Perkins International

Every day millions of children with visual impairment around the world are denied the education they need to unlock their full potential. Perkins International works to break the isolation and neglect these children face, transforming their futures through the power of learning.

We are global leaders in the education of children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities, including deafblindness. Our mission is to ensure that all underserved children and young adults with visual impairment receive a high-quality education that enriches their lives and prepares them for an active role in their families, schools and communities.

Perkins International:

  • Expands educational opportunities and transitional outcomes
  • Builds sustainable local capacity
  • Increases access to information and assistive technology
  • Works with governments to strengthen disability policies

We build capacity at local, regional and national levels in more than 60 countries, developing independent, sustainable education services and empowering children with disabilities and their families.

Students lined up and waiting. One girl looks outward.

The Global Challenge.

Global leaders have committed to providing a quality education for all children – including those with disabilities – by the year 2030. This commitment is outlined under Goal 4 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this milestone, the U.N. is calling for a substantial increase of qualified teachers.

A teacher with 2 students smiling

Building local partnerships.

We work with hundreds of local partners: schools, orphanages, daycare facilities, teacher training programs, government agencies, family advocacy groups and more. Powered by our expert training and strategic support, our partners help us transform the educational landscape in their regions. The end result is sustainable improvements to blindness education around the world.

Teachers and students working together on a project

Teaching the teachers.

It takes a complex set of skills to teach children with visual impairment. In many regions, educators often lack the training required to do the job. That’s why we’re committed to increasing the supply of qualified teachers of the visually impaired – and have been training teachers around the world since 1921.

A mother and daughter smiling

Empowering families.

It’s vital that the families of children with visual impairment have the support they need and a voice that can be heard. We equip families with the resources necessary to become effective caregivers and advocates. This helps ensure that the children we serve also have a reliable support network outside the classroom.

Where We Work

Learn more about our worldwide partner network.

The Americas

Europe
& Eurasia
Africa
Middle East
& North Africa

Asia &
the Pacific The AmericasThe Americas

International Stories

A young boy sits and plays a drum in his lap. In India, 1 million children need education

Giving every child every chance to thrive.

Kaique Manuel works with a student in a wheelchair. Empowering changemakers around the world

For 100 years, Perkins has trained special educators to reach 6 million children with multiple disabilities, no matter where they live.

A teacher and student sit at a table, communicating with tactile sign language. A tactile lesson felt from Perkins to Vietnam

Through the Perkins International Educational Leadership Program, one educator from the southeast Asian nation is becoming part of #ThePerkinsEffect