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 2002 VOLUME LXXII, NUMBER 1 (Text only) IN THIS ISSUE: Teaching Teachers, Changing Society Working For The Future Building Dreams COVER PHOTO: Tina Gonzalez enjoys the outdoors at the Deafblind Program's Olympics. CAPTION: Please join us and discover Perkins helping children in Massachusetts and around the world. MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR: Perkins School for the Blind is a source of inspiration for people around the world. We are the oldest school for the blind in the United States, and the first organization to bring services to deafblind children in developing countries. We have long been considered the teacher of teachers. This issue of "The Lantern" brings news from Latin America where we have helped establish some of the first training programs for teachers of children who are blind or deafblind, from our Lower School Program where we design and create adaptive equipment for our students, and from our Preschool Program where we are helping the youngest children begin their journey toward independence. In all of this news, as in all of Perkins programs and services, you can see the work that inspires so many professionals around the world. It is with mixed emotions that I conclude this "Message from the Director." As many of you may know, I will retire at the end of December as director after 18 years and a career at Perkins that began in 1968. I look forward to working with my successor, Steven Rothstein, during our transition and to helping Perkins on other special projects. Of course, I also look forward to spending more time with my family and friends. I am grateful for my tenure at Perkins. The work of our staff and students has always inspired me, as has the commitment of all members of the Perkins family. I am happy to have done my part for this incredible school. Thank you for all you have contributed to Perkins School for the Blind.-Kevin J. Lessard, Director CONTENTS: GRADUATION 2002- Speaking from the Heart NEW PERKINS PRESIDENT - Perkins Welcomes Steven M. Rothstein TEACHING TEACHERS, CHANGING SOCIETY WORKING FOR THE FUTURE- Thanking Employers Who Help Our Students BUILDING DREAMS - A Far-Reaching Perkins Workshop REFLECTIONS - Perkins People And Happenings On And Off Campus DEVELOPMENT GRADUATION 2002: When members of the Perkins class of 2002 were asked who they wanted to speak at graduation, one person was the resounding response - Kevin Lessard, Perkins Director. He knows every student, says hello in the hall and often invites them into his office to talk and for a good laugh. It was with great sadness that Perkins students learned that Mr. Lessard would be retiring after 18 years as Perkins Director. But it was with greater affection that everybody stood, clapped, hollered, or shook their hands in the air for sign language applause during Mr. Lessard's graduation speech to the class of 2002. "You will always be in our hearts," said Mr. Lessard about students after graduation. The same can be said by the Perkins community for Mr. Lessard after his retirement. Graduating Class of 2002: Elissa Marie Beaton - Foxboro, MA Sarah Ashley Bemis- Middleboro, MA Devin Christian Boekenkroeger- Lynnfield, MA Shana Lee Bruner- Enosburg Falls, VT Brendan John Cosgrove- Niskayuna, NY Kevin F. Cote- Pepperell, MA Jeremy Delage- Auburn, MA Kristen Nicole Fontoni- Rockland, MA Emily Danielle Hutchins- Manomet, MA Pamela Marie Kalinoski - Malden, MA April Liberty - Whitinsville, MA Sylvie Montoni - South Hamilton, MA Kelsey Paup - Bridgeport, CT Erica Anne Reichel - Quincy, MA Luis Armando Marquez Rodriguez - Lowell, MA Katie Swift - Auburn, MA Eric Tihem Turner - Quincy, MA PERKINS' NEW PRESIDENT - Steven M. Rothstein: We are pleased to announce that on January 1,2003, Steven M. Rothstein becomes the ninth head of Perkins School for the Blind. "Steven possesses a unique set of qualities and experiences we believe closely match the needs of Perkins as we enter the 21st century," said C. Richard Carlson, Board Chairman. Mr. Rothstein has the advantage of a broad experience in human services and community programs. He was a co-founder of Citizens Energy Corporation, a non-profit organization that provided $35 million in energy and medical benefits to low income citizens nationally and internationally. He has an MBA from Northeastern University, and was Assistant Commissioner of the State of Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation. Mr. Rothstein's commitment to serving Perkins mission at home and abroad is enriched by his understanding of the interlocking roles of private organizations, government agencies and charitable organizations. He has served on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Education and a variety of local and regional education organizations. Steven Rothstein was raised in Brookline, Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Susan, an administrative law judge, and their two children, Galen and Isaac. The entire Perkins family is looking forward to the new year with Steven Rothstein. QUOTE: "Perkins