 |
World-Renowned Scholar of Visual Impairments
Peabody College’s work in visual disabilities began in 1921 with summer courses for teachers in schools for the blind — the first classes of their kind in the nation. In 1957, when Peabody was chosen to house one of only four regional teacher preparation programs in the country for educators of the visually impaired, the late Dr. Samuel C. Ashcroft was named the program’s first professor.
A pioneer in the field, Ashcroft played a leading role in shaping Peabody’s Visual Disabilities Program. He launched a graduate track, conducted field-advancing research on braille and developed a teacher training model that continues to influence instruction worldwide. His braille instruction textbook is widely consulted and remains in publication today.
In 2020 Ashcroft’s daughters, Barbara and Wendy, established the Ashcroft Family Scholarship in memory of their parents. Since then, it has been awarded four times to two graduate students in the Visual Disabilities Program — each receiving multi-year support, with a fifth award taking place this fall. The sisters have also included the program in their own estate plans, ensuring continued impact for years to come.
“This scholarship allowed me to follow my dreams and become the special educator I have always aspired to be,” said Erin Kathryn McGrath, MEd’23. “I vow to use the education I have obtained at Peabody to create a more inclusive and kinder world for all.”
© Pentera, Inc. Planned giving content. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer