Perkins International Programs Perkins School for the Blind Presentation to The World Bank February 22,

Hilton/Perkins Program Mission To improve the quality of life for children who are deafblind or blind with multiple disabilities, and their families, through increased educational opportunities. A rights-based program of integration of students who are deafblind or blind with multiple disabilities into society through expanding educational opportunities

Emphasis upon empowerment and movement toward a civil society Personal: transforming lives of students Professional: through skill acquisition Institutional: through capacity building A development focus Philosophy of capacity building Work from the ground up Working with multiple providers The Program’s Model:

Activities the Hilton/Perkins Program supports: On-site consultation Training courses for professionals in other countries Leadership training on our campus Small grants to schools and agencies Parent training and organizational assistance to parents Development of university teacher training programs Translation and development of materials and literature Regional seminars and networking opportunities Advocacy with government agencies Assistance with fundraising activities

Impact Sustainable programs are achieved Graduates are moving into appropriate life placements Universities are engaged Parents are informed consumer advocates Policies are changing Ministries support successful programs and seek replication Broader application of instructional principles, IEP development, to other populations

Service to Children who are Deafblind & Blind with Multiple Disabilities in Developing Countries

Children Served in Developing Countries

Educational Leadership Program

University Teacher Training Programs in Developing Countries

Expanded Services to Parents in Developing Countries *Fewer than 5% of Programs had a Parent Involvement Strategy in 1989.

Aubrey Webson in Belize

Learning through play

Teacher and student in St. Lucia

Home-based teaching in India

Deafblind education in Thailand

All Work & No Play in India

1 st Deafblind Program in Hungary

Totally deafblind twins, Russia

Teaching concepts in Russia

Vocational skills in Buenos Aires

Early intervention in Brazil

The Institutional Development Program in Africa

I greet you honorable school! I heard a call from you Inviting those who are blind I rushed to you! Now everybody asks me “Where to so early?” I reply “To school my friends!” Now I leave them wondering How could this ever be possible? Now I learn to read, Multiply and minus, Do divisions and additions! I can even cook And move around safely. On chairs I can sit with pride. Thank you for your support. Walk along with us, Tshimolongo Walk along with us forever Not only here, but all over the world! Samuel Frans, 45 Tshimologo Adult Learning Centre, South Africa

Institutional Development Program The Institutional Development Program (IDP) works to empower blind and visually impaired individuals to participate fully in their communities. IDP works to empower individuals and organizations. We respect the dignity and worth of our development partners as we work together to integrate into civil society.

Focus on local DPO development Scale up to national level Build intra-regional collaboration and best-practice transfer Facilitate the development of individuals working within DPO’s Development Objectives

Specific Objectives Individual development Strengthening of local/national DPO’s Intra-regional collaboration

Training of trainers Empowerment workshops Workshops aimed specifically at women and youth Individual Development

Organizational Development Works with organizations to further priorities they have identified Work with their full participation Strengthen planning, fundraising, programs Senior Management Institute

Intra-Regional Collaboration Tri-Annual Africa Forum Best practices training Service expansion Raise awareness of needs of the blind and visually impaired Regional networking May 2007 Nairobi, Kenya

Without IDP I would have been nowhere! The program changed my life and that of the Uganda national association of the blind. Now we are respected and I am president of UNAB and NUDIPU; a trained teacher and head of a school program. Thank you IDP for the training and mentoring. Francis Kinoobi President of UNAB & NUDIPU, Uganda

Braille Literacy Single largest factor to independence is literacy 70% of individuals, in the U.S., who are blind are unemployed or underemployed Of individuals who are literate in braille, there is a 20% unemployment rate.

Support for Braille Literacy Invented & manufacture Perkins Brailler The standard braille writer worldwide Assembly plants: India & South Africa

Worldwide Summary: In over 260 Schools & Programs… Sustainable programs being established Children and adults with disabilities are becoming more empowered Teachers are being trained Parents are active and involved Programs are building capacity Others are investing Governments are replicating results

Why Is This Important? Achievement of The Millennium Development Goals including: Goal 1 Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Goal 2 Achieve universal primary education Goal 3 Promote gender equality and empower women Create opportunities for empowerment and engagement in civil society for millions in developing countries.

Someday in all 184 World Bank member countries… All children who are blind or deafblind will have educational opportunities to prepare them. All individuals who are blind, visually impaired & their families will be fully integrated into society. Braille literacy will be achieved for all who need it

Possible Opportunities The World Bank is a critical catalyst to reframe the disability issues and address the core problem. Perkins International Programs would like to expand our impact and support the Bank’s efforts.

Contacts Steven M. Rothstein Mike Collins All we see is Possibility