Perkins International Academy (PIA) courses provide training in the core competencies needed to provide quality educational services for children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities or deafblindness.
The global standard in training educators in inclusive or special education environments, this Perkins-certified curriculum is delivered by Perkins trained experts throughout the world.
For 200 years, Perkins School for the Blind has been the global leader in the education of children with multiple disabilities and visual impairment. Perkins International Academy courses are designed to give more children around the world access to Perkins-trained teachers. Participants earn certificates demonstrating their competency in the knowledge and skills required to deliver high-quality special education services.
For government ministries, these Perkins certificates can also be co-branded with your endorsement to help your country achieve measurable progress toward Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals — all while laying the groundwork for sustainable improvements to special education programs.
Our curriculum is based on real classroom experience. We share practical strategies and real-life examples to teach both success with children and opportunities for addressing systemic education challenges. Let’s take a look at three of the courses we have to offer:
Consolidated from 95 years of global teacher training expertise, the Foundations course establishes the first-ever international competency standard for teachers working with children with multiple disabilities. It can be adapted for in-person training, online learning or combined for a hybrid training model, tailored to the local context.
This course builds upon the knowledge and skills learned by participants in the Foundations course. This course covers communication, connection and conversations; assessment of learners with multiple disabilities and sensory loss; and developing meaningful curriculum for learners with multiple disabilities and sensory loss.
The Program Development course translates skills from Foundations and Advanced courses into creating programs that reflect best practices in the education of learners with multiple disabilities and sensory loss. This course provides an opportunity for educators to consider the relationship between the teacher, the learner, the curriculum and the overall program.
Learn how Perkins International Academy can help you meet your goals as an educator.
PIA graduate Indonesia“PIA helped me see children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities in a different way. Before, I would feel sorry or pity, but after, I see them with potential. I can deeply understand the kids now because of this training.”
Since launching Perkins International Academy, our expert teachers have traveled the world to train special educators, qualifying them to work with children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities.
The Perkins Study Visit Program builds on those efforts by working in the opposite direction bringing educators, service providers, medical professionals, government leaders and parents from around the world to our campus for an unparalleled learning experience.
What we offer through the Study Visit Program:
Conducted both on campus and throughout our surrounding communities to offer hands-on learning and in-depth observational experiences.
We connect visiting stakeholders with a wide variety of Perkins leaders and teachers in relevant education departments for strategic discussion, learning and planning.
We use a customized approach attuned to regional challenges when developing each curriculum in order to support the unique goals of every visiting group.
We have an acute understanding of the intricacies of succeeding on the ground, as well as how to address systemic problems. By sharing our know-how, we’re able to offer a completely unique and resource-intensive learning experience.
Perkins International Academy
Educators from around the globe participate in the Educational Leadership Program. The result is transformational.
Together with you, we design tailor-made solutions to put your program, staff and leadership development on the path to excellence in education for children with multiple disabilities.
Help us ensure that highly-trained professionals and transformative educational opportunities will always be there when children need them most. Support Perkins International and be a part of #ThePerkinsEffect.
We’d love to talk more about your interest in taking part in the Perkins International Academy.
