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Note — This annual report is also available in print. Call 800-223-1839 or email catalogs@aph.org to request your free copy.
The American Printing House for the Blind Promotes independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing specialized materials, products, and services needed for education and life.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue · P.O. Box 6085 · Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Phone 502-895-2405 · Toll Free 800-223-1839 · Fax 502-899-2274
Development Department 888-295-2405
Email info@aph.org · Web Site www.aph.org
Ryan Wood is an aspiring architect with an eye for detail and an imaginative use of color and design. He enjoys swimming and playing computer games in his free time. It's not surprising that the popular SimCity® metropolis simulation game is one of his favorites.
Ryan was one of fifteen award winners who attended Annual Meeting 2004 to receive awards in person. When asked about his favorite part of the conference, Ryan said that he enjoyed seeing art created by other artists and listening to the stories shared by Dr. Dean and Naomi Tuttle, APH's Wings of Freedom Award honorees. Ryan said, "I liked the intricate and delicate design of The Brown Hotel. They don't make hotels like that anymore. I liked that it was in the middle of downtown and we could see the city from our window.... Louisville was well kept and beautiful with many tall buildings. I also liked the bridge over the river...."
France 4016 was the first place winner in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade category of the 2004 APH InSights Art Competition. This brightly colored 14 x 16 inch drawing portrays Ryan's vision of France in the distant future. It depicts a vibrant city in the foreground with brightly colored buildings. There is a tree line and mountain range behind the city and beyond the mountains is the blue silhouette of another metropolis.
Ryan states — "It is a modern day description of what France will be like in 2,000 years. It is a big city with the Eiffel Tower, a large castle, and the Space Needle. It is surrounded by mountains with a waterfall. The yellows and oranges capture the sunrise." Ryan used markers in bold colors to create his work, mainly choosing red, blue, yellow, green, and black.
APH sponsors APH InSights, an annual art competition and exhibition for blind and visually impaired artists of all ages. Hundreds of entries are received from around the world, and awards are presented in each of nine categories. Eligible artists may submit one 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional work in any visual art medium. View works from previous competitions on our accessible web site at www.aph.org
For an entry form or more information, contact Roberta Williams, APH Public Relations and Special Projects Manager, 800-223-1839, extension 357 or email rwilliams@aph.org
Dr. Dean and Naomi Tuttle have focused much of their careers on the issues of self-esteem and independence. Together, they authored the book Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness, now in its third edition. Like the Tuttles, APH's mission is to open doors to independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Tuck Tinsley, President of APH, presents Wings of Freedom Awards to Naomi Tuttle and Dean Tuttle.
Charles Barr, M.D.
S. Gordon Dabney
George N. Gill
Albert C. Horton
Julie S. Lee, M.D.
W. James Lintner, Jr.
W. Barrett Nichols
J. A. Paradis III
Tuck Tinsley III, Ed.D.
Darrell R. Wells
Virginia T. Keeney, M.D., Trustee Emerita
J. A. Paradis, Trustee Emeritus
JoAnn Paradis, Trustee Emerita
James S. Welch, Trustee Emeritus
W. James Lintner, Jr., Chairman
S. Gordon Dabney, Vice Chairman
Tuck Tinsley III, Ed.D., President
William G. Beavin, Vice President of Finance; Secretary/Treasurer
Robert B. Brasher, Vice President of Advisory Services and Research
Jack N. Decker, Vice President of Production
Donald J. Keefe, Vice President of Development
J. Gary Mudd, Vice President of Public Affairs
Ex Officio Trustees are responsible for the administration of the federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind of 1879. The Ex Officio Trustees are the executive heads of schools for the blind, the chief state school officers of each state department of education, or the executive officers of other agencies serving people who are blind or visually impaired. If they choose, these executives may designate the Trusteeship to an appropriate professional within their organizations.
The name of each member is followed by his or her term expiration date.
Kathleen Brown, Chair, 2004
Larry Brown, 2004
Mike Cole, 2004
Kenalea Johnson, 2005
Carol McCarroll, 2005
Robb Farrell, 2006
Jean Small, 2006
Rosie L.T. Pridgen, Alternate, 2004
Louis M. Tutt, Chair, 2004
Gerald Kitzhoffer, 2004
Stuart Wittenstein, 2004
Karen Blankenship, 2005
Carmen Suminski, 2005
Teresa Lacy, Alternate, 2004
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has served our nation's blind and visually impaired citizens since before the Civil War. Founded in 1858, APH is the oldest company in the U.S. dedicated to creating products for blind people and is the largest organization of its kind in the world.
APH produces hundreds of specialized items designed for students and adults who are visually impaired or blind, such as accessible textbooks and tests. Product lines uphold our mission and include braille, large print, audiocassettes, educational software, and a wide variety of special materials.
These items are detailed in our comprehensive Products Catalog, organized into the National Agenda's core and expanded core curriculum instructional areas. APH also provides specialized catalogs, the Adult Life, Family Life, and Bookstore catalogs. Our newest catalog, the Bookstore, includes leisure reading materials and other non-textbook listings, as well as gift items.
Specialty products such as audio books and braille restaurant menus are created by APH for commercial customers. In addition, APH makes custom-ordered materials on demand, such as single copies of enlarged print textbooks.
In partnership with the field of blindness and visual impairment, the APH Department of Research supports the creation of a wide range of products by maintaining ongoing educational and technical research.
APH offers three information services free of charge over the internet or by phone
APH partners with Ex Officio Trustees and others to provide National Instructional Partnership events across the country. Contracted experts create and present two- and three-day expanded instruction on the use of specific APH products in educational settings and across educational curricula.
In addition, APH offers a free subscription service for accessible editions of Reader's Digest® and Newsweek®. Donations are accepted to defray costs.
APH is a private, nonprofit corporation. Responsibility for its administration rests with
Much of APH's mandate is derived from the federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind of 1879. This act designates APH as the official supplier of educational materials to all eligible blind students in the United States working at less than college level.
For additional information on APH and its full range of products and services that support products, visit www.aph.org
62.1 percent — Federal Quota
15.3 percent — Other
2.2 percent — Nongovernment Contracts
20.4 percent — NLS and Other Federal Agencies
53.5 percent — Educational and Other Aids
15.3 percent — Recorded Publications
16.9 percent — Large Print Publications
14.3 percent — Braille Publications
FY 2004 — 28,164,861
FY 2003 — 26,599,181
FY 2002 — 25,305,777
FY 2004 — 28,306,064
FY 2003 — 25,367,954
FY 2002 — 25,062,574
FY 2004 — 2,900,623
FY 2003 — 2,923,866
FY 2002 — 4,042,111
In 146 years of service, APH continues to improve its production and financial stabilities. Our continued success can be directly attributed to dedication to customer considerations, product development, and our diligence in maintaining and strengthening our corporate infrastructure.
Examples of activities in these areas during 2004 are provided below.