provides outstanding services to the community and beyond. My goal is to build upon the excellent work and accomplishments of Kevin Lessard and the staff." - Steven M. Rothstein, named ninth head of Perkins School for the Blind TEACHING TEACHERS, CHANGING SOCIETY - Hilton/Perkins Program Sponsors University Training in Latin America: Deafblind children in developing countries traditionally have not been considered eligible for an education. The Hilton/Perkins Program has been making significant steps around the world toward changing this misconception through support for programs, awareness-raising for parents, and development of training programs for professionals who are then able to carry out and further this work. The Hilton/Perkins Program has helped universities in four Latin American countries establish graduate programs for teachers of children who are deafblind or have multiple disabilities. Costa Rica instituted a traditional graduate school model, and a university project in Chile offered intensive three-week seminars in order to be accessible to professionals from Argentina and Colombia. Chile's program has expanded to include participants from Mexico, Panama and Venezuela. A university in Argentina is now replicating the program from Chile. We have also helped begin a graduate program in Brazil. Recognizing the importance of this work, the ONCE Foundation in Spain now funds half of the program. These programs are permanently changing societies and brightening the future for deafblind and multihandicapped blind children who have been left behind for too long. QUOTE: "Through these programs, we are changing the education systems in Latin America to provide education opportunities for deafblind children and their families." -Stephen Perreault, Coordinator of the Hilton/Perkins Program, Latin America CAPTION FROM TEACHING TEACHERS, CHANGING SOCIETY ARTICLE: To date, over 100 professionals have completed training. COUNTRIES SHOWN ON A MAP INCLUDED IN THE ARTICLE: San Jose, Costa Rica Sao Paulo, Brazil Cordoba, Argentina Santiago, Chile MAP CAPTION: The influence of new graduate study programs in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Costa Rica extends through neighboring countries to all regions of Latin America. WORKING FOR THE FUTURE...GIVING PERKINS STUDENTS A CHANCE - Employer Recognition Breakfast: "One of the goals at Perkins is to help individuals be able to live and work in the community," said Kevin Lessard, Perkins Director, at a recent Employer Recognition Breakfast for companies that have provided internships or jobs for Perkins students. "That's where you come in. You give students their first work experiences. Your role is critical, and we are grateful for your help." Jaimi Lard, a graduate of Perkins Deafblind Program and a current spokesperson for Perkins, explained in sign language voiced by her interpreter that she and her parents had a dream that she would find a job after graduation. A vocational placement through Perkins at the Mount Auburn Cemetery introduced her to the world of work. Her next placement at Brigham and Woman's Hospital even grew into a job after graduation. She worked there for 10 years before returning to Perkins as a staff member in the public relations department. Company by company, employers walked to the front of Perkins Chapel to receive certificates of appreciation for their role in helping students become independent. The applause was great, but by no means could it convey the gratitude we feel for these employers who give Perkins students wonderful opportunities. QUOTE ACCOMPANYING WORKING FOR THE FUTURE ARTICLE: "Thanks to the collaboration among employers and Perkins staff, students in Secondary Services, Deafblind, and Outreach Services have meaningful exposure to the many aspects of the world of work." -Beth Caruso, Outreach Services Supervisor Companies Helping Students Become Independent - Arsenal Mall Barnes and Noble Belmont Car Wash Belmont Savings Bank Bentley College Bikes Not Bombs: Earn a Bike Program Boston Scientific Braille & Talking Book Library Dana Farber Cancer Institute Days Hotel Department of Environmental Protection Drumlin Farm Great Cuts Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Howe Press Ionics Lesley University Mahoney's Garden Centers Minihane's Florist Mount Auburn Cemetery Mount Auburn Club Mount Auburn Hospital Museum of Science National Association of Parents of the Visually Impaired (NAPVI) National Braille Press New England Baptist Hospital Noah's Farm Old Country Buffet Old Navy Perkins Assistive Device Center Perkins Storeroom A. Russo & Sons Star Market Super Stop & Shop Tufts University VHB Watertown Savings Bank Wilson Farms BUILDING DREAMS - Think Creatively; Plan Collaboratively ; Build Economically: In Perkins Lower School, beneath the gym where seven to 14-year olds run and play, Perkins staff and a team of volunteers have been designing, hammering, sawing, painting, planning, and soldering-in short, they have been building dreams. Perkins Assistive Device Center is a workshop that creates customized materials