A girl flies a kite while a teacher coaxes her.

What we do

Everyday at Perkins is about connection, possibility and opportunity.

Around the globe, in over 95 countries, Perkins-trained educators are reaching children at risk of being left behind. On campus, we’re constantly innovating to meet the needs of our students. And everywhere in between, we’re responding to the real-world, real-time needs of our community. Like Helen Keller, who defied public assumption and went on to become a global changemaker, children with multiple disabilities need and deserve their potential to be unlocked. That’s why we’re committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training to professionals and creating a world of inclusion, accessibility and opportunity for people with multiple disabilities.

Our core values

A girl wearing a white headband that is working with her smiling teacher at a table.

We believe every child can learn

We believe all children have great potential, that possibility exists in every challenge and that education is a human right.

Two girls that are wearing hats with their arms linked as they walk on a track.

We stand for disability inclusion

We believe the world is made more vibrant when all people are seen, valued and empowered to make their voices heard.

Brothers Maximo and Janmer of the Philippines are back in school thanks to the help of Perkins International partner Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI).

We believe real change is global change

We believe partnership, collaboration and sustainability are the keys to creating true, lasting change around the world.

Our history

Perkins School for the Blind was established in 1829 as the first school for the blind in the United States. Now, as we were more than 175 years ago, Perkins is committed to opening doors for people with multiple, complex disabilities including blindness.

Our team

Innovation is the way we think.

And it’s the way we work. Change happens because of the work our team does every day. Not just on our campus, but nationwide, worldwide. Find out what it means to work at Perkins, see how it feels to be a changemaker.

A teacher and young student work together in front of an iPad in a classroom.
At a career fair, a woman shakes the hand of a young woman holding her white cane.

Visiting information

Our beautiful campus is located in the heart of Watertown, Massachusetts along the banks of the Charles River.

  • Book an admission tour
  • Get driving directions
  • View a campus map

Financials

It all comes down to impact. Thanks to your support, our programs and services are improving the lives of children and young adults with multiple, complex disabilities including blindness.

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FAQ’s

The most commonly asked questions.

Perkins uses a combination of curricula to create a customized learning approach for every child based on unique needs and strengths. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Learning Standards and Curriculum Frameworks guide all curricula choices. We incorporate the Expanded Core Curriculum throughout the day along with adapted core curriculum lessons and the Unique Learning System™.

You can email [email protected] or call 617-972-7328.

Perkins School for the Blind is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.

Be a part of #ThePerkinsEffect.

Help build a more inclusive world and brighter future for children with multiple disabilities and visual impairments.