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Lower School Curriculum Options

The Lower School Program at Perkins School for the Blind offers several curriculum options. Curriculum at Perkins is designed to help students excel in academics, but also to develop the areas in which children who are visually impaired need special help: fine motor skills, social skills, leisure skills, and the tools needed for everyday tasks.

The Lower School is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and The Expanded Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired Students. Every element of Perkins' curriculum allows students to explore their world and reach their greatest potential. From academics to everyday skills, here are some key elements of our curriculum:

 English Language Arts

  • Mathematics
  • History and Social Science
  • Science and Technology
  • Braille Reading and Writing
  • Prevocational Skills
  • Readiness Skills
  • Orientation and Mobility

Clinical Services:

  • Psychological Services
  • Behavior Management
  • Counseling
  • Low Vision Evaluation and Services
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Sensorimotor Integration
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Family Support groups

Music:

  • Developmental Music Therapy
  • Chorus
  • Handbells Ensemble
  • Instrumental Ensemble
  • Piano Lessons
  • Braille Music
  • Print Music

 Special Subjects:

  • Art
  • Prevocational Workshop
  • Cooking
  • Keyboarding Skills
  • Horticulture
  • Horseback Riding

 Physical Education:

  • Adaptive Physical Education
  • Adaptive Wheelchair Physical Education
  • Exercise and Fitness
  • Group Games
  • Swimming

Daily Living Skills:

  • Community Experience
  • Recreation and Leisure Time Activities
  • Self-help Skills
  • Social Skills

Besides the academic curriculum, the services listed below are offered for each student as appropriate:

 Support services

  • Orientation and Mobility Instruction
  • Adapted Physical Education
  • Computer/Technology
  • Residential
  • Transition

Clinical services

  • Psychology
  • Behavioral Consultation
  • Speech Therapy
  • Audiology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Social Work
  • Health Services

For information about the Lower School program, contact Robert Hair at 617-972-7280 or email Rob.Hair@Perkins.org.