for children with disabilities. A young girl might need a "corner chair" to be inserted in a regular chair for more back support; a boy with severe Cerebral Palsy whose best motor control is his head and who loves animals may need a pointer attached to a scoop to feed his pet lizard; and many children who cannot work at flat tables may benefit from table top activity centers where keyboards are vertical and at chest-height. Commercially available adaptations may not meet the needs of particular children, and the most esoteric may not exist. The Assistive Device Center, coordinated by Occupational Therapist Molly Campbell, designs and constructs such custom devices that help children lead rich and independent lives. The center's success is phenomenal. From tangible symbols-thick white cards with a symbol to represent a word-to activity centers, to specialized bowl holders, to complicated seat adaptations, the center's work is helping students all over campus. And the word is spreading. Hundreds of professionals, parents and university students have attended workshops at Perkins and around New England lead by center professionals. The Hilton/Perkins Program also has brought this expertise to projects for deafblind children and parents in developing countries where economics make it necessary to find low-cost solutions. QUOTE ACCOMPANYING BUILDING DREAMS ARTICLE: "The work created at the Assistive Device Center not only benefits the children who receive their new equipment, it benefits the volunteers and staff who have the satisfaction of knowing that they have made a difference." - Molly Campbell, Coordinator of Perkins Assistive Device Center REFLECTIONS - Perkins People and Happenings on and off Campus: The Ambassador Keeps on Going - Marla Runyan, Perkins ambassador and Olympic runner who is legally blind, is unstoppable. This fall, she won Tufts' 10k run in Boston and placed 5th in the New York Marathon (her first marathon). She also spoke to an assembly of Perkins students and staff, hosted a special class for Perkins athletes, and at Boston's Borders Bookstore was introduced by Perkins staff and read from the paperback version of her book, "No Finish Line, My Life as I See It." Thank you, Marla, for continuing to help everyone see the possibilities ahead of them. QUOTE: "Times get better. Times get easier...Keep thinking about the future." -Marla Runyan A Celebration in Spanish - Perkins is pleased to announce the translation into Spanish of "In Celebration of Grandparenting," a book for grandparents of children with visual impairments. Filled with color photographs and suggestions, the book is a friendly resource to help grandparents. Now in Spanish, it can help so many more families. Going for the Gold - Festivities for the Deafblind Program's annual Olympics began with a noisy parade of maracas, triangles and tambourines across campus, through the office of Kevin Lessard, Perkins Director, to the playing fields. During obstacle course races, basketball, kickball and games of foursquare, the crowd erupted in cheers and blasts from plastic horns. Students in Perkins Deafblind Program range in age from three to 22, and most have either a little hearing or a little sight. Total communication-using all of the students remaining senses-is the philosophy of education. Total fun was the reality of the Olympics. QUOTE: "I really enjoyed the frisbee games." - Chris Jett Halloween - For Halloween, students in the Preschool Program brought in bags for treats, snacks for the class, costumes to parade, and parents, brothers and sisters to share the party with. Count Dracula, Snow White, the Wicked Witch, a jack-o'-lantern and the cutest Dalmatian were all spotted having fun to music and playing games. Sewing Comfort - Lower School students use their sense of touch, any residual vision, light and dark perception and innate creativity every year to design and produce their own squares for a grand, multicolored quilt of many textures. Hand skills, planning and creative thinking are only some of the lessons of the quilt project. Students learn about generosity. Proceeds from auctioning last year's quilt went to a school in Romania where blind and deafblind children do not have the resources available at Perkins. The Hilton/Perkins Program helps the school develop their services, and Lower School students can have the satisfaction that they, too, are making a difference. Perkins Holiday Concerts: Secondary Program Students in the Handbell Choir, Chorus and Music Makers will perform Sunday, December 15, 3:00 pm and Thursday, December 19, 7:30 pm in the Perkins Howe Building's Dwight Hall. Budget Cuts for Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library: Henry Ward Beecher said it best, "A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life." This is even more true for patrons of Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library who cannot find braille books, magazines or unabridged books on tape in their local libraries, bookstores or newsstands. In this second year of State budget cuts and in order to maintain the highest