Diagnostic Evaluations

Helping others help their students

Students who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired with or without multiple disabilities have unique learning needs. Their educational plan will greatly impact how they learn and grow.

To aid visually impaired students with their challenges and to help them realize their greatest gifts, it is essential that parents and schools have a clear understanding of the student's abilities and needs. That is why Perkins offers diagnostic evaluations for students in public schools, private schools, or other settings.

Approximately 35 children come to Perkins every year for a diagnostic evaluation.

Diagnosing needs, evaluating potential

Having an evaluation of each student's strengths and needs, allows parents and teachers to develop individualized educational programs that provide the best possible learning experience for the student.

Our teams of experts provide evaluations for students ages three to 22 years. Evaluations assess a broad range of skills or specific areas of educational and/or clinical needs. The testing usually takes place over one or two days on the Perkins campus. Either parents or school districts may pay for the evaluation.

Perkins uses a team approach with each staff member assessing the student in his or her area of expertise. The evaluation team is comprised of the teaching and clinical professionals who work directly with the students enrolled in one of Perkins' four on-campus programs (Preschool, Lower School, Secondary, Deafblind). It is the team's knowledge and experience from working with so many students who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired with or without multiple disabilities that makes Perkins' Diagnostic Evaluations so helpful. When the evaluation is complete, the team gathers as a group to share information and exchange ideas. The team develops recommendations for the student's educational program and home environment.

Perkins' nearly two centuries of expertise can help you decide on the right educational plan for your student. For additional information about diagnostic evaluations, please contact Justine C. Rines, Evaluations Coordinator at 617-972-7456, or e-mail Evaluations@Perkins.org.