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APH Annual Meeting 2000: In Review
By Bernadette S. Mudd, Editorial Committee Member
Photo: The feature article begins with a copy of the Annual Meeting Agenda booklet cover. The cover depicts several tall, slender pillars made from Braille plates. The entire image is repeated like a shadow of the previous image. On the cover reads: "Alone, we can do so little, together we can do so much." Helen Keller.
The cover of the 132nd APH Annual Meeting Agenda booklet is a beautiful image created by Louisville artist Bridgett Johnson depicting the pillars found in APH's Callahan Museum. The pillar image symbolizes those who work together to serve the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. "Like it or not," said Mary Nelle McLennan, APH Vice-President of Products and Services, "The baton has been passed. We have become the pillars of our field."
That strength is evident in the talents of many "pillars" of the field, including Mary Nelle McLennan, and Bob Brasher, APH Director of Educational and Advisory Services, who gathered other talents from APH and beyond to host the APH Annual Meeting during October 12-14, 2000. And so, the theme of this year's event was developed: "Together, We Can Do So Much!" which is taken from the quote by Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
Based on the feedback received from attendees, the meeting was a successful display of the power of Helen Keller's quote. Throughout the three-day event, APH staff, Ex Officio Trustees, guest speakers, and other attendees shared their endeavors, built networks, and celebrated their achievements in the quest to provide better services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
This issue of The APH Slate an overview of the APH 2000 Annual Meeting. If you were there, this issue may serve as a reminder of some important information you can share with your co-workers. If you were not able to attend, feel free to contact APH for more information about Annual Meeting topics reviewed in this newsletter. Then, be sure to mark your calendar for October 11-13, 2001, so you will not miss next year's event!
What Is Annual Meeting?
Annual Meetings began over 130 years ago as a gathering of the APH staff and Ex Officio Trustees.
An Ex Officio Trustee of the American Printing House for the Blind is legally entrusted with the administration of the Federal Quota Program for students within his or her system. As prescribed by the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind of 1879, Congress makes an annual appropriation to provide special Federal Quota materials. The Federal Quota Program is the system through which specialized materials are distributed (see www.aph.org for more information about the Federal Quota Program).
The Federal Quota Program is the system through which textbooks and materials are provided free to eligible blind students in educational settings ranging from early intervention programs for visually impaired infants to rehabilitation for elders who have age-related vision loss, from center-based and residential school programs to the regular classroom.
McLennan noted, "It's fascinating to know that in the beginning, people took trains, boats, and buggies from upstate New York, Baltimore, and Louisiana to come to Louisville one time a year for this meeting. To them, it was a critical time to partner, collaborate, and cooperate in order to get raised-print materials specifically made for blind people and delivered to them."
Photo: Mary Nelle McLennan, APH Vice President of Products & Services
"Attendance at annual meeting remains an important function of Ex Officio Trustees, " explained Brasher. "Today, however, we don't just discuss how to better provide embossing for tactile books. Now, the challenge has expanded to include educational products and the myriad services provided by APH. " McLennan added, "All of which are designed to support, promote, and scaffold the whole Federal Quota Program."
An added challenge is to make Annual Meeting interesting and meaningful. Several attendees expressed to APH staff that they felt this year's meeting contained a tremendous amount of pertinent information. "This was a wonderful meeting," wrote Cyral Miller, Outreach Director at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. "I really appreciated the national scope, the informative general sessions, the excitement of progress so evident among APH staff, the collaborative ventures, the outreach gathering... you worked hard to create a climate for learning and sharing and it worked."
APH 2000 Annual Meeting: Together We Can Do So Much!
The theme for the 2000 Annual Meeting was "Together, We Can Do So Much!" Brasher said this year's theme, taken in part from a quote by Helen Keller, "reflects APH and how it has evolved over time. We [APH] are even more focused on partnering with consumers, with professionals, with teachers, with parents, and with our Ex Officio Trustees. We need the strength of numbers-we need to all be one in the way we go about providing materials and services. This theme resonated with the planning team who agreed it does take us all and that together we can do so much." The theme was carried through, from the cover of the meeting's agenda booklet to the keynote address to the sessions presented and to the closing remarks.
Collaboration "APH is much more about collaborating than competing," summarized McLennan. This was evident in the general and breakout sessions and in the active participation of attendees. Several presentations were joint efforts of more than one department of APH and, in some cases, with the cooperation of outside contributors such as Ex Officio Trustees.
