APH Celebrates Its History with a Gift to the Kentucky School for the Blind
APH produced tactile books and educational aids at the Kentucky School for the Blind--in the basement of the school's original Frankfort Avenue building--until 1883, when our first building opened on property located adjacent to the school. Until 1923, the company and the school shared the same superintendents.
As part of APH's 150th anniversary celebration and to commemorate the important role of KSB in shaping our company's history, APH produced a unique tactile map for the school and presented this gift to KSB students and staff on August 29.
The map, which tactually depicts features of Frankfort Avenue from Pope Street to Ewing Avenue, was designed through a collaborative effort of APH and KSB staff and made by APH Model Maker Tom Poppe. This educational tool will be used by students at KSB for general map study and to familiarize themselves with the area that they travel during orientation and mobility training. It includes both braille and large print labeling and is displayed on a table that is height-adjustable, making it easily accessible to all users.
The map project was supported through a generous donation from the PNC Foundation.
APH 150th Anniversary Essay Contest
One year after the APH 150th Anniversary Essay Contest was announced -- inviting people who are blind and visually impaired to share their thoughts about how APH aided their personal independence through an essay -- the contest was wrapped up during the 2008 Annual Meeting.
Of the 86 entries received from all over the nation, first, second, and third place winners were chosen in five different categories. Eight of those fifteen accomplished writers traveled to Louisville for the 150th Commemorative Dinner on October 2.
Portions of the first place essays were recorded by our studio professionals, Jack Fox and Jill Fox, for presentation during the ceremony. The award winners were greeted by APH President Tuck Tinsley to accept their prize ribbons and gift certificates for APH products. Many guests that evening said the essay portion of the program was a highlight of the event.
All first, second, and third place essays are available for download from the APH website in accessible formats, including audio. Go to: www.aph.org/essay/index.html.
Again, congratulations to the winners, and thanks to everyone who took the challenge!
History in the Making: The Story of the American Printing House for the Blind, 1858-2008
This beautiful history book by former APH Museum director Carol Tobe was commissioned to celebrate the company's 150th anniversary. Packed with rare details about the origins of APH, this 180 page book features rich photography, reproductions of tactile pages embossed from vintage printing plates, and an accessible audio book version read by APH narrator Jack Fox. The hardbound 12" x 12" book was designed by nationally known graphic artist Julius Friedman and features color photography by Geoffrey Carr. Five tactile pages from vintage books embossed on original APH presses using original plates are scattered throughout the book.
©2009, American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.