In 1994, ten years ago, we brought eight new products to market. In the last five years, we have averaged 50 new products per year. In 2004, 56 new products became available for purchase; 124 are in the production pipeline; and 35 product concepts have been approved and are waiting to hit the pipeline.
2004 was the fifth consecutive year of record sales. Product sales exceeded $22.5 million, more than $1 million above 2003. Highlights included $864,000 in sales of the new ENVISION products, and $635,000 in sales of Book PortTM.
APH hosted several focus groups in 2004, including one to discuss and expand the Promising Practices for Transcribing Early Literacy Textbooks and Materials. Another discussed and prioritized the types of books needed for young readers, the availability and content of such books, and other issues surrounding early literacy for children with blindness and visual impairment.
The second Deafblind Focus Group, a meeting of faculty from teacher training programs across the country, was held at APH in June. The third "Making Tests Accessible" workshop was conducted in September with thirty-one participants from state departments of education and test publishing companies coming together to discuss the challenges of making tests for blind and visually impaired students.
Research alone directly involved 208 professionals outside APH, consisting of the seven members of the Educational Products Advisory Committee, 41 paid consultants, and 159 field evaluators. Fifty-six agencies participated in research activities.
Data for FY2004 regarding the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind indicate the number of legally blind students registered was 56,913, a decrease of 0.4 percent (235) from the number registered for FY 2003. The 2004 appropriation provided $210.89 per student for educational materials, a 5.7 percent increase over the $199.47 per capita allocation in 2003. Of the 56,913 students, 9 percent (5,304) were registered as braille readers, 26 percent (14,597) as visual readers, 6 percent (3,164) as auditory readers, 32 percent (18,075) as non-readers, and 28 percent (15,773) as pre-readers. Of this group, 85 percent (48,159) were registered by state departments of education, 9 percent (5,144) were registered by residential schools for the blind, 4 percent (2,136) were registered by rehabilitation programs, and 3 percent (1,474) were registered by programs for the multihandicapped.
As we look to 2005, we are committed to continuing to invest in APH's employees; improving production capabilities, especially in braille; investing in new technology where appropriate; and increasing our investment in research — all under the umbrella of continuing to be fiscally responsible. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and administration of APH, we close by expressing sincere appreciation to APH's Ex Officio Trustees for the valuable role they play in administering the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind and to the dedicated employees of APH.
Respectfully Submitted,
W. James Lintner, Jr., Chairman
Tuck Tinsley III, President
Note: Many photographs used in the print version of the Annual Report were deliberately omitted from this HTML version due to bandwidth concerns. At the end of each principal section of this version, we are including the captions of the missing photographs. The photos may be viewed in the PDF Edition
The ENVISION optical device training program helps students gain skills needed to use magnifiers and telescopes.
The most unique item in the Helen Keller display is a personal letter written by Helen Keller in 1932 to APH employee Elsie Ottman commending APH's customer service. The Ottman family, several of whom work at APH, donated the letter to the Callahan Museum upon Ms. Ottman's death. The case also contains a volume of Keller's braille Bible.
Long-time employee Raymond Randles, pictured here in his office in 1993, was the Director of the APH Talking Book Studio from 1990 to 1999.
The new Moving Ahead Series is designed to be the next step in tactile learning as students progress from the simple tactile representations of the On the Way to Literacy books to more complex tactile graphics. Goin' on a Bear Hunt is the first book in this series.
The second Deafblind Focus Group met at APH in June 2004 to discuss progress made since the first meeting in 2002 and discuss future APH products. Participants included — Jennifer Baker, student, University of Southern Mississippi; Mary Coty, student, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Michelle Blankenship, student, University of Alabama/Birmingham; Effie Laman, student, Texas Tech University; Sandi Baker, Field Services Representative, APH; Rosanne Silberman, Coordinator, Severe/Multiple Disabilities including Deafblindness and Visual Impairments, Hunter College; Cathy Nelson, Clinical Instructor, Special Education, University of Utah; Roseanna Davidson, Research Associate/Professor, Texas Tech University; Betsy McGinnity, Information Specialist, DB-LINK; Janie Humphries, Field Services Department Director, APH; Carol Allison, Instructor, Education Department, University of Alabama/Birmingham; Linda McDowell, Administrative Director, Planning for Transition, University of Southern Mississippi; Bob Brasher, Vice President of Advisory Services and Research, APH.
Although an ATIC large print book is a standard textbook size, the layout of the book has been adapted to allow for type that is a minimum of 18 point. Full-color pictures, graphics, sidebars, etc. have been redesigned where necessary to meet the needs of low vision students. ATIC books meet the specifications of APH's Large Print Guidelines for Optimal Readability.
In the educational and fun computer game Armadillo Army, "Tex" navigates a series of mazes while evading armadillos. The game helps low vision players develop visual, perceptual, and motor skills. Sound cues allow the game to be used by totally blind players.
Rod Brawley, Ex Officio Trustee representing the California Department of Education, and Steve Gettel, Ex Officio Trustee representing Montana School for the Deaf and Blind and Montana State Department of Public Instruction, talk during Annual Meeting. Ex Officio Trustees are responsible for the administration of Federal Quota funds allotted to each state department of education, school for the blind, rehabilitation agency, or other registering organization.
The 136th Formal Meeting of the Ex Officio Trustees of the American Printing House for the Blind convened at 12:00 p.m., October 16, 2004, at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The following conferees were present:
Jim Adams (AR)
Dee Amundsen (WA)
Dorothy Arensman (GA)
Clay Berry (MO)
Dan Boyd (SD)
Rod Brawley (CA)
Kathy Brown (MI)
Larry Brown (OR)
Laraine Caton (NY)
Mike Cole (CA)
Derrick Cox (KY)
Suzanne Dalton (FL)
William Daugherty (KS)
Jacqueline Denk (KS)
Elmer Dillingham, Jr. (FL)
James Downs (GA)
Jim Durst (IN)
Leslie Durst (IN)
Jennifer Ervin (NY)
Robb Farrell (MD)
Janet Ford (LA)
Kara Foster (OH)
Steve Gettel (MT)
Sally Giittinger (NE)
Stacy Grandt (WI)
Eric Guillory (LA)
Jeanette Haines (CT)
Dotta Hassman (IA)
Jim Hill (AR)
Cathy Johnson (KY)
Kenalea Johnson (NM)
Marjorie Kaiser (SD)
Bernadette Kappen (PA)
Gerald Kitzhoffer (NJ)
Teresa Lacy (AL)
Jean Martin (MN)
Carol McCarroll (TN)
Barbara McCarthy (VA)
Nancy Niebrugge (CA)
James Oldham (TN)
Judy Plymale (NC)
Lorri Quigley (UT)
Dorinda Rife (AZ)
Lee Robinson (UT)
Steven Rothstein (MA)
Donna See (WV)
Frank Simpson (NY)
Jean Small (ME)
Dean Stenehjem (WA)
Carmen Suminski (ND)
Elaine Sveen (MD)
Robin Swenson (ID)
Chris Tompkins (AZ)
Louis Tutt (CO)
Jeanette Wicker (KY)
Tom Winton (NC)
Stuart Wittenstein (CA)
Carol Allman
Ralph Bartley
Scott Blome
Burt Boyer
Bob Brasher
Jack Decker
Don Keefe
Mary Nelle McLennan
Gary Mudd
Kathy Smiddy
Jane Thompson
Tuck Tinsley
The meeting was opened with a welcome from Dr. Tuck Tinsley III, President and member of APH's Board of Trustees. Ex Officio Trustees and APH staff in attendance introduced themselves and the organizations and departments they represented. Dr. Tinsley announced that 360 persons were in attendance at this year's Annual Meeting.