APH's collaboration efforts were evident in the work of the Educational Research Department. Debbie Willis, APH Educational Research reported that in Fiscal Year 2000, the APH Educational Research Department partnered and collaborated with over 150 consultants, reviewers, field evaluators, and committee members to produce and make available nearly 70 new or significantly revised products. In a breakout session, guest speakers Professor John M. Kennedy, Professor of Psychology and Research, University of Toronto, and Teresa Kardoulias, tactile illustrator for Art Education for the Blind (AEB) teamed up to demonstrate how making art and learning about art can play important roles in blind students' lives. Three volumes of the Art History Through Touch & Sound series are being co-published by AEB and APH.
APH has made concentrated efforts to listen to the voice of customers and the Ex Officio Trustees as a guide to identifying the materials and services needed to meet the individualized needs of our customers. Based on feedback from evaluations such as Cyral Miller's, these efforts are working.
The Success of Annual Meeting
Brasher outlined the key ingredients that bring people to the APH Annual Meeting today: "They come for the content, the network building, the affirmation, and the celebration."
Key Ingredient: Content
One of the key ingredients of the APH Annual Meeting is the content of its sessions. McLennan, who is a celebrated motivational speaker and meeting planner noted in a recent publication on the subject of successful meetings, "For any meeting to be successful, it has to have a purpose, and it has to be well-thought-out and well-organized (Business First, June 2000)." The Annual Meeting team chose topics that had been identified as areas of critical need or concern of people providing education or rehabilitation services.
Throughout the three days, presentations were made by APH staff in general sessions and smaller breakout sessions. During the general sessions, information was also shared about new products and new technologies (see sidebar titled, APH Shopping Cart and Individualized Systematic Assessment of Visual Impairment, ISAVE). The breakout sessions offered opportunities for more detailed discussions and demonstrations of APH products and services such as ISAVE (Individualized Systematic Assessment of Visual Efficiency) and Art History Through Touch & Sound, available from APH.
Key Ingredient: Affirmation
Brasher shares his own experience as a former Ex Officio Trustee regarding the affirmation one gets from Annual Meeting. "When I had to pick only one place I could go in a year, it was Louisville to attend the APH Annual Meeting because, in my opinion, it is the most important meeting you can attend. I always left [Louisville] feeling energized and excited about what was happening in our field and what APH was doing and what we were all accomplishing together."
Photo: Bob Brasher, Director of Educational and Advisory Services
"People who have been in the field a long time [find] it beneficial to go back and realize why they went into the field in the first place," McLennan said in June 2000 Business First article of other meetings. "A by-product of attending such an event is that people generally leave pumped up about what they do and why they're doing it."
Key Ingredient: Network Building
"Annual Meeting is [also] about building networks and connections to improve service delivery models that will better deliver materials and attract and train professionals," said McLennan. Attendees asked questions throughout the presentations as well as shared their own experiences from the field. Spontaneous groups gathered between sessions to share ideas, innovations, and information.
To further this network building, "We fold into our meetings open blocks of time for a dozen other major groups to have related meetings. For example, staff from schools for the blind get together, state vision consultants get together, and all the materials center people get together," explained McLennan. Many Annual Meeting attendees come because of the value of APH's meetings, but also because of their involvement in the related meetings.
Key Ingredient: Celebration
Annual Meeting includes time for celebrating the achievements of students who are blind or visually impaired as well as individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field. APH InSights Art Awards were given to outstanding student and adult artists who are legally blind. Award winners' works were displayed in the 2000 APH InSights Art Exhibition during Annual Meeting.
The Zickel Awards, named in honor of the late Virgil Zickel, former APH Plant Manager, recognizes those creative and caring individuals whose ideas result in the development of innovative products designed to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired. Individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the areas of education or rehabilitation of people who are blind or visually impaired may be honored with the Wings of Freedom Award.
The Continued Challenge: Commendations and Recommendations
For both McLennan and Brasher, Annual Meeting is valuable for communication. "For those who participate," summarized Brasher, "It is a time to share information on the services and products available, what products and services are needed, and to explore strategies for getting them to the people who need them."
"But," as Brasher noted, "It is also the time when we [APH] have to hear the hard stuff, too." For example, the advisory committees of Ex Officio Trustees present its recommendations detailing ways APH should improve as well as making APH aware of new areas to concentrate efforts.
"Therein lies the challenge of associated efforts," said McLennan, "We should never assume that what can be done and should be done is being done. It is our role to learn what needs to be done and to do it without reserve."
The Pillars of Today and Tomorrow
"There are many who will always be remembered as the stalwart forces, the shakers and movers-the pillars of our field. Together, they did so much," said McLennan in her closing remarks, Pillar Talk. "Now, like it or not, we are the pillars of our field. We are the support structures that undergird our profession.
"What we do, counts. But, it counts even more when we collaborate and partner our forces," said McLennan. "It is through this type of collaboration of many people that Annual Meeting happens."
Particularly, it is the "associated efforts" of pillars such as the many talents who gathered for yet another successful event. Together, they continue to do so much and challenge each other to do the same.
Photo: Terry Kelly is shown speaking into the microphone as he addresses the attendees on opening night of the APH 2000 Annual Meeting. As he speaks, his big smile breaks through his goatee. "You can do anything," he says.
Through song and spoken word, Terry Kelly delivered his inspirational words to kick off the 132nd APH Annual Meeting. Kelly, who is blind, shared his personal philosophy and life experiences that lead him to know "you can do anything."
"How many times have we told [those with whom we work], you can do it?" asked Kelly. "But if we don't believe that in ourselves, we can't convince others that it's true. It is important to be self-inspired." According to Kelly, self-inspiration comes from knowing our experiences. "It's okay to pat ourselves on the back as well as others."
Beating oneself up for goals not achieved kills the spirit. Kelly encourages, "We need to accept ourselves for who we are today and stop giving ourselves a hard time. Then, make plans for where we go from here."
"We need to pay attention to ourselves. It takes courage to look at our gifts and challenges and to recognize changes that will help make us stronger," said Kelly. He closed with the song, "We Can Do Anything." Kelly's inspirational message was echoed in its words: "We can do anything, we can go anywhere. All of the wonders of the world are yours and mine...Maybe we'll change the world. Maybe we are what the world's been lookin' for."
Photos: Dr. John Kennedy speaks to attendees about the importance of art making. Teresa Kardoulias leans against the wall before presenting her discussion on the importance of learning about art.
"APH is much more about collaborating than competing," said Mary Nelle McLennan, APH Vice- President of Products and Services, as she reviewed the Annual Meeting 2000.
This was evident in breakout sessions such as the one presented by Dr. John M. Kennedy and Teresa Kardoulias. The two teamed up to demonstrate how making art and learning about art can play important roles in blind students' lives.
Kennedy opened the session by describing how pictures can be part of a blind person's perception and cognition in his presentation, "Why Does a Blind Child Enjoy Drawing?" According to Kennedy, many people who are blind do not know they can draw until they are challenged to do so. They can't recognize pictures unless given the opportunity. Additionally, shapes are useful. They can communicate a variety of things cognitively, symbolically, and metaphorically.
Kennedy presented real-life examples of tactile drawings created by people who are blind.
Kardoulias outlined the importance and the benefits of art education. She introduced the APH product series Art History Through Touch & Sound as a tool for incorporating art history into the core curriculum of a child who is blind.
"In our experience [however]," Kardoulias said, "We have encountered many people who question whether or not art appreciation and art making should be a part of a blind person's curriculum." Many argue that students who are blind do not have time to add art appreciation to Braille, map reading, and mobility training among others areas already added to core curricula. According to Kardoulias, material is available that would allow for evaluation of art appreciation as a valuable addition to a core curriculum. AEB also believes that such evaluation would support using tactile diagrams of art and architecture to facilitate students learning Braille, map reading, and mobility.
Kardoulias cited other arguments for including art appreciation in the core curriculum of students who are blind. The 1994 Federal Goals 2000 Educate America Act states, "By the year 2000, all students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter including English, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography, and every school in America will ensure that all students learn to use their minds well, so they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in our Nation's modern economy (H.R. 1804, Goals 2000: Educate America Act, Title I: Section 102, 3A)."
She also noted that many art educators have "reflected upon how visual arts can be used to teach critical thinking skills and how visual arts can be used as a catalyst in teaching core curricula including reading, writing, social studies, and math."
APH and AEB have co-published three volumes of the series, Art History Through Touch & Sound. Fred Otto, APH Research Associate/General Project Leader specializing in tactile graphics, worked with AEB to develop Volumes 1,2, and 3. Frank Hayden, Manufacturing Specialist, Technical Research Division, APH, serves as project leader on Volumes 4-6 currently being developed.
During the 132nd APH Annual Meeting, new technologies such as the APH Shopping Cart feature were introduced.
