APH Fact Sheet: General Information for Other Organizations
Description
The American Printing House for the Blind is the world's largest company devoted solely to researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind and visually impaired. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. Under the 1879 federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, APH is the official supplier of educational materials for visually impaired students in the U.S. who are working at less than college level.
Primary Services
We manufacture textbooks and magazines in braille, large print, recorded, and digital formats. APH also manufactures hundreds of educational, recreational, and daily living products. APH's fully-accessible website (www.aph.org) features information about APH products and services, online ordering of products, and free information on a wide variety of blindness-related topics. One popular feature of the site is the Louis Database, a free tool to help locate accessible books available from organizations across the U.S.
People Served
APH's products are useful to infants, preschoolers, elementary and high school students, and adults. APH primarily serves people who are visually impaired, although many of our products have application for people with learning disabilities and people with multiple disabilities.
Many of our products can be enjoyed by visually impaired and sighted students alike, making them useful for students who are in an inclusive classroom. With the exception of magazine subscriptions, our products may be purchased by anyone.
Ages Served
All ages.
Referrals
Not necessary.
Fees
Vary with product or service provided. APH accepts Federal Quota funds; purchase orders from companies and organizations; checks; money orders; and Discover®, MasterCard®, Visa®, and American Express® credit cards.
Newsletter
APH News is a monthly web newsletter featuring the latest APH products and services, introductions to new APH staff, news about workshops and events, and much more. Subscribe to receive a monthly email containing a link to the latest issue or read the newsletter online at www.aph.org. No outside advertising is accepted.
Advertising Material
APH offers catalogs, brochures, and other promotional materials designed to help educate service providers and consumers about APH products and services. These are available in a variety of accessible formats, which may include braille, large print, or digital files.
President
Dr. Tuck Tinsley III.
Customer Contact Person
Marsha Overstreet, Customer Service Manager: 800-223-1839, ext 278
Founded
APH was founded in 1858 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Incorporation Status
APH is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductable to the extent allowed by law.
Number of Employees
Approximately 320.
Annual Sales
Approximately $29,000,000.
Branch Offices, Subsidiaries, or Official Distributors
None. APH operates a single 280,000 square-foot facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
Hours
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.
Two Tours Offered
APH offers a guided tour of its plant and museum. Those who choose the Plant/Museum Tour will see how Talking Books and braille books are created, view demonstrations of educational products, and visit the museum. These free tours are available at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, except holidays, and last approximately one and a half hours.
Groups who want to focus on the historical and educational content of the museum may choose the Guided Museum Tour, available by appointment, Monday-Saturday.
Please make advance reservations for groups of 10 or more. Call 502-899-2356 to schedule either tour.
Museum
The history of the education of people who are blind is presented in APH's unique multimedia museum. Artifacts, photos, and electronic displays introduce the history of tactile alphabets, the braillewriter, Talking Books, and much more. A new feature exhibit celebrating the 150th anniversary of the company opened in May 2008. All displays are accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired.
The free museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday-Friday, except holidays, and 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field
The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the tradition of excellence manifested by the specific individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame and through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired.
The Hall is located at APH but belongs to the entire field of blindness. Kiosks display accessible bas-relief plaques of the legends and cases display artifacts. Visit the virtual Hall of Fame at www.aph.org. Click on "Hall of Fame."
Facility
Wheelchair accessible/Motor coach parking on street.
Mail List Rental
No. Our customer mailing lists are never sold or loaned to another organization.
Volunteers Accepted
Yes. Please contact the APH Special Projects and Public Affairs Manager for more information.