quality services to the over 17,000 people who depend on the library, Perkins has established the Annual Perkins Library Fund. "I would be less than candid if I didn't say we are feeling the effects of the cuts. We have had to reduce our staff by four positions... But we will be here for our patrons no matter what," attests Kim Charlson, Director of Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. "Our staff and volunteers will do whatever is necessary to make sure that service to our patrons remains our highest priority." Perkins is grateful to Kim, her dedicated staff and to the members of the public who are helping bring the necessities of life to people all over New England. THANK YOU - Past, Present, & Future: Laura Wiggins Putnam, a descendent of Perkins first Director, Samuel Gridley Howe, died this past January. She served as a trustee and member of the corporation for many years, and has passed on her family stewardship to her son, Eliot, Jr. who serves on the corporation. We are grateful to Laura Putnam for helping to continue the work of her ancestor by remembering Perkins in her will and by directing her many memorial gifts to Perkins. Mildred "Billy" Mason recently established a charitable gift annuity of $10,000 from which she will receive a fixed annual income for the rest of her life. Billy, age 89, has been legally blind for 5 years. During that time, she has kept her interest in politics and literature alive by subscribing to Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. We are pleased to have such a vibrant new friend in our annuity program. Students in Lower School's Oliver Cottage were thrilled to learn that Mr. Paul Alizio donated a player-piano. Their excitement was palpable- and quite audible-when Mr. Alizio joined the students and staff for lunch and a celebration of old tunes on the piano. A huge thank you from the students who keep making music. CORPORATION DAY - November 4, 2002: Corporation Day 2002 was a huge success. Trustees, members of the corporation, staff and friends enjoyed the Perkins chorus before dinner in Dwight Hall. Sue Edwards, a teacher in the Lower School, gave a presentation of the Perkins Panda Early Literacy Program, an initiative to help families build the foundations of literacy for their blind or visually impaired child. Cory Kadlick, a student in the Lower School, read from the one of the braille books in the Panda kit. This was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to learn more about the bold and wonderful learning initiative which Perkins is about to launch. With hearts and minds filled with music, new information and new friends, the evening brought the Perkins family closer together and helped everyone understand the care, expertise and success of Perkins staff and students. CAPTION: The Perkins Panda Early Literacy Program helps build the foundations for literacy. CAPTION: At the 173rd Perkins annual meeting, Dick Carlson, Chairman of the Board, announced the retirement of H. Gilman "Gimmy" Nichols, dedicated Treasurer and Board member of Perkins for over 20 years. Newly elected trustee, Brenda Furlong, was welcomed to the Board along with corporators, Peter Callahan, Sam Carr, William Gamelli, Dana Djerf, Jennifer Eckert and Philip Ladd. 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 $500 or more. But, the only "right" amount is the one your heart tells you to send. To make a tribute gift, please send your check to: Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472, Attn: Development Office, Tribute Program. Or, call (617) 972-7328 to make a donation with your MasterCard or VISA. Please be sure to include the full name and address of the person to whom you wish us to acknowledge your gift. THE PERKINS ENDOWMENT: Perkins School for the Blind provides an opportunity for generous and caring individuals to help the multihandicapped children and adults who benefit from our programs and services. The gifts and bequests of Perkins friends make it possible for the school to sustain the excellent quality of services that has been the Perkins hallmark for more than one hundred and seventy years. While a few foundations and government grants enable Perkins to initiate new programs, the consistent support of donors makes it possible for us to continue our academic, residential, and home-based programs for the many students in our care. If you wish to make Perkins School the recipient of a personal bequest, the following form may be used: I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Perkins School for the Blind, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the sum of ..................................dollars ($..................), 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 Photo credits: John Kennard, cover, pages 3 (top and bottom 2), 4, 9-11, 12 (top), 13, 14 (top), 15-19 Mark Ostow, pages 2 & 5 Rocky Tomascoff, page 14 (bottom) The Lantern 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 Non-Profit Organization 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, 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.