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. Fall 2001 Perkins School for the Blind THE LANTERN Cover: Preschool student Omar Jomaa with music therapist Jill Buchanan. PLEASE JOIN US THIS MONTH FOR PERKINS FINE ARTS FESTIVAL AT THE MALL AT CHESTNUT HILL MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The school year 2001-2002 represents 173 years of service, in that Perkins was chartered by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1829. Over the course of many years, the staff at Perkins have always expanded and enhanced services in order to meet the needs of society at many different points in time. The era we currently live in presents us with diverse and far more complex needs and challenges than at any other time in our school's history. In this issue of The Lantern, we have been able to prepare for you a brief overview of some of our on-campus programs, as well as a number of our off-campus and overseas initiatives. All of us at Perkins are proud of our history and our ability to respond to the needs of individuals who are blind, multihandicapped blind and deafblind. We are also proud of our commitment to parents and families. Kevin J. Lessard, Director CONTENTS: CELEBRATION OF EMPOWERMENT Latin American parents and the Hilton/Perkins program FINE ARTS FESTIVAL including the full music program PERKINS IN THE PRESS The New York Times and The Watertown Tab GRADUATION making dreams come true REFLECTIONS Life on and off Perkins campus The Lantern Fall 2001 Volume LXXI, Number 1 AN INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF EMPOWERMENT: Sharing Dreams and Visions for Children and Young Adults Who Are Deafblind The past decade has been the dawn of hope for parents of children in Latin America who are deafblind. In 1989 when the Hilton/Perkins Program began reaching out to Latin America, there were only four schools for deafblind children, no formal training for teachers, no government support, and scarce international funding. Today because of the Hilton/Perkins Program there are 23 schools in 15 countries, four university programs training teachers to work with children who are deafblind, six formal parent organizations, many other less formal parent groups, and published books, materials and resources in Spanish. August 2nd - 4th, 2001, therefore, was a time of celebration when 30 parents representing parent organizations from 13 Latin American countries for the first time joined US parents at an annual national conference to share stories, information and success. "We all want the same thing for our children," said Joe McNulty, Director of the Helen Keller National Center in New York, addressing the Latin and North American parents at opening remarks. "We all want our children to have safe, happy and full lives." With the help of Spanish translators, parents with headphones, English translators on stage, and tactile sign language interpreters in the audience... in large lectures and in small groups... parents worked together on strategies for helping their children, and all deafblind children and young adults, grow to their greatest happiness and independence. The joy of the Latin American participants sponsored by the Hilton/Perkins Program to attend the conference was more than tangible. It could be heard in the spontaneous burst of songs in Spanish, felt in the floor vibrating during conga lines (more than once), and seen on their faces. The Pan-American sharing of dreams was -just as are the expansion of services in Latin America -a huge success. The conference was sponsored by: National Technical Assistance Consortium for Children and Young Adults Who Are Deafblind (NTAC); National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB); The Hilton/Perkins Program of the Perkins School for the Blind; and Foundation ONCE Latin America, Madrid, Spain. THE FOLLOWING ARE PULL-OUT QUOTES AND CAPTIONS INCLUDED IN THE "INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF EMPOWERMENT" FEATURE: Proud parents from the United States, Latin America and even the South Pacific Island of Yap displayed pictures of their children who are deafblind and their inspiration. Latin American and US Representatives from parent groups were thrilled to gather so much new information to bring back to their homes. "I want to thank everyone here for giving us a lot of energy to go back and work hard for children with deafblindness." - Helen Bonilla, Guatemala, who adopted a homeless deafblind boy, located six other parents and founded the first program for deafblind children in Guatemala. A squadron of English, Spanish and sign language interpreters made the information accessible to everyone. "One of the most important things we have learned is that it is impossible to work alone." - Carlos Picasso Cazon, Argentina, who with his wife, Alicia Rosaz, and inspired by their daughter, founded a school for deafblind children. The three days were filled with lectures, small workshops for parents of children with similar types of deafblindness or of similar ages, and dreaming and problem solving. Latin American parents of children who are deafblind learned from one another's stories. "I hope that the love and light that brought us here will guide us in the future and that soon we will get together again with lots of good news to share."