In September 2000, a Shopping Cart was added to the APH web site to give convenient purchasing capabilities to U.S. customers. This feature was debuted after many months of effort by Kim Reeves, Computer Technology Services (CTS); Edwin Shelton, CTS; Daniela Brooks, CTS; Bob Brasher, Advisory Services; Christine Anderson, Resource Services; Kim Hartz, formerly of Resource Services; and the Spherion Company.
Individuals using a credit card, schools using a purchase order, or Ex Officio Trustees with Federal Quota accounts are finding the system friendly and easy to use. In the first month, 987 Federal Quota and credit card orders were placed using this system. Trustees continue to report great satisfaction with the new system.
How Does It Work?
Credit card users can set up a web account themselves when placing an order.
Established APH customers within the U.S. can call us at 1-800-223-1839, Ext. 271 to set up a web account.
Most customers will choose to search or browse APH's merchandise through the Louis Database. APH products now have a purchase link attached to each item-just click and your items drop into a cart! If customers already know the APH catalog numbers for the items they wish to purchase, they can use the "Quick Order" option that appears on the first screen.
Orders placed online can be shipped within the United States. Shipping is available by Free Matter for the Blind or UPS®. Customers can call 1-502-895-2405 or fax 1-502-899-2274 to order items needed outside the United States.
In this presentation, Langley, a developmental/vision specialist, and a member of the Pre-Kindergarten Handicapped Assessment Team, South Pinellas County Schools, Florida- and Kitchel demonstrated various components of this landmark work. ISAVE is a comprehensive set of texts, protocols, and accompanying materials designed to help the low vision practitioner evaluate the visual functioning of very young and/or difficult-to-test children.
ISAVE has been tested with practitioners and specific components have been tested with over 2000 toddlers. The feedback Langley received from these individuals has been paramount in developing the final product.
"As professionals in the field, this [ISAVE] is yours," Langley explained. "It is yours to select from and take components from." For example, the practitioner is free to pull components from the infant screen to use with an older child in order to look at particular skills and to double check an earlier observation. Langley outlined ISAVE as a tool for the practitioner to assess:
Throughout the presentation, Langley discussed and demonstrated various components of the kit. She used photos of children and discussed the systemic and integrative process for assessing children with multiple impairments.
Elaine Kitchel worked with Langley to make ISAVE available to the field. She noted that since ISAVE became available for sale, APH has added a CD-ROM to the kit to make it possible to reprint worksheets and evaluation forms and to make the materials more accessible. Additionally, APH is developing a video based on ISAVE's Chapter 5, Early Responsiveness. This video will show children, practitioners, and parents as they use the ISAVE materials and the early intervention that results from working with these children (see article on Virgil Zickel Award recipients, Sidebar 4).
APH InSights Art Awards
Celebrated artists included children and adults who are legally blind. Each submitted a creation to the APH InSights 2000 Art competition. Awards were presented and the winners' works were exhibited at the Annual Meeting. Many of the award winners attended the dinner to receive their awards.
Photo: APH InSights artist, Shafeka Hashash of New Milford, NJ poses in front of her artwork with a smile on her face.
Virgil Zickel Award
This is the second year APH has bestowed the Virgil Zickel Award. The award recognized two creative and caring individuals whose ideas resulted in the development of innovative products designed to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired. Will Evans, APH Educational Products Manager presented the awards and asked members of APH staff to offer comments about the recipients.
M. Beth Langley received her award in recognition of her contribution to the development of ISAVE (Individualized Systematic Assessment of Visual Efficiency), a unique functional vision assessment tool. Beth is a developmental/vision specialist in Clearwater, Florida. She has taught children with multiple disabilities for 28 years and is herself the parent of a child with multiple disabilities. "When you observe Beth [Langley] working with a child, parent or teacher, you've witnessed a master teacher," said Evans. "She is able to connect and enlist responses from kids like a pied piper."
Elaine Kitchel, Research Scientist, Low Vision Project Leader, APH, worked with Langley to produce the product at APH. She described the initial ISAVE project, which was her first assignment through APH, as a "stack of 400 pages," said Kitchel. "It took a while to get a view of all its possibilities." Langley completed monumental research based on her own work and that of many others and distilled it into a usable tool. People who work with very young, hard-to-test children can use ISAVE to determine even their smallest amount of visual function.
