The Unseen Minority: A Social History of Blindness in the United States: 23. The Birthright of Every Child

Abstract: The spread of democratic ideals in America and Europe since the 18th century has led to recognition that education for children who were blind or visually impaired, as for all children, is a right, not a privilege. Residential schools, backed at first by charity, sprung up in 1830s America. The role of Samuel Gridley Howe and Perkins Institute is discussed, along with later movements to overcome isolation by establishing special classrooms within public schools and to move toward day schooling.

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