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First Residential School- New England Asylum of the Blind
Before 1892, children who were blind were homeschooled. New England Asylum of the Blind was established in 1829 . This school provided residential schooling for blind children.
The New England Institution for the Education of the Blind (now Perkins School for the Blind) opens with 6 students aged 6 to 23.
http://www.perkins.org/history/legacy/school-development -
Eductional Resources
While attending New England Asylum for the Blind. Students recieved instruction using embossed text.Embossed text provided aln alternative way to learn material for those without sight.
Seven text were provided :
-The Acts of the Apostles
-Selection of Psalms
-Murray’s Grammar of the English Language
-The Blind Child’s Spelling Book
-An introductory Reading Book for Children
-The Dairy Man’s Daughter
-Baxter’s Call To the Unconverted -
Vocational Program
New England Asylum for the Blind (Perkins ) adopted a vocational program that prepared blind students for employment. This helped with transion from school to adulthood. Students wer taught "blind trades".
Examples of trades:
Chair Caning, Basket Weaving , etc. -
Helen Keller
In 1882, Helen Keller was exposed to a harsh disease called Scarlet Fever. This disease caused Keller to become blind
https://www.biography.com/people/helen-keller-9361967 -
Official Adoption of Braille
Braille was accepted as the national standard for tactile reading for the blind.
https://brailleworks.com/braille-resources/history-of-braille/ -
NFB-founded
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) was established in 1940. The organizing convention included representatives from seven states; California, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
https://nfb.org/ -
Amendment
Until 1943, individulas with blindness weren't included in the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act. This amendment created awareness and equality for individuals with disabilities by providing, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living, and client assistance
https://www.nad.org/resources/civil-rights-laws/rehabilitation-act-of-1973/ -
The Americans with Disabilities Act- passed
ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
https://adata.org/learn-about-ada -
Current Assistive technology
This device assist with vision loss.
http://www.afb.org/info/living-with-vision-loss/using-technology/12
