Newton Innovator and Watertown's Perkins School Adapt Lego for Blind Kids

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A Newton-based blind Lego fan has created free accessible building instructions now used by thousands of visually impaired builders worldwide, including children connected with Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. Perkins staff say these adapted instructions help blind kids enjoy the same creative play as their sighted peers while building crucial motor and tactile skills, turning a familiar toy into a powerful tool for independence.

Why it matters

This story highlights how a local innovator and the renowned Perkins School are collaborating to make a beloved children's toy more inclusive and accessible for the visually impaired community. It showcases how simple adaptations can open up new avenues for creative play and skill development, empowering blind and low-vision kids to engage with the world around them.

The details

The Newton-based innovator, who is blind himself, has created free Lego building instructions that use tactile cues and other accessibility features to guide visually impaired builders. These instructions are now used by thousands of people globally, including children at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. Perkins staff say the adapted Lego sets help blind kids develop important motor skills and a sense of independence, allowing them to enjoy the same creative play as their sighted peers.

• The Newton-based innovator created the accessible Lego instructions several years ago.
• The Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown has been using the adapted Lego sets with their students.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Newton-based innovator plans to continue expanding the availability and reach of the accessible Lego building instructions to benefit more visually impaired children and adults around the world.