WHAT WE DO
Story
A model of learning and play for all children
Mali dom, a model program for many years, now is becoming a Regional Resource Centre.
Overview
Connecting children and families to support services, learning and fun.
We support children with visual impairments and deafblindness and their families, as well as school districts throughout New England. Our Infant-Toddler Program is the first point of contact for every family in Massachusetts following their child’s diagnosis, and we provide them with specialty services, education, guidance and emotional support. Our expert teachers and specialists work virtually and in-person in schools throughout the region. Through our Outreach Short Courses, we provide fun, accessible and educational opportunities to more than 1,200 children of all ages. In everything we do, we strive to help children and families learn, build connections and have some fun with new friends along the way!
What we do
Community programs for ages birth to young adult.
Infant-Toddler
(Ages birth-3)
We provide the educational services and family support every child with a visual impairment or deafblindness needs during the earliest years of development. Our early intervention services are administered in-person, over the phone and online.
School-age services (Ages 3-22)
Our teachers and deafblind specialists work in schools to help children access their curriculum and incorporate skills like independent living and navigation into their school day.
Outreach
(Ages 7-22)
Outreach offers fun, educational and accessible extracurricular opportunities to public school students who are blind or visually impaired across the U.S.
We work to:
Educate the whole child
We focus on core academics and a disability-specific curriculum that helps students build social, independent living, mobility and other life skills for future success.
Meet families where they are
In school, at home and on campus, we provide children and families with access to one-on-one expertise, group support and the chance to connect with other families.
Help every child as an individual
Every child is unique, and we get that. So we support parents, school districts and medical professionals to meet the needs of every individual child.
Our team
Meet the skilled individuals behind Perkins’ Community Programs.
Hear from our community.
Nick Claudio Outreach participant“Outreach gave me the opportunity to meet lifelong friends who also have visual impairments, learn how to become independent and explore all sorts of fun activities I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”
Latest news & stories
FAQ’s
Learn more about our Community Programs.
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to reach out to their respective funding source prior to attending an Outreach program. Funding for Perkins programs is often available through the state commission for the blind. However, they require that you contact them prior to signing your child up for a program. You can also occasionally find funding through your school district, Lion’s Club charities, church groups or other organizations willing to contribute. If you are unable to secure funding, contact us about full and partial scholarship opportunities for Outreach.
The first step in gaining access to Perkins’ Infant-Toddler services is to enroll your child in Early Intervention through Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health. Complete this referral form and email it to Emily Lowenstein ([email protected]) or Katie Tefft ([email protected])They will be in touch once they receive the new referral. We continue to accept new referrals into our Infant-Toddler program.
Once your initial inquiry has been received, you will be sent an application. This will help us determine who will be accepted. PLEASE NOTE: Completing an application does not guarantee your child’s placement in a program. You will receive communication from Outreach staff regarding an official acceptance, should your child be accepted into a program. For weekend and school vacation short courses, acceptances are made at least two weeks prior to the program.
Get in touch
We’re here to help.
Getting started with our Infant Toddler Program is easy. Start here.
Explore our school district services.
Our teachers are ready to go where they’re needed most to help kids in need.