Perkins International
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Even in crisis, Perkins-trained educators reach children around the world
Graduates of the Perkins International Educational Leadership Program have gotten creative in socially distant education
In India, 1 million children need education
Giving every child every chance to thrive.
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.