In his President's Report, Dr. Tinsley reviewed highlights of Fiscal Year 2004. He mentioned how fortunate the company is to have staff who continuously improve both APH's productivity and financial stability.
Dr. Tinsley reported on activities in 2004 that focused on APH's major role of producing quality products for blind students. He also gave examples of
Dr. Tinsley announced APH will co-host a National Family Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, in August 2005. Participating with APH in this endeavor are the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) and the Hadley School for the Blind.
Kathy Brown, 2004 Chair of the Educational Products Advisory Committee (EPAC), and Louis Tutt, 2004 Chair of the Educational Services Advisory Committee (ESAC), recognized committee members and requested comments relative to the reports previously distributed to the Ex Officio Trustees. A motion to accept the reports as offered was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Bob Brasher, Vice President, Advisory Services and Research, thanked the Ex Officio Trustees for attending the 136th Annual Meeting and for fulfilling one of their very important Ex Officio Trustee responsibilities. Mr. Brasher thanked them for their participation and input, which is always crucial to APH. Mr. Brasher recognized and thanked the new Ex Officio Trustees who were first-time attendees.
Mr. Brasher thanked the Ex Officio Trustees who nominated APH Scholars to attend the 2004 Annual Meeting. The nomination process went well, with 19 direct service providers nominated. He reported APH will continue this new program and will award five direct service provider scholarships for the Annual Meeting in 2005.
Mr. Brasher shared information on preliminary company progress on meeting the 2004 recommendations of the Educational Products Advisory Committee and the Educational Services Advisory Committee as follows:
Ms. Barbara McCarthy, Chairperson of the Nominations Committee and Ex Officio Trustee representing the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired and the Virginia Department of Education, presented the committee's slate of nominees for advisory committees, including chairpersons. A motion to accept the report was made, seconded, and unanimously passed.
Ms. McCarthy encouraged the Ex Officio Trustees to advise Ms. Janie Humphries, Director, APH Field Services Department, or Mr. Brasher of their interest in serving on one of the two advisory committees.
Mr. Brasher acknowledged, with a gift from APH, Kathy Brown and Louis Tutt and alternates Teresa Lacy and Rosie Pridgen for their years of service with the two advisory committees.
Following closing remarks by Dr. Tinsley, the meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m. Dr. Tinsley invited the Ex Officio Trustees to attend a memorial service for Mr. Herbert Miller, Administrator of the St. Joseph's School for the Blind, who unexpectedly passed away on Friday, October 15, 2004.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Smiddy, Executive Secretary, APH
Note — Full reports of the Ex Officio Trustee Advisory Committees are provided in this annual report after the Annual Meeting Highlights section.
Editorial Committee — Scott Blome, Bob Brasher, Becki Moody, Tuck Tinsley
Editor — Scott Blome
Project Assistant — Becki Moody
Design, Layout, Production Art — Bisig Impact Group
Web Chase is an engaging tactile/visual board game designed by APH to help students develop important tactile skills while having fun using their spider-shaped pieces to chase "prey" pieces.
The Crafty Graphics Stencil Embossing Kit contains tools needed to create graphics by dry-pressure embossing. APH has now released the Crafty Graphics Video, a part of the Homegrown Video Series. This video demonstrates a wide variety of uses for the kit.
In June 2004, APH hosted a three-day focus group to discuss and expand the Promising Practices for Transcribing Early Literacy Textbooks and Materials. This meeting emphasized the use of tactile graphics and Nemeth braille code in K-3 textbooks. Participants included — Dr. Mila Truan, Tennessee School for the Blind, Nashville; Marsha Dresser, Vision Teacher, Reading, MA; Lynn Vuocolo, Vision Teacher, Pittsburgh, PA; Lucia Hasty, Chair, BANA Tactile Graphics Committee, Colorado Springs, CO; Betsy Burnham, Accessible Media Manager and Trainer, APH; Jean Moore, Outsource Support Coordinator, APH; Edie Mourre, Director of Transcription, CNIB, Winnipeg MB; Betsy McBride, Chair, BANA Nemeth Committee; Warren Figueiredo, Louisiana IMC, Baton Rouge; Dena Garrett, Accessible Media Editor, APH; Suzette Wright, Project Leader, APH; Jane Thompson, Director, ATIC, APH; Yan Zhang, Tactile Graphics Designer and Trainer, APH; Rose Zinious, Accessible Media Editor, APH; Susan Christensen, Chair, BANA Early Literacy Materials Production, Bangor WI.
The new CVI web site was launched in September, 2004 and shares a wealth of information from a variety of sources and viewpoints.
Maria Delgado, APH Field Services Representative, sends APH's first webcast during Annual Meeting. Users could follow the session in multiple media by logging on to a webcast hosting web site.
Dr. Mangold described for attendees "A View from the Other Side of an Open Door." The audience was inspired and challenged as she spoke of empowering students.
Keynote speaker for the 136th Annual Meeting was Dr. Sally S. Mangold, who has spent her entire career advocating for braille literacy. Mangold is the author of over 45 books, articles, and videos, and has received numerous awards.
Networking with other professionals is an important part of Annual Meeting. Larry Brown, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Oregon Department of Education, and Barbara McCarthy, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired and the Virginia Department of Education, seized an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas.
2004 marks the 10th Anniversary of APH's award-winning Marie and Eugene Callahan Museum. Gary Mudd, APH Vice President of Public Affairs, recognized Director Carol Tobe for her work in creating and expanding the museum and traveling exhibits.
Norma Fletcher, APH's Director of Human Resources, presented an inspirational speech on continuous company improvements and the importance of celebrating the accomplishments of fellow workers.
The 'K' Sonar is a small, affordable, electronic device that can be used independently or attached to a standard cane. By listening to the sounds produced by the unit, the user can determine the distance, location, and some features of an object. Fred Gissoni, APH Customer Relations Specialist, demonstrated the 'K' Sonar for attendees and local TV news broadcasts.
Dr. Leslie Kay, inventor of the 'K' Sonar electronic travel device, came from his home in New Zealand to lead a training session on this innovative new mobility tool. APH will be the sole distributor of the 'K' Sonar in the United States.
