Wasn’t it Charles Dickens who brought the Perkins School for the Blind to Helen Keller’s attention? That’s right. Here we are at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. It stands as the oldest school for the blind in the United States. Founded in 1829, Perkins began as the New England Asylum for the Blind.
Dr. John Dix Fisher conceived the idea. He drew inspiration from his visits to the National Institute for the Blind in Paris. Samuel Gridley Howe actually founded the school. He also studied education for the blind in Europe.
The school got its current name to honor Thomas Handasyd Perkins. He was a generous benefactor. Perkins donated his Pearl Street mansion to the school in 1833. Later, he allowed the property to be sold. This sale enabled the purchase of a larger building in South Boston.
Perkins has occupied several locations. It started in 1832 at 140 Pleasant Street in Boston. In 1839, the school moved to South Boston. Finally, in 1912, Perkins relocated to its present 38-acre campus in Watertown. It sits on the banks of the Charles River.
Charles Dickens visited Perkins in 1842. He marveled at Howe’s work with Laura Bridgman. She was a deaf-blind girl. Dickens wrote about his visit in “American Notes.” His writing sparked interest in Helen Keller’s mother.
In 1887, Perkins director Michael Anagnos sent Anne Sullivan to teach Helen Keller. Sullivan later returned to Perkins with Keller in 1888. They resided here intermittently until 1893.
Perkins is renowned for its pioneering work in education. It was the first to successfully educate a deaf-blind child. That student was Laura Bridgman. The school also established the first kindergarten for blind children. Perkins created one of the first mechanical braille writing devices. It also started the first lending library of tactile books.
Perkins manufactures its own Perkins Brailler. It is used worldwide to print embossed books for the blind. In 1951, David Abraham successfully manufactured the first Perkins Brailler. By 1977, around 100,000 Perkins Braillers were produced.
In 1931, Perkins created the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library or BTBL. This library works with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
Today, Perkins offers resources for families with blind children. It also supports teachers of the visually impaired. In 2011, Perkins opened the Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology. This facility houses accessible technology for the blind.
The school launched Perkins Access in 2016. It is a consulting team that improves accessibility for all. In July 2016, the Perkins Braille Trail was completed. It runs along the Charles River. In 2022, Perkins launched the Howe Innovation Center. It supports the DisabilityTech industry.
Perkins partners with organizations in many countries. They provide resources like Perkins Braillers and expertise. The school also invites special educators from other countries. They come to Watertown for intensive study.
Perkins continues to evolve. It remains a leader in education for the blind and deaf-blind. Its history is filled with achievements. These achievements have fueled inclusion for people with visual impairments.
As we conclude our visit to Perkins School for the Blind, remember its lasting impact. From educating Laura Bridgman to inspiring Helen Keller. Perkins has transformed countless lives. Its dedication to innovation and inclusion makes it a true beacon of hope.