Old Orchard Beach resident Jacob Allen graduates from the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Mass., on June 13. Allen is now embarking on life beyond the structured academic setting.

A family photo shows Jacob Allen when he was 1 year old. Allen was born without eyes. He is now 20 and has just graduated from the Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts.

Jacob Allen attends a class at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Mass., on May 28. Allen, a resident of Old Orchard Beach, has just graduated from Perkins.

Piano teacher Vera Dumova guides Jacob Allen on the keyboard during class at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Mass., on May 28.

Student Jacob Allen practices using an ATM machine at the Perkins School for the Blind on May 28. The cash-dispensing machine is outfitted with a headphone jack so people with visual impairments can use it by listening to instructions.

Jacob Allen uses his fingers to read a Braille label in the kitchen of his dorm at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Mass., on May 28. Allen, a resident of Old Orchard Beach, just graduated from the school and is now embarking on life beyond the structured academic setting.

From left, Old Orchard Beach high school special ed teacher Catherine Wood, special ed tech Erin Dupee, athletic director Jack Trull, and principal Rick DiFusco applaud as former student Jacob Allen graduates from the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Mass., on June 13.

Erin Dupee, a special ed tech with the Old Orchard Beach school district, congratulates Jacob Allen following his graduation at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Mass., on June 13. Allen is a former student of Dupee's.