In her closing remarks, Kitchel said, "We measure our accomplishments in many ways, we sometimes have a party...a pat on the back...nothing at all...,or just the knowledge inside ourselves that we've done a job well. But, I would like to measure this accomplishment in this way. I see it as a large stone dropped in the center of a big lake and the ripples move farther and farther out, from school to school, from teacher to teacher, from child to child. And, for every superintendent who wished [he/she] had a tool to give teachers or practitioners, I say thank you. For every teacher or practitioner who wished he/she had a tool to reach those very hard-to-reach children and to know what they are seeing so that appropriate media, materials, and practices for teaching could be developed, I say thank you. For every little child who didn't see well who will be touched by this work, I say thank you."
Langley accepted her award in honor of a "very special little boy." According to Langley, Jeffrey Scott was one of the reasons the ISAVE came about. "He made me face how very little I knew and understood about vision in children with the most severe impairments."
"It is true, it does take a village to raise a child. And, if ever there were a village that pulled together to produce an instrument, it is the American Printing House for the Blind," said Langley. She also noted, "There are myriad people in this field and the profession of vision who have embraced, nurtured, and given so much to me and if this is one small way I can return, I am grateful to do that."
Patty Wheatley was recognized for her creation of Picture Maker: Wheatley Tactile Diagramming Kit, an interactive tactile board that allows teachers and students to create diagrams that convey a wide variety of concepts. Patty is an orientation and mobility specialist from Lexington, Kentucky.
Evans presented the award and explained that Wheatley had developed the diagramming kit out of a need to express educational concepts such as maps, geometry, and science. She and her husband hand-crafted the kits out of their home until requests reached such levels they could no longer keep up with the demand. At that time, she sought assistance from APH to manufacture the kits and make them available to anyone who needed them.
Karen Poppe, APH Senior Research Associate, Tactile Graphics Project Leader, worked with Wheatley to produce the kit at APH. She spoke about her experience working with Wheatley, "Patty views herself as one who teaches children to be strong, independent, and active. She entrusted her 'baby' to APH and worked in concert with us as we created each piece of the kit."
Wheatley was unable to attend the APH Annual Meeting in October and received her award at a later gathering at APH. She said this about Picture Maker, "This kit allows me to present the world as I see it, but more importantly, my students with visual impairments and blindness can share their perceptions with me."
The Wings of Freedom Award
The Wings of Freedom Award is the highest honor presented by APH. It is not an annual award, but is given periodically, only as deserved. The Wings of Freedom Award was established to recognize and honor individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the areas of education or rehabilitation of people who are blind or visually impaired.
APH bestowed the Wings of Freedom Award on Alice M. Post at Annual Meeting 2000, With her collaborative nature and willing heart, Post lives Helen Keller's powerful words everyday.
Photo: Wings of Freedom Award Winner Alice M. Post.
Post's impact on APH and the entire field is reflected in her pioneering work on the CARL Database Committee (now Louis Database), her two terms on the APH Publications Committee, and her role as one of our most giving Ex Officio Trustees. APH constantly relies on her assistance and counsel. One powerful example is her recent testimony before Congress on APH's behalf and on behalf of our nation's students who are visually impaired.
Friends and colleagues shared stories of Post's remarkable work. Fred Sinclair, third recipient of Wings of Freedom Award and who was an Ex Officio Trustee for 20 years said, "[Post] empowers strength, know-how, skills, confidence-especially [with] the students. [She does this] so they can move out and move ahead and fly independently."
Peggy Madera, Immediate Past President, AER and Post's colleague said, "[Post] never seeks acknowledgments for her accomplishments. When informed her sister had won the award, Margaret suggested that Alice would say that in lieu of flowers, 'call your congressman, write your senator, get out there and lobby, and vote." Madera said she had done all that, but her son, who accompanied her to the award dinner, insisted that Post be presented with flowers. He handed her a large bouquet of roses at the event.
Tuck Tinsley, APH President, introduced a video created to honor Post and they presented her with the Wings of Freedom Award. Post said, "I am truly honored to receive this most distinguished award which I wouldn't be able to receive if I didn't have a wonderful, dedicated staff and work in a school district where the administration is truly supportive of me."
Post continued, "I've been fortunate to be involved in this field of blindness and visual impairment. I've been truly privileged, which is an award in itself, to be part of this movement. And, today, when I was at the [general session] to hear the things that are happening [at APH] and that people who are blind and visually impaired are going to have access to information when they need it! Isn't that just wonderful?"
Post announced that she will be retiring in June 2001. "I'll miss all of you and your wonderful expertise and love, and caring and under-standing. [APH Ex Officio Trustees] and all those involved in the field, I want to thank you for persons who are blind and visually impaired for everything you've done."