The exciting Product Training Session "CVI Project Launched" featured an update on the first year of the APH Cortical Visual Impairment project, emphasizing the new CVI web site. The guest presenter was Dr. Carey Matsuba, a Developmental Pediatrician from British Columbia Children's Hospital. Co-Presenters for the session were Tessa Wright, APH Research Assistant; Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy, APH CVI Project Leader; Sandi Baker, APH Field Services Representative, and Dr. Carey Matsuba.
First-time attendee Mary Ellen Smith, Kentucky School for the Blind, eagerly anticipated the next activity as she visited with Kenneth Jones, Kentucky School for the Blind. Annual Meeting offers something for everyone, newcomers and seasoned veterans alike.
One popular feature of Annual Meeting was the Information Fair. The poster displays highlighted new and in-development APH products and services. Barb Geter, Georgia Academy for the Blind, and Dorothy Arensman, Ex Officio Trustee representing Georgia Academy for the Blind, examined a display of organizers that included the EZ Track series and the Braille DateBook.
Doug Trent, APH Contract Administration, discussed custom media with Dorothy Arensman, Ex Officio Trustee representing Georgia Academy for the Blind. APH creates accessible copies of business, marketing, and financial documents on a contractual basis. These may include menus, invoices, schedules, maps, and signs.
Carol Allman, APH Consultant/Trainer with the Accessible Tests Department, and Leslie Durst, Ex Officio Trustee representing Indiana Department of Education, discussed the progress made in accessible testing. APH has made a commitment to work with test publishers and administrators to ensure that students have accessible test materials.
Dr. Rob Wall, Assistant Professor, Western Michigan University, discussed the ABC Braille Study, primarily funded by APH, with Jeanie Farmer, South Carolina Schools for the Deaf and Blind, Midlands Regional Outreach Center. Farmer was attending her first Annual Meeting through a new scholarship program available only to direct service providers. APH awarded five of these scholarships to first-time attendees nominated by their Ex Officio Trustee and chosen by the APH Educational Services Advisory Committee (ESAC).
There is so much to do at Annual Meeting that it can make you "dog tired!" Denver, dog guide partner of Gary Mudd, relaxed for a few minutes.
Tristan Pierce, APH Multiple Disabilities Project Leader, demonstrated a prototype of a new sound ball for Shafeka Hashash and her father, Nasser Hashash. Shafeka's brother, Sammi, was the Preschool/Kindergarten second place winner in the APH InSights Art Competition.
Phil Hatlen, Ex Officio Trustee representing Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, enjoyed the Awards Dinner. The APH InSights Art Competition winners were recognized and the Wings of Freedom Awards were presented.
Nancy Blizzard, Second Place, Crafts, and her friend Coletta Valentine, posed beside Nancy's artwork entitled "Cool, Crystal Basket." The large ceramic bowl-shaped base has a grapevine handle with ceramic beads. APH purchased this beautiful piece and presented it to Dr. Mangold.
This year the APH InSights Art Competition received over 500 entries from around the world. Fifteen of the winners came with friends and family to Louisville to accept their awards in person. Brittany Foor, First Place, Grades 7, 8, and 9, posed with Tuck Tinsley.
Naomi R. Tuttle, introduced by Dr. Mike Bina, and Dr. Dean W. Tuttle, introduced by Dr. Phil Hatlen, were each honored for their lifelong commitment to "Opening the Doors of Opportunity" for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Tuttles each received the Wings of Freedom Award, APH's highest honor. Posing together are Mike Bina, Ex Officio Trustee representing Hadley School for the Blind; Naomi Tuttle; Dean Tuttle; and Phil Hatlen.
APH Annual Meeting provides a time for updates from various agencies and organizations in the field of blindness. Brunhilde Merk-Adams, National Agenda Co-Chair, reported on modifications to the National Agenda for the Education of Children and Youths with Visual Impairments, Including Those with Multiple Disabilities.
Steven Rothstein, Ex Officio Trustee representing Perkins School for the Blind, spoke about the 175th anniversary of the Perkins School.
Nancy Niebrugge, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Braille Institute of America, shared results of the National Braille Challenge Invitational and encouraged Trustees to promote the competition.
APH, the National Association of Parents of the Visually Impaired (NAPVI), and the Hadley School for the Blind are planning a National Parent and Family Conference for August 2005. Susan LaVenture, Director of NAPVI, and Dawn Turco, Senior Vice President, Hadley School for the Blind, provided details and contact information for the conference. Burt Boyer, Field Services Representative represented APH.
One of the most important duties of an Ex Officio Trustee is the Formal Luncheon on Saturday. This is the business meeting of the Trustees, with reports from the President of APH and the Advisory Committees, and voting on new Advisory Committee members. Included in the 64 attendees were Kara Foster, Ex Officio Trustee representing Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Cathy Johnson, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Kentucky Department of Education; and Jeanette Wicker, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Kentucky School for the Blind.
Mary Nelle McLennan, APH Executive Advisor to the President, and Tuck Tinsley, APH President, took a break from their dignified and solemn duties to enjoy the music of "All Purpose Hysteria." The band was led by APH's Malcolm Turner, Web Site Coordinator, and Bernie Mudd, Project Leader, Graphic Design.
After all the meetings, training sessions, and networking, there is time for catching up with old friends, making new friends, and just having fun. Carey Matsuba got into the spirit of the "Swingin' Door Saloon" at the Saturday night dance.
The members of the 2004 Nominations Committee are:
Members of the Committee are honored to have been asked to perform the important assignment of nominating Ex Officio Trustees to serve on APH's two Advisory Committees.
The Educational Products Advisory Committee and the Educational Services Advisory Committee support APH in the organization's continuous improvement process, focusing on providing quality products and services that effectively meet the needs of our field. Ex Officio Trustees benefit and contribute through service on the Advisory Committees; the experience is an opportunity to learn about APH and to impact our important work.
Advisory Committee members are nominated with the following in mind:
The 2004 Nominations Committee recommended the following slate that was unanimously approved at the Formal Meeting of the Ex Officio Trustees convened on October 16, 2004, in Louisville, Kentucky:
Chair for a one-year term:
Larry Brown, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Oregon Department of Education
For three-year terms as committee members:
Bernadette Kappen, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Overbrook School for the Blind, Pennsylvania; Tom Winton, Ex Officio Trustee representing the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Alternate for a one-year term:
Mike Cole, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Orientation Center for the Blind, California
The full 2005-2006 Educational Products Advisory Committee will be: (The year preceding the name indicates the final year of regular committee tenure.)
