The oldest school for the blind in the U.S. is a global engine for inclusion

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1829, the Perkins School for the Blind has evolved from a local asylum into a global powerhouse. Today, it doesn't just teach students; it builds the systems that allow children with disabilities to access education in over 16 countries.

Established in 1829 as the New England Asylum for the Blind, Perkins was the first school of its kind in the United States. Its origins are rooted in the work of Samuel Gridley Howe, who was inspired by European models of education for the blind. The institution is named after Thomas Handasyd Perkins, a Boston merchant who donated his property to the school in 1833. The campus has seen significant historical milestones, including hosting Helen Keller and Laura Bridgman, and even receiving a visit from Charles Dickens in 1842, who was struck by the progress made there.

In the modern era, Perkins has shifted toward a 'Model Program Approach' to tackle systemic exclusion. Data from UNICEF (2021) shows that over 50% of students with disabilities in developing nations fail to attend school. Perkins addresses this by providing a replicable strategy that moves beyond policy into practice. By partnering with local governments and community organizations, they create context-specific action plans. This includes identifying school gaps using the Perkins Quality Indicators and providing intensive mentoring to educators, leaders, and families.

The scale of this impact is significant. In 2024 alone, the Model Program Approach was implemented across 16 countries, training over 44,000 teachers and improving learning outcomes for nearly 48,000 children with disabilities. Beyond pedagogy, Perkins remains a hub for accessible technology, manufacturing tools like the Perkins Brailler and hosting the Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology. By focusing on local stakeholders and 'train-the-trainer' models, the institution ensures that inclusive education is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a sustainable, locally-driven reality.

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