- Olgo Leon, Spain (originally from Venezuela), whose 12-year-old daughter studies at an ONCE program. FINE ART FESTIVAL: PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND THE MALL AT CHESTNUT HILL OCTOBER 10TH - NOVEMBER 10TH Students at Perkins School for the Blind concentrate on what they can do, not on what they can't. One of the many things they can do is create art. They use their sense of touch, visual memory, residual vision, and hearing. They paint, sing, sculpt, write - Perkins students embody the art of the possible. Perkins Fine Arts Festival, held at The Mall at Chestnut Hill, is the first time Perkins students from Preschoolers to high school seniors have had the chance to share the full range of their artistic talents with the general public. For this entire month, October 10th to November 10th, paintings and ceramics are displayed at the Mall. Huge quilts by elementary school aged students hang from the ceilings. Singers and pianists perform on the weekends. Perkins School for the Blind is grateful to The Mall at Chestnut Hill for helping our students share their abilities, and the students are looking forward to this chance to shine. We cordially invite everyone to come by The Mall at Chestnut Hill and join the celebration. MUSIC PROGRAM Friday, October 12, 7:00 pm Cydnie Wren Breazeale-Davis, Graduate and Pianist Saturday, October 13, 1:00 Yegue Badigue, Piano Soloist Sunday, October 14 , 1:00 Daniel Nordin, Piano Soloist Friday, October 19, 5:00 pm Musical Improvisations Friday, October 19, 7:00 pm Solo Vocal Performances Saturday, October 20, 1:00 Perkins School for the Blind Chorus Sunday, October 21, 1:00 Musical Presentation by Perkins Preschool Students Friday, October 26, 7:00 pm Ana Maria Silva, Graduate and Vocal Soloist Saturday, October 27, 1:00 Piano performances Sunday, October 28, 1:00 Performances by Suzuki Piano Students Friday, November 2, 7:00 pm Music Makers, A Singing Ensemble Sunday, November 4, 1:00 Perkins Handbell Ensemble Tuesday, November 6, 7:00 Musical Presentation by Lower School Students Friday, November 9, 7:30 pm Kyung Choi, Graduate and Pianist ART PROGRAM Saturday, October 13 & 27, 1:00 Art Demonstration: Come meet Perkins students discussing and demonstrating their art. THE FOLLOWING ARE PULL-OUT QUOTES AND CAPTIONS INCLUDED IN THE FINE ART FESTIVAL FEATURE: "I like music and painting to word sounds." - Katie Warner "Many of the colors in my work, even though I can't see them, represent some of my feelings." - Luis Marquez PERKINS IN THE PRESS: The New York Times and The Watertown Tab David Del Poio's photography has again brought Perkins into the homes of many. During the past few years, his photographs of Perkins have appeared in The Watertown Tab, and we were thrilled that last spring the newspaper published a beautiful picture from Perkins Senior Prom. On July 1, 2001, The New York Times Magazine, circulation over 3,000,000, dedicated an entire page to another one of David Del Poio's photographs of Perkins Prom and to quotes from two Perkins students, Jessie Kremidas and Nate Peterkin, and a guest. The New York Times, The Watertown Tab and David Del Poio have done much for helping the public better understand the dignity and individuality of students at Perkins School for the Blind. THE FOLLOWING IS A PULL-OUT QUOTE INCLUDED IN THE "PERKINS IN THE PRESS" FEATURE: "The dance floor was crowded. Everybody bumped into everyone. I made my friends bump into people -It's a great way to meet people." - Jessie Kremidas (Center, photo at left) as reported by Catherine Saint Louis of the New York Times Magazine GRADUATION 2001 Robert Walsh, US ski team member and paralympian, and winner of international gold, silver and bronze medals, delivered the commencement address at graduation for 20 students from Perkins Secondary and Deafblind Programs. Walsh emphasized the importance of contributing to society and, talking about some of the doors that his blindness has opened for him in regard to skiing, to the ability to view a handicap as an asset and to seek out opportunities. Graduates, parents, teachers, friends... everyone celebrated the dream of graduation, and the ability to thrive. THE FOLLOWING IS A PULL-OUT QUOTE INCLUDED IN THE "GRADUATION 2001" ARTICLE: "Every day there will be challenges and obstacles to overcome, but if you expend all your energy focusing on these, you will be merely surviving rather than thriving." - Robert Walsh GRADUATING CLASS OF 2001 Nicole Michelle Adams Kansas City, MO James Michael Covel Hanson, MA Irma Milagros Diaz Hyde Park, MA Jeremy Dwayne Finson Charleston, ME Elizabeth Anne Marguerite Gannon Braintree, MA Kiely Holden Danvers, MA Sarah Anne Horning Fishers Island, NY Bernadette Elizabeth Joseph Elmira, NY Amy Kingsbury Dorchester, MA Gabrielle Jackie Labossiere Brooklyn, NY Daniel Gok Yu Lepore North Salem, NY Iris Janet Lopez Hyde Park, MA John A. Meere III Boxford, MA Gary Charles Moulton Ashland, NH Mario Oliveira Dorchester, MA Nathan Peterkin Woodbury, CT Crystal Faith Sarro Malden, MA Keri-Ann Shubert South Carver, MA Jared Taylor Gloucester, RI Melissa Ann Tracy Springfield, MA REFLECTIONS - Perkins people and happenings on and off campus RIVER OF DREAMS The sun, the wind, gentle splashes, strong arms and legs, and the feeling of gliding over smooth water is how four high school-aged girls from the Secondary Program may remember their springs and autumns at Perkins. Community Rowing waived all fees, provided volunteer trainers, rowing machines, then a barge and, after much training, a two person shell in order to teach these girls the art of crew. The opportunity to row on the Charles River past