Chair — Larry Brown, Oregon
2005 — Kenelea Johnson, New Mexico
2005 — Carol McCarroll, Tennessee
2006 — Robb Farrell, Maryland
2006 — Jean Small, Maine
2007 — Bernadette Kappen, Pennsylvania
2007 — Tom Winton, North Carolina
Alternate — Mike Cole, California
Chair for a one-year term:
Stuart Wittenstein, Ex Officio Trustee representing the California School for the Blind
For two-year terms as committee members:
Michael Bina, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Hadley School for the Blind, Illinois; Jean Martin, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Minnesota Department of Education
Alternate for a one-year term:
Gerald Kitzhoffer, Ex Officio Trustee representing the St. Joseph's School for the Blind
The full 2005-2006 Educational Services Advisory Committee will be: (The year preceding the name indicates the final year of regular committee tenure.)
Chair — Stuart Wittenstein, California
2005 — Karen Blakenship, Iowa
2005 — Carmen Suminski, North Dakota
2006 — Michael Bina, Illinois
2006 — Jean Martin, Minnesota
Alternate — Gerald Kitzhoffer, New Jersey
The Nominations Committee thanks the new and returning Advisory Committee members and chairs for their willingness to serve. We encourage all interested Ex Officio Trustees to declare your interest to be a future Advisory Committee member; it is the single most important way to contribute as an Ex Officio Trustee.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara McCarthy, Chair
Phil Hatlen and Rosie Pridgen, Members of the Nominations Committee
Louisville, Kentucky
October 16, 2004
The purpose of the Educational Services Advisory Committee (ESAC) is to:
The committee met in April, 2004 to address the 2003 ESAC report, and to develop commendations and recommendations based on APH's responses to this report. To assist with this endeavor, interactive presentations were made by APH's administrative staff and ESAC committee members. These interactive presentations provided progress updates on the 2003 recommendations, operations, and information on new initiatives.
The committee commends APH for:
The committee recommends that APH:
Respectfully submitted,
Louis M. Tutt, Chair, Educational Services Advisory Committee
In May of 2004, the Educational Products Advisory Committee (EPAC) met for the third year as a formal advisory body to the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). The committee members reviewed products under development, met with APH staff, and approved new products for sale with Federal Quota funds. It was a pleasure for the Committee to spend time with the innovative and enthusiastic APH staff. After thoughtful review, the committee offers the following commendations and recommendations to APH for consideration.
The Committee commends APH for:
The Committee recommends that APH:
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Brown, Chair, Educational Products Advisory Committee
The Ex Officio Trustee Educational Services Advisory Committee members as of May, 2004 are Louis M. Tutt, Chair, CO; Carmen Suminski, ND; Karen Blankenship, IA; Gerald Kitzhoffer, NJ; Stuart Wittenstein, CA.
APH staff works with prison braille programs nationwide. Here, a transcriber-in-training at the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women practices for her literary braille certification through the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).
The ColorTest II is a talking, hand-held device that identifies colors. It was recently released in a Spanish-speaking model. This is one of several APH products that now have Spanish components.
The Ex Officio Trustee Educational Products Advisory Committee members as of May, 2004 are Carol McCarroll, TN; Jean Small, ME; Rosie Thompson Pridgen, Alternate, MS; Kenelea Johnson, NM; Larry Brown, OR; Mike Cole, CA; Kathy Brown, Chair, MI; Robb Farrell, MD.
Dr. Chris Roman-Lantzy joined APH in January 2004 on a part-time basis as Project Leader, Cortical Visual Impairment. Dr. Roman-Lantzy brings years of experience as an educator, author, and speaker to APH. She is developing new products for CVI and leading workshops about using APH products with students with cortical visual impairments.
The upcoming product Sensory Learning Kit (SLK) will offer interventionists tools to help multihandicapped students develop routines for play and for functionality.
In late June, a group of experts met to begin writing the Posttests and Review Worksheets for the Patterns braille reading program revision, a crucial and difficult portion of the project. This group included Robin Mengel, Itinerant Teacher, Santa Barbara County Education, California; Betty Modaressi, Freelance Textbook Writer, Chicago, IL; Diane Stockman, Itinerant Teacher, St. Louis County Special School District, St. Louis, MO; Candy Lien, Braille Instructor, North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind; Ralph Bartley, APH Research Department Director; Eleanor Pester, Braille Project Leader, APH; Merrilee Petersen, Vision Itinerant Teacher, Davis School District, Bountiful, UT; Gail Wilson, Itinerant Teacher, North Suburban Special Education District, Highland Park, IL; and Kate Dilworth, Itinerant Teacher, Northwest Regional Program, Hillsboro, OR
Note — The agencies in this section are in the following order within each state — State Departments of Education, Schools for the Blind, Rehabilitation Programs, Programs for the Multihandicapped.
Note — The abbreviation "PNP" means "Private, Non-profit."
| State and Agency | Pupils as of January 6, 2003 |
FY 2004 Allocation in Dollars |
|---|---|---|
Alabama | ||
| Alabama State Department of Education, Talladega | 675 | 142,353.92 |
| Alabama State Department of Education, PNP, Talladega | 61 | $12,864.58 |
| Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, Talladega | 300 | 63,268.41 |
Alaska | ||
| Alaska State Department of Education, Anchorage | 182 | 38,382.84 |
American Samoa | ||
| American Samoa Department of Education, Pago Pago | 11 | 2,319.84 |
Arizona | ||
| Arizona State Department of Education, Phoenix | 937 | 197,608.33 |
| Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Tucson | 171 | 36,062.99 |
Arkansas | ||
| Arkansas State Department of Education, Sherwood | 263 | 55,465.31 |
| Arkansas State Department of Education, PNP, Sherwood | 56 | 11,810.10 |
| Arkansas School for the Blind, Little Rock | 82 | 17,293.37 |
| Lions World Services for the Blind, Little Rock | 43 | 9,068.47 |
| Conway Human Development Center, Conway | 61 | 12,864.58 |
California | ||
| California Department of Education, Sacramento | 5,383 | 1,135,246.16 |
| California Department of Education, PNP, Sacramento | 822 | 173,355.44 |
| California School for the Blind, Fremont | 78 | 16,449.79 |
| Braille Institute of America, Los Angeles | 15 | 3,163.42 |
| Orientation Center for the Blind, Albany | 28 | 5,905.05 |
Colorado | ||
| Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Springs | 645 | 136,027.08 |
| Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, Colorado Springs | 52 | 10,966.52 |
| Rehabilitation Center, Denver | 16 | 3,374.32 |
Connecticut | ||
