edge technology into the hands of our students and community outreach participants, matching them with the tools and training best designed to meet their individual needs. The latest and most exciting example - the redesigned Brailler - is a product of our research and your generosity. Without your support, much of that technology and programming would not be possible. Take, for example, the Grousbeck Family Technology Challenge, which launched a campaign in spring of 2006 specifically to raise funds for high-tech purchases and training. The response to that challenge has swelled to over $2.5 million, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of so many of our friends and gala-goers, especially the Grousbeck Family Foundation, the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Foundation, the van Otterloo Family Foundation and a very special anonymous donor. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Joseph J. O'Donnell to the Perkins Trust, our newest member. As immediate past Gala co-chair with Corinne, Joe has already brought so much to the Perkins community. We are thrilled to welcome him in this new role on the Perkins Trust. Thanks to all of you, the wave of the future is here at Perkins! Best wishes, Ellie Starr Executive Director, Perkins Trust The Perkins Trust Chair Perkins Trust Corinne Grousbeck Trust Board Katherine Chapman Frederic M. Clifford John J. Doran Janet B. James Philip L. Ladd David B. Mazza Joseph J. O'Donnell William Schawbel ************************************************************************ PERKINS SWEET VICTORY Perkins students cheered Celtics on to championship every step of the way The pounding of the basketball. The squealing of sneakers. The roar of the crowd. Students at Perkins School for the Blind tuned in to every breathless, heart-fluttering moment of the Celtics 2007-2008 World Championship victory, and they held a rally June 24 in the school's gymnasium to thank the team for all the fun. "The championship - it's like, an important part in a kid's life here," said Sam Robson, a Secondary School student. Newscenter 5 reporter Rhondella Richardson covered the celebration and interviewed students about the win - the first in a lifetime for many students. "What do you think about the Celtics championship?" Richardson asked Secondary student Caitlyn Badalucco. "I think it's perfect!" she exclaimed. The Celtics ownership and the team's Shamrock Foundation have a longstanding relationship with Perkins and have taken students to games, provided resources to the school and brought the NBA's student literacy program "Read to Achieve" to campus. Perkins thanks the Celtics and its ownership for its support - and the team can count on another season of support from some of its biggest fans! ************************************************************************ CALENDAR OCTOBER Discover Conference for Families of Children who are Blind or Deafblind Ages 6-22 Saturday, Oct. 18, 8:15 a.m. Discover valuable information on topics related to development and education of children who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired, with or without other disabilities. NOVEMBER Corporation Day Monday, Nov. 3 Directors' Memorial Exercises, 11 a.m., Reception, 6 p.m. Educational Leadership Program International Exhibit & Night Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. DECEMBER Holiday Concerts Thursday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m. JANUARY MLK, Jr. Day Event Monday, Jan. 19, 11:30 a.m. FEBRUARY Blaisdell Day Monday, Feb. 2 ************************************************************************ SEND SOME PERKINS HOLIDAY SPIRIT Original designs by Perkins students are the perfect way to spread the holiday cheer while supporting Perkins School for the Blind. Ten Cards are $12.95. To order go to www.perkinsproducts.org or call Emily Cooperman at 617.972.7833 ************************************************************************ PERKINS ANNUAL FUND IS EVERYONE'S FUND Give now or before December 31, 2008, to meet the Trust member challenge and double your gift. The Annual Fund impacts every student and every program, every day. Help us to bridge the critical gap between available funds and the actual cost of providing programs and services to 92,000 people on campus, in the community and around the world. GIVE ONLINE www.perkins.org/give GIVE BY MAIL Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon Street Watertown, MA 02472 OR CALL Jennifer Volpe at 617.972.7667 ************************************************************************ BACK COVER Founded in 1829 as the nation's first school for the blind, Perkins today serves over 92,000 infants and elders in their homes; school-age students on campus and in the community; and children in 63 developing countries. 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 Departments of Education and Mental Retardation and by the Commonwealth's Department of Early Education and Care. Perkins School for the Blind does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, creed, nationality, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.