About Perkins International

Our International Mission

Perkins International is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children who are deafblind or blind with multiple disabilities throughout the world. We collaborate with partners across the globe to:

• Provide direct services to children and their families
• Create innovative education programs
• Expand local and regional expertise
• Augment leadership skills for teachers and professionals
• Promote braille literacy
• Advocate for lasting changes through education and disability policies

Our work is only possible because of the generous support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and many other donors. The Hilton/Perkins Program, established in 1989, laid the foundation and is the cornerstone of our international programs.

Read the Perkins International position paper, "Advancing Education for All Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired with Multiple Disabilities." Available in English, Spanish, and French.

Guiding Principles and Goals

Perkins' international programs are grounded in the belief that sustainable social change comes from the empowerment of communities to identify their needs and develop strategies for the change they determine necessary. Guided by this principle, and in partnership with local agencies, we strive to meet Perkins' international mission by:

A deafblind teenager communicates in tactile sign language with her teacher through sign language, Model School for the Deaf, Ghana

1. Developing, refining and expanding educational programs and support services for children who are deafblind or blind with multiple disabilities;

2. Expanding and enhancing local and regional expertise through extensive training and technical assistance, as well as materials and literature for professionals and parents;

3. Strengthening regional networks connecting service providers, families and those with related interests;

4. Increasing public awareness of the value of service to children and youth who are deafblind or blind with multiple disabilities and their families.