| Board of Education and Services for the Blind, Connecticut, Windsor | 787 | 165,974.13 |
| Board of Education and Services for the Blind, Connecticut, PNP, Windsor | 1 | 210.89 |
| Oak Hill School, Hartford | 20 | 4,217.89 |
| Connecticut State Department of Mental Retardation, Hartford | 115 | 24,252.89 |
Delaware | ||
| State Department of Education, New Castle | 140 | 29,525.26 |
| Division for the Visually Impaired, New Castle | 48 | 10,122.95 |
District of Columbia | ||
| District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington, DC | 73 | 15,395.31 |
| Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, Riverdale, MD | 128 | 26,994.52 |
| District of Columbia Department of Human Services, Washington, DC | 5 | 1,054.47 |
Florida | ||
| Florida State Department of Education, Tampa | 1,644 | 346,710.89 |
| Florida State Department of Education, PNP, Tampa | 48 | 10,122.95 |
| Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, St. Augustine | 160 | 33,743.15 |
| Division of Blind Services, Daytona Beach | 62 | 13,075.47 |
| Conklin Center for the Blind, Daytona Beach | 12 | 2,530.74 |
Georgia | ||
| Georgia State Department of Education, Forest Park | 964 | 203,302.49 |
| Georgia State Department of Education, PNP, Forest Park | 2 | 421.79 |
| Georgia Academy for the Blind, Macon | 104 | 21,933.05 |
| Center for the Visually Impaired, Atlanta | 91 | 19,191.42 |
| Gracewood State School and Hospital, Gracewood | 7 | 1,476.26 |
Guam | ||
| Guam Department of Education, Hagatna | 12 | 2,530.74 |
Hawaii | ||
| Hawaii Department of Education, Honolulu | 158 | 33,321.36 |
| Hawaii Department of Education, PNP, Honolulu | 33 | 6,959.53 |
Idaho | ||
| Idaho State Department of Education, Gooding | 260 | 54,832.62 |
| Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind, Gooding | 25 | 5,272.37 |
| Idaho Commission for the Blind, Boise | 8 | 1,687.16 |
| Idaho State School and Hospital, Nampa | 7 | 1,476.26 |
Illinois | ||
| Illinois State Board of Education, Chicago | 1,690 | 356,412.04 |
| Illinois State Board of Education, PNP, Chicago | 371 | 78,241.93 |
| Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, Jacksonville | 67 | 14,129.94 |
| The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, Chicago | 339 | 71,493.30 |
| The Hadley School for the Blind, Winnetka | 469 | 98,909.61 |
| Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Wood, Chicago | 25 | 5,272.37 |
| The Hope School, Springfield | 7 | 1,476.26 |
Indiana | ||
| Indiana Department of Education, Indianapolis | 662 | 139,612.29 |
| Indiana Department of Education, PNP, Indianapolis | 26 | 5,483.26 |
| Indiana School for the Blind, Indianapolis | 106 | 22,354.84 |
| Indiana Department of Education, Adult Students, Indianapolis | 72 | 15,184.42 |
Iowa | ||
| Iowa Department of Education, Des Moines | 408 | 86,045.04 |
| Iowa Department of Education, PNP, Des Moines | 6 | 1,265.37 |
| Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, Vinton | 34 | 7,170.42 |
| Iowa Department for the Blind, Des Moines | 16 | 3,374.32 |
| Glenwood Resource Center, Glenwood | 39 | 8,224.89 |
Kansas | ||
| Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas City | 437 | 92,160.98 |
| Kansas State Board of Education, PNP, Kansas City | 111 | 23,409.31 |
| Kansas State School for the Blind, Kansas City | 45 | 9,490.26 |
| Services for the Blind, Topeka | 13 | 2,741.63 |
Kentucky | ||
| Kentucky Department of Education, Louisville | 489 | 103,127.51 |
| Kentucky Department of Education, PNP, Louisville | 67 | 14,129.94 |
| Kentucky School for the Blind, Louisville | 72 | 15,184.42 |
| Kentucky Department for the Blind, Louisville | 10 | 2,108.95 |
Louisiana | ||
| Louisiana Department of Education, Baton Rouge | 418 | 88,153.98 |
| Louisiana Department of Education, PNP, Baton Rouge | 3 | 632.68 |
| Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, Baton Rouge | 45 | 9,490.26 |
| Louisiana Center for the Blind, Ruston | 40 | 8,435.79 |
| Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, New Orleans | 8 | 1,687.16 |
Maine | ||
| Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Bangor | 226 | 47,662.20 |
| Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, PNP, Bangor | 2 | 421.79 |
Maryland | ||
| Maryland State Department of Education, Baltimore | 815 | 171,879.18 |
| Maryland State Department of Education, PNP, Baltimore | 234 | 49,349.36 |
| The Maryland School for the Blind, Baltimore | 165 | 34,797.63 |
Massachusetts | ||
| Massachusetts Department of Education, Malden | 1,529 | 322,457.99 |
| Massachusetts Department of Education, PNP, Malden | 145 | 30,579.73 |
| Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown | 465 | 98,066.04 |
| The Carroll Center for the Blind, Newton | 22 | 4,639.68 |
| Massachusetts Association for the Blind, Brookline | 14 | 2,952.53 |
| Walter E. Fernald State School, Waltham | 70 | 14,762.63 |
Michigan | ||
| Michigan State Department of Education, Flint | 2,152 | 453,845.39 |
| Michigan State Department of Education, PNP, Flint | 21 | 4,428.79 |
| Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center, Kalamazoo | 311 | 65,588.25 |
| Visually Handicapped Services, Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center, Detroit | 10 | 2,108.95 |
Minnesota | ||
| Minnesota Department of Education, Faribault | 771 | 162,599.81 |
| Minnesota Department of Education, PNP, Faribault | 11 | 2,319.84 |
| Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, Faribault | 50 | 10,544.73 |
| Blind, Inc., Minneapolis | 10 | 2,108.95 |
| Vision Loss Resources, Minneapolis | 15 | 3,163.42 |
Mississippi | ||
| Mississippi State Department of Education, Jackson | 95 | 20,035.00 |
| Mississippi State Department of Education, PNP, Jackson | 1 | 210.89 |
| Mississippi School for the Blind, Jackson | 90 | 18,980.52 |
| Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, Jackson | 28 | 5,905.05 |
Missouri | ||
| Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, St. Louis | 759 | 160,069.08 |
| Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, PNP, St. Louis | 146 | 30,790.63 |
| Missouri School for the Blind, St. Louis | 110 | 23,198.42 |
| Alphapointe Association for the Blind, Kansas City | 6 | 1,265.37 |
| Missouri Division of Family Services/Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Jefferson City | 12 | 2,530.74 |
Montana | ||
| Montana State Department of Public Instruction, Great Falls | 179 | 37,750.15 |
| Montana State Department of Public Instruction, PNP, Great Falls | 1 | 210.89 |
| Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind, Great Falls | 21 | 4,428.79 |
Nebraska | ||
| Nebraska State Department of Education, Nebraska City | 415 | 87,521.30 |
| Nebraska Center for the Education of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, Nebraska City | 8 | 1,687.16 |
Nevada | ||
| Nevada Department of Education, Carson City | 271 | 57,152.46 |
New Hampshire | ||
| New Hampshire Department of Education, Concord | 155 | 32,688.68 |
| New Hampshire Department of Education, PNP, Concord | 1 | 210.89 |
New Jersey | ||
| New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Newark | 1,779 | 375,181.67 |
