Perkins School for the Blind

Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown serves children and young adults who are blind, visually impaired or living with multiple and complex disabilities. Founded in 1829 as the first school for the blind in the United States, it combines education with work that reaches families, educators, researchers and professionals around the world. Its mission centers on disability inclusion, aiming to build a world where people with disabilities can pursue every opportunity.

The school’s history includes famous alumni: Anne Sullivan studied at Perkins before going on to teach Helen Keller, who also later studied there. Today the organization’s reach extends well beyond the classroom through educational services, accessibility work, professional development and innovation. Its message stresses that one in four people have a disability, so the world should be built to accommodate everyone, by erasing stigma and changing attitudes toward disability.

What to Know

• Perkins is a nonprofit organization serving K-12 students and young adults.
• The school has been on its Watertown campus since 1912.
• Perkins is a member of both the Watertown Business Coalition and the Charles River Regional Chamber.