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Founded in 1829 as the nation's first school for the blind, Perkins School for the Blind today serves infants and elders in their homes; school age students on campus and in the community; and deafblind children in developing countries.

Description:
For over 170 years, the volunteers and staff at Perkins have been providing quality services to students and clients who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or with multiple disabilities. As the programs and services at Perkins have grown, the focus has evolved and extended beyond our campus and into many different communities throughout the United States and around the world. Our programs provide educational training opportunities for students from birth to age 22 and services for adults in residential, day and community-based programs. Our Braille & Talking Book Library serves over 17,000 people in New England, and Perkins helps projects for deafblind children in over 50 developing countries. All of our programs and services strive to help students and clients reach their maximum independence.

History:
The rich history of Perkins began with its founding 175 years ago as the first school for the blind in the United States. Within a few short years, Perkins became known for its effective instructional techniques, including teaching Laura Bridgman, the first known deafblind person to be educated. Later, a much more famous student - Helen Keller - came to Perkins on her way to breaking down barriers and perceptions about what people who are blind or deafblind can accomplish.

To learn more about Perkins' history, visit http://www.perkins.org/section.php?id=53.

Contact people:

Kimberly Kittredge, PR & Development, (phone), (email) Mike Cataruzolo, CVA,, Supervisor of Volunteer Services, (phone), (email)

Address:

175 North Beacon st. Watertown, MA 02472 (See a map)

Directions:

BY CAR: From the Massachusetts Turnpike, also known as I-90 (traveling east or west), take Exit 17 and follow the signs marked "Watertown," which lead to Galen Street. Follow Galen Street, crossing the bridge, to Watertown Square. Bear right (not the hardest right that leads along the river) onto North Beacon Street (Route 20). Follow North Beacon Street for about one-half mile to the Perkins campus (located on the right). Pass the campus and turn right onto Beechwood Avenue. The main parking lot is on the right. First-time visitors without an appointment should proceed to the Howe Building (main building with the tower) and check-in with the Switchboard. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: From the Green Line: At Kenmore Station in Boston, take Bus #57, marked Watertown. Get off at the last stop, Watertown Square. Cross the bridge and stay to the right, following North Beacon Street (Route 20). The campus is one-half mile on the right. (Travel time: about one hour.) FROM THE RED LINE: At Harvard Square in Cambridge, take Bus #71, marked "Watertown." Get off at the last stop. With your back to the river, walk to the right following North Beacon Street (Route 20). Follow North Beacon Street for about one-half mile to the Perkins campus located on the right. (Travel time: about 45 minutes.) FROM GREEN STREET & PROSPECT STREET IN CENTRAL SQUARE (CAMBRIDGE): Take Bus #70, usually marked "Cedarwood." A few minutes after the Arsenal Mall, get off at Beechwood Street (tell driver in advance). Follow Beechwood Street to the left for one block. The Perkins campus is located on the right at the intersection of Beechwood Avenue and North Beacon Street. (Travel time: about 45 minutes.)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Harvard / Central Square   Nearest Bus Stop: #s 57, 70 & 71 For maps or information, please see http://www.mbta.com