| St. Joseph's School for the Blind, Jersey City | 112 | 23,620.21 |
New Mexico | ||
| New Mexico State Department of Education, Alamogordo | 288 | 60,737.67 |
| New Mexico State Department of Education, PNP, Alamogordo | 15 | 3,163.42 |
| New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped, Alamogordo | 106 | 22,354.84 |
New York | ||
| New York State Education Department, Batavia | 2,947 | 621,506.68 |
| New York State Education Department, PNP, Batavia | 1,394 | 293,987.21 |
| Lavelle School for the Blind, Bronx | 101 | 21,300.36 |
| The New York Institute for Special Education, Bronx | 98 | 20,667.68 |
| New York State School for the Blind, Batavia | 77 | 16,238.89 |
| Helen Keller National Center, Sands Point | 38 | 8,014.00 |
North Carolina | ||
| North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Raleigh | 771 | 162,599.81 |
| North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, PNP, Raleigh | 328 | 69,173.46 |
| The Governor Morehead School, Raleigh | 362 | 76,343.88 |
| Division of Services for the Blind, Raleigh | 17 | 3,585.21 |
North Dakota | ||
| Department of Public Instruction, Grand Forks | 159 | 33,532.26 |
| Department of Public Instruction, PNP, Grand Forks | 18 | 3,796.10 |
| North Dakota School for the Blind, Grand Forks | 83 | 17,504.26 |
Ohio | ||
| Ohio State Department of Education, Columbus | 1,515 | 319,505.47 |
| Ohio State Department of Education, PNP, Columbus | 18 | 3,796.10 |
| Ohio State School for the Blind, Columbus | 96 | 20,245.89 |
| The Clovernook Center for the Blind, Cincinnati | 16 | 3,374.32 |
| Vision Center of Central Ohio, Inc., Columbus | 1 | 210.89 |
Oklahoma | ||
| Oklahoma School for the Blind, Muskogee | 68 | 14,340.84 |
| Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation, Oklahoma City | 505 | 106,501.82 |
Oregon | ||
| Oregon Department of Education, Salem | 633 | 133,496.34 |
| Oregon School for the Blind, Salem | 33 | 6,959.53 |
Pennsylvania | ||
| Pennsylvania Department of Education, Harrisburg | 1,602 | 337,853.31 |
| Pennsylvania Department of Education, PNP, Harrisburg | 18 | 3,796.10 |
| Overbrook School for the Blind, Philadelphia | 327 | 68,962.57 |
| Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, Pittsburgh | 179 | 37,750.15 |
| Pittsburgh Vision Services, Pittsburgh | 34 | 7,170.42 |
| Royer-Greaves School for the Blind, Paoli | 27 | 5,694.16 |
Puerto Rico | ||
| Puerto Rico Department of Education, San Juan | 679 | 143,197.50 |
| Puerto Rico Department of Education, PNP, San Juan | 11 | 2,319.84 |
| Instituto Loaiza Cordero para Ninos Ciegos, Santurce | 59 | 12,442.79 |
| Rehabilitation Center for the Blind of Puerto Rico, San Juan | 46 | 9,701.16 |
Rhode Island | ||
| Rhode Island Department of Education, Providence | 166 | 35,008.52 |
| Rhode Island Department of Education, PNP, Providence | 52 | 10,966.52 |
South Carolina | ||
| South Carolina Department of Education, Columbia | 359 | 75,711.20 |
| South Carolina School for the Deaf, Blind and Multihandicapped, Columbia | 238 | 50,192.94 |
| South Carolina School for the Deaf, Blind and Multihandicapped, PNP, Columbia | 43 | 9,068.47 |
| South Carolina Commission for the Blind, Columbia | 13 | 2,741.63 |
| South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Columbia | 290 | 61,159.46 |
South Dakota | ||
| South Dakota Department of Education, Pierre | 70 | 14,762.63 |
| South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Aberdeen | 92 | 19,402.31 |
| South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, Sioux Falls | 5 | 1,054.47 |
Tennessee | ||
| Tennessee State Department of Education, Nashville | 797 | 168,083.08 |
| Tennessee State Department of Education, PNP, Nashville | 62 | 13,075.47 |
| Tennessee School for the Blind, Nashville | 180 | 37,961.05 |
Texas | ||
| Texas Education Agency, Austin | 4,419 | 931,943.67 |
| Texas Education Agency, PNP, Austin | 3 | 632.68 |
| Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Austin | 145 | 30,579.73 |
| The Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston, Houston | 52 | 10,966.52 |
| Texas Commission for the Blind, Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Austin | 64 | 13,497.26 |
| Texas Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation, Austin | 738 | 155,640.29 |
Utah | ||
| Utah State Office of Education, Ogden | 482 | 101,651.24 |
| Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind, Ogden | 230 | 48,505.78 |
Vermont | ||
| Vermont State Department of Education, Burlington | 107 | 22,565.73 |
Virgin Islands | ||
| Virgin Islands Department of Education, St. Thomas | 22 | 4,639.68 |
Virginia | ||
| Virginia Department of Education, Richmond | 1,051 | 221,650.33 |
| Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind & Multi-Disabled at Hampton, Hampton | 31 | 6,537.74 |
| Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind-Staunton, Staunton | 29 | 6,115.95 |
| Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Richmond | 75 | 15,817.10 |
| Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, PNP, Richmond | 20 | 4,217.89 |
Washington | ||
| Washington State Department of Public Instruction, Vancouver | 809 | 170,613.81 |
| Washington State Department of Public Instruction, PNP, Vancouver | 111 | 23,409.31 |
| Washington State School for the Blind, Vancouver | 62 | 13,075.47 |
West Virginia | ||
| West Virginia State Department of Education, Romney | 267 | 56,308.88 |
| West Virginia State Department of Education, PNP, Romney | 4 | 843.58 |
| West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Romney | 118 | 24,885.57 |
Wisconsin | ||
| Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Madison | 716 | 151,000.60 |
| Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, PNP, Madison | 13 | 2,741.63 |
| Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped and Educational Services for the Visually Impaired, Janesville | 66 | 13,919.05 |
Wyoming | ||
| Wyoming Department of Education, Sheridan | 71 | 14,973.52 |
| Wyoming Department of Education, PNP, Sheridan | 55 | 11,599.21 |
Totals | 56,913 | 12,002,650.00 |
The purpose of the Marie and Eugene Callahan Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is to collect, preserve, research, and exhibit the special media, tools, and materials related to the history of education and rehabilitation of people who are blind and visually impaired. The Museum also serves to document the history of the American Printing House for the Blind and provides an informational resource, both inside and outside the company.
Since its beginning in 1858, APH has looked for inspiration from the people and organizations that pioneered the education of blind and visually impaired individuals. APH leaders spoke and wrote about the history of blindness education and collected the early tactile books that formed the basis of APH's collection. Employees at APH saved old annual reports and memorabilia. Often when a piece of machinery was replaced, it was stored instead of being discarded. This strong interest in history and the "collecting" instincts of employees led to the idea, promoted by APH management, of establishing an APH museum.
