Children graduate Helen Keller preschool

A group of 5-year-olds attending the Children's Learning Center at Helen Keller Services for the Blind graduated a special education preschool program Friday. The center has been helping blind and

News 12 Staff

•

Jun 18, 2016, 1:12 AM

•

Updated 3,113 days ago

A group of 5-year-olds attending the Children's Learning Center at Helen Keller Services for the Blind graduated a special education preschool program Friday.

The center has been helping blind and visually impaired children in Downtown Brooklyn since 1893.

"They're learning how to communicate with their friends, how to know who's around, and how to talk independently, and have fun, and play," says Joe Bruno, president of Helen Keller Services.

The preschool focuses on preparing its students for public school in the fall.

Iolanta Mamatkazina says she migrated from Russia just so her daughter could participate in the program.

"Now she's a very smart girl," Mamatkazina says. "She plays the piano -- she's eating, dancing, reading -- it's amazing."

The graduating children were treated to a musical performance and given diplomas.

"They're not limited by anything," Bruno says. "They believe they can do anything, and now when they get into school, regular school, they'll do very well, is my prediction."