Michael Anagnos' Impact on Perkins School for the Blind and Beyond
I grew up near Perkins School for The Blind in Watertown Massachusetts and my mom worked there for over 15 years. In addition, I would often go for walks on the campus and it’s a place that has always held a special place in my heart. Perkins School for The Blind is an amazing school and it was always a source of pride to me as a Greek American that Michael Anagnos has a major impact on the school’s history.
Michael Anagnos was a notable figure in the realm of education, renowned for his significant contributions to the Perkins School for the Blind. Born on December 8, 1837, in Pyrgos, Greece, Anagnos immigrated to the United States in 1850. His lifelong dedication to serving the visually impaired community began with his appointment as the Director of Perkins School for the Blind in 1877.
Under Anagnos' visionary leadership, Perkins School for the Blind experienced a period of tremendous growth and transformation. He expanded the school's curriculum, introducing subjects beyond traditional academics, including music, physical education, and vocational training. Anagnos believed that a well-rounded education would empower students with blindness to live fulfilling and independent lives.
One of Anagnos' notable contributions was the establishment of the Industrial Department at Perkins. This initiative aimed to provide vocational training to blind students, equipping them with practical skills to secure employment and support themselves. Anagnos understood the importance of empowering individuals with blindness to become productive members of society, breaking barriers and stereotypes.
Furthermore, Anagnos was a strong advocate for braille literacy. Recognizing the transformative power of braille in facilitating independent reading and writing, he ensured that braille was integrated into Perkins' educational programs. Anagnos supported the widespread adoption of braille, enabling countless visually impaired individuals to access knowledge and communicate effectively.
Beyond his work at Perkins School for the Blind, Anagnos made valuable contributions to the broader blind community. He co-founded the International Congress on Education of the Blind in 1873, which fostered collaboration and exchange of ideas among educators and professionals working in the field of visual impairment. Anagnos also initiated the publication of the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind's annual reports, which disseminated research, advancements, and best practices to institutions worldwide.
Anagnos' impact extended far beyond his tenure as the Director of Perkins School for the Blind. His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals with visual impairments left an indelible mark on the field of education for the blind. Michael Anagnos passed away on June 9, 1906, but his legacy endures through the continued growth and advancement of Perkins School for the Blind and the countless lives it has touched. His dedication to inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment remains an inspiration for educators and advocates in the field of visual impairment to this day.
Links for Further Reading:
Michael Anagnos – Perkins School for the Blind
Michael Anagnos, 1837-1906 - Franklin Benjamin Sanborn - Google Books