Museum director Carol Tobe was hired in 1990 and an in-house advisory committee was formed to assist in the planning. The APH Development Department raised 60% of the over $500,000 budget for renovation of 5,700 square feet of space and creation of the museum exhibits.
APH held a grand opening for the museum in October, 1994. APH continues to build its unique collection, adding artifacts, photographs, and archival materials acquired through donations and purchases.
Many of the museum displays are "hands-on," allowing the visitor to see, touch, and even use certain items. After viewing the first book for blind people, learning about Louis Braille, and comparing different writing systems, the visitor can practice writing braille using a mechanical braillewriter or a slate and stylus. The visitor can also hear an historic recorded magazine sample, play an accessible computer game, or view historic photos.
In 1999, the museum was named the Marie and Eugene Callahan Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind in recognition of a generous charitable gift from Eugene Callahan in memory of his wife, Marie.
In 2001, Anne Rich became the museum's first full-time museum associate. New conservation cases were installed for the rare early embossed books and the entry was enhanced with a new kiosk and introductory video. A special case was designed for APH's premier piece, the first embossed book for blind people, published by Frenchman Valentin Hauy in 1786.
The museum web site, www.aph.org/museum/index.html, was expanded to include photographs of featured artifacts and additional information. The oral history project, providing stories about more recent APH history, began in 2004.
In 2003, a major space renovation project added climate-controlled storage and a workroom. All of the museum exhibits are being upgraded to meet conservation standards. APH is adding more accessible exhibits and improving exhibit designs.
In 2003, old APH machines were removed from storage and displayed in the manufacturing portion of our building. This display, entitled The Way We Worked, includes photos of workers operating the machinery.
In December 2003, APH premiered the first traveling exhibit, created in an effort to expand the reach of the museum. IN TOUCH WITH KNOWLEDGE consists of four freestanding kiosks — reading and writing, geography, mathematics, and science. Each kiosk contains a variety of original artifacts, graphics, and hands-on activities with braille labels, audio text, and descriptions. Smaller traveling exhibits highlight specific museum collections such as Building a Future (historic schools), Historic Braille Writers, and War of the Dots (tactile reading codes).
In its ten years of existence, the museum has succeeded in communicating the history of APH and the educational history of students who are blind and visually impaired. The Callahan Museum will continue to tell this story to audiences who visit the museum and through its traveling exhibits. A searchable web database in 2005 will give researchers access to museum collection records and in 2008, the Callahan Museum will play a vital role in APH's sesquicentennial.
To schedule a tour of the Callahan Museum, contact Roberta Williams, Special Projects Manager at 800-223-1839, extension 357 or email tour@aph.org
For information on scheduling a traveling exhibit, contact the director of the Callahan Museum by calling 800-223-1839 or sending an email to museum@aph.org
To make a donation to the museum, contact the Development Department at 888-295-2405 or email Dev&MagDept@aph.org
APH is fortunate to have many generous friends and supporters like Gene Callahan, who has unselfishly shared his gifts with us. The Marie and Eugene Callahan Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind is named in honor of Gene and his late wife Marie.
Family, friends, and interested supporters contribute with great benevolence to assure that special APH programs, services, and activities continue without charge to our national audience.
Braille Reader's Digest®
Reader's Digest® in braille has been a part of what we provide since 1928. This was the first popular magazine to be produced in an accessible medium. Numerous braille readers depend on it monthly, and we have never let them down.
Recorded Reader's Digest®
Reader's Digest® in recorded form started in 1939and has a monthly readership in the thousands. This magazine features the full content of the print edition, with the exception of advertising, and is free to eligible readers.
Newsweek® Talking Magazine
Newsweek® on cassette has been offered by APH since 1959 and is one of the most relied upon sources of news and current events available in recorded form. Newsweek listeners anxiously await their weekly Talking Book-format tape.
Weekly Reader® Series
Weekly Reader® in both braille and large print started in 1946 and is mailed each week during the school year. As the regular print version reaches schools nation-wide, the braille and large print editions from APH are also available.
Accessible magazines are only a phone call away, 1-800-223-1839.
Gifts of cash: Throughout the year, generous donors remember our programs through direct-mail gifts of cash, checks, and money orders. This is the simplest way of making a tax-deductible contribution.
Stocks and bonds are excellent ways to accomplish charitable intent while the donor benefits from favorable personal or estate tax treatment.
Life insurance giving is a creative estate-planning tool that is gaining popularity.
Gifts that remember a special occasion, memorialize an event, or honor a loved one play a major role in the gift plans of many of our supporters.
Matching gifts from corporations can greatly extend a monetary gift, often doubling it. Particular employers are proud to discuss this benefit.
Corporations frequently share their wealth by means of one-time, specific grants.
Charitable foundations focus on financial needs, operations, and services.
Each year, caring individuals use Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA) to provide major financial support to APH. In many cases, this time-tested technique has permitted gifts that otherwise would not have been made.
The Charitable Gift Annuity is a popular planning tool that provides income for life and very favorable tax results. Other features of a Charitable Gift Annuity include:
If you would like to receive further details, or an obligation-free proposal on APH's Charitable Gift Annuity program or learn more about Wills, please contact the APH Development Department at 1-888-295-2405.
Wills: Remembering APH in your Will provides a legacy toward our mission of helping those who are blind and visually impaired. A Will is one of the most important documents you will execute during your life.
If you wish to make American Printing House for the Blind the recipient of a personal bequest, one of the following forms may be used:
"I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the American Printing House for the Blind, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky, my entire estate."
OR
"I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the American Printing House for the Blind, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky, the sum of _____________ dollars ($_______________)."
OR
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Printing House for the Blind, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky, (state a fraction or a percentage) of the rest, residue, or remainder of my estate, whether real or personal."
Always consult your lawyer before making or changing your Will.
The American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible.
®Registered trademarks of The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.; Newsweek, Inc.; and Weekly Reader Corp.
Newsweek® on cassette helps audio readers keep informed. Your kind gift will help thousands of children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, please call us toll free, 1-888-295-2405 or visit Donor Support on our web site, www.aph.org
The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field honors those whose work profoundly changed the lives of thousands of blind people. The Hall, a project of the entire field of blindness, is housed at APH.
The Friends of Leaders and Legends columns are located in the Hall of Fame. You can place an engraved stone in one of these columns to honor a significant person or organization in your life. Your donation of a stone will also support the Hall of Fame.
Lou Tutt, Ex Officio Trustee representing the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, examines a tactile globe as Fred Otto, APH Project Leader, describes several geography products now in development. APH's impact can be felt around the globe — although our products are sold primarily in the U.S., we have customers in many other countries.
France 4016
Drawing
by Ryan Walker Wood
Joplin, MO
2004 APH InSights
Art Competition
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
USA
Phone: 800-223-1839
Fax: 502-899-2363
Web site: www.aph.org