Perkins School For The Blind

Perkins solutions deploys technology to overcome long standing and emerging accessibility barriers. Since the 1950s, we've manufactured and distributed the world's most popular, most dependable braille typewriter. Today our expertise in inclusive design solutions is available via perkins access, a consulting service that helps businesses ensure their digital products and services are usable by everyone. During fy24, perkins solutions distributed 5,458 braillers worldwide, and assisted over 59 organizations with technology assessments and modifications.

The national deaf-blind equipment distribution program, known as icanconnect, provides free communications equipment and training to people who are deaf-blind and low income. Administered by the fcc and managed by perkins in 22 states across the country, icanconnect helps people who are deaf-blind use new technologies to lead less isolated, more independent lives and connects them with their friends, family and community. During fy23, perkins equipped and trained 963 consumers, helping them develop the skills needed to use the life-changing equipment provided.

Regional libraryperkins library has provided accessible reading material to people with visual impairment and other disabilities since 1837. In recent years, we have significantly expanded our offerings to serve more people with more nuanced needs. Today, we distribute approximately 500,000 accessible books, magazines, newspapers, dvds and more, at no cost to the estimated 21,007 patrons we serve annually. We've also led the charge in distributing assistive technologies like refreshable braille displays while providing a website that enables people to download accessible reading material. Internationalthere are millions of children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities (mdvi) around the world who don't receive the quality education they deserve. Perkins international works to put these children in school, equip educators with the specialized skills they need to teach them and connect the most vulnerable families with vital governmental and medical resources. During fy24, perkins international conducted this work in over 21 countries and regions. We are looking to expand our work in certain countries, such as india which has as many as 1 million children with mdvi, and seek to improve screening and assessment, early intervention programs, school-age education and family support services.