Perkins campus has been a weekly highlight for these students. Thank you to everyone who has made it a reality. PERKINS GREENHOUSE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Since announcing the Capital Campaign for the new Perkins Greenhouse last spring with a lead gift from the Thomas Anthony Pappas Charitable Foundation and the Bessie Pappas Charitable Foundation, we have received gifts and pledges of over $1 million. We are thankful to all the many donors who have contributed to this campaign. In addition to the generosity of our many donors, we are particularly grateful to Vito Bertolino who has made a major gift in memory of his wife, Dorothy Bertolino; the trustees of the Frederick A. Bailey Trust; a Corporation member of Perkins; and an anonymous donor. With additional funds to raise, the Campaign will continue through the fall and winter. We expect to break ground for the Greenhouse this autumn. PERKINS SPOKESPERSON Jaimi Lard graduated from the Deafblind Program at Perkins School for the Blind, worked for years at Brigham and Women's Hospital, testified before Congress about the importance of special education, served as president of a local organization of people who are deafblind, and was Grand Marshal of the Helen Keller festival in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Jaimi has been the Perkins spokesperson for over a year. "I enjoy telling my story. I like showing people that a woman who's deafblind can lead a successful and independent life," says Jaimi about her job of talking to business, church, and school groups. "I love meeting people." Jaimi speaks through a tactile sign language interpreter, is available for day and evening talks, and would love to hear from you. Jaimi Lard Lardj@perkins.pvt.k12.ma.us TTY: 617-972-7477 Voice: 617-972-7478 VOLUNTEERING AT PERKINS If you are interested in joining the 300 people regularly volunteering at Perkins -from helping the youngest children in the Infant/Toddler Program to those receiving our services for elders, or any program, office or library in between -please feel free to contact: Mike Cataruzolo Volunteer Coordinator Perkins School for the Blind Watertown, MA 02472 617-972-7224 NEW LOGO Perkins is a dynamic place that has grown well beyond our Watertown campus. Perkins staff help over 500 babies and their parents in homes, give rehabilitation training to newly blind elders in their residences, teach mainstreamed blind students in public schools across Massachusetts... We have offices in Argentina and Thailand, Brailler assembly plants in Brazil, India and South Africa... We help schools for deafblind children and parent organizations in over 50 developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Latin America, and in Russia... During this school year, we are pleased to introduce the new logo. The product of much research, the new logo evokes the letter P for Perkins, an eye, an orbiting globe, and even a heart. It is a symbol of the reach of Perkins, a constantly evolving agency reaching so many people not just in Watertown, but throughout Massachusetts and the world. WELCOME BACK! Perkins is buzzing with the start of the new school year. Paths are filled with children walking with canes and in wheelchairs, and corridors resound with laughter. In addition to everyone Perkins helps in the community and around the globe, we are thrilled to welcome 200 students back to school. THE PERKINS ENDOWMENT Perkins School for the Blind provides an opportunity for generous and caring individuals to help the multihandicapped children and adults who benefit from our programs and services. The gifts and bequests of Perkins friends make it possible for the school to sustain the excellent quality of services that has been the Perkins hallmark for more than one hundred and seventy years. While a few foundations and government grants enable Perkins to initiate new programs, the consistent support of donors makes it possible for us to continue our academic, residential, and home-based programs for the many students in our care. If you wish to make Perkins School the recipient of a personal bequest, the following form may be used: I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Perkins School for the Blind, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the sum of ..................................dollars ($..................), the same to be applied to the general uses and purposes of said corporation under the direction of its Board of Trustees; and I do hereby direct that the receipt of the Treasurer for the time being of said corporation shall be sufficient discharge to my executors for the same. Bequest donors automatically become members of the Thomas H. Perkins Society. Such a notice may be sent to the Treasurer of the corporation as follows: The Planned Giving Office Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 617-972-7284 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 our blind, deafblind and multihandicapped blind students. 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. 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. The Perkins School for the Blind admits students of any race, 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, color, creed, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship, and athletic and other school-administrated programs. Perkins School for the Blind 175 North Beacon Street Watertown, MA 02472 Tel: 617.924.3434 Fax: 617.926.2027 www.perkins.org Editor: Robert Guthrie