Following Post's remarks, representatives from the Association of Instructional Resource Centers presented her with flowers, "You are truly the 'wind beneath the wings' of freedom for us."
APH Annual Meeting 2000
"Annual Meeting" - two simple words. Simple, yet powerful words to APH employees and to people who work in education and rehabilitation programs for the blind. These words bring a wide range of feelings and thoughts to thousands of people who have participated in a special October ritual that is more than a century old. Examples of thoughts that come to mind include beautiful Kentucky weather, meeting APH InSights Art winners… The Seelbach Hotel… sharing best practices… related meetings… Rooster Chowder… The Brown Hotel… formal meetings… extensive planning… the welcoming reception… the Do Drop Inn… stimulating keynote addresses… the Wings of Freedom Award…and renewing friendships with colleagues across the country.
The American Printing House for the Blind has held 132 consecutive Annual Meetings. The first was not held until 1868, ten years after APH was founded. Since 1879, the year Congress passed the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, the meeting has been referred to as the APH Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees. This is because the Act identifies Ex Officio Trustees, positions in each state and U.S. possession with the role to assist APH in administering the Act. The Annual Meeting brings the Ex Officio Trustees together with many others in the "blind business." The 300 or so participants each year include teachers, administrators, university training personnel, students, and blind consumers. The professionals who attend Annual Meeting are our best customers, accounting for approximately 50% of sales each year.
The warm, gracious, professional hospitality provided by APH staff to attendees is a major reason Annual Meeting is penciled-in early on peoples' calendars. Major efforts in preparing for and conducting the meeting are required of almost all departments and Annual Meeting seems to stimulate great amounts of adrenaline in APH staff. We stay focused 24 hours a day during the three or four days of Annual Meeting to make sure it is successful.
Photo: Anne Rich, Public Affairs led Annual Meeting attendees on a tour of the APH facility.
Showcasing new products and our work for the year are major goals for the meeting. Additionally, there are always ten or more organizations of professionals in our field, that piggyback their meetings onto Annual Meeting.
Those of us who attended Annual Meetings before joining APH are still as enthralled with this wonderful event as we were then. Annual Meeting is and must always be a highlight of the year for APH and those we serve.
APH Repository Update
In the last year, APH's Resource Services team has worked with individual publishers and the Association of American Publishers (AAP) to obtain legal agreements for distributing textbook files from its Internet-accessible site, the APH File Repository, which can be accessed through the Louis Database. In December 2000, APH signed a contract with McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. allowing APH to place its textbook files for braille production on the Repository. With this signing, APH has agreements with all the major textbook companies.
APH to Host "Meeting of the Minds"
A new federal initiative, the Collaborative Instructional Partnership with Teacher Training Programs, was developed to create collaboration between APH and university-based programs that prepare teachers of visually impaired children and rehabilitation professionals who work with adults who are blind or visually impaired. The goal of the initiative is to offer opportunities for university instructors to visit APH, to learn about APH products and services, and to allow APH staff to develop research that meets evolving student needs.
APH will host the first such "Meeting of the Minds" May 20 - 22, 2001, in Louisville. APH will also offer support to a summit meeting of university personnel that will take place immediately prior to the "Meeting of the Minds."
While at APH, university instructors will meet with the staff of APH's Educational Research Department and the Educational and Advisory Services Department to discuss current and future products, services, research trends, reciprocal relationships between APH and university programs, and other hot topics. Mary Nelle McLennan, Vice-President of Products and Services, APH; Bob Brasher, Director of Educational and Advisory Services, APH; and Janie Humphries, Field Services Representative, APH will meet with attendees to discuss an on-going product loan process and goals for the future. Tours of the APH manufacturing plant and the Callahan Museum will also be on the agenda.
Dr. Deborah Hatton of the University of North Carolina will meet with participants to discuss a new project being developed to provide modules to teach early intervention techniques to teachers, parents, and others dedicated to young children with visual impairments. APH thanks Dr. Hatton and UNC's generous financial contributions to this project.
New Employees Fill Roles in Educational Research and Resource Services Departments
The Educational Research Department has increased its staff to include a Multiple Disabilities Project Facilitator, Tristan Pierce. Tristan established a focus group to determine needed research and products for people from preschool through adulthood who have disabilities in addition to blindness. Judy Parks joined the department as Research Associate, Early Childhood Project Leader, and Barbara Henderson now serves as Test and Assessment Project Leader.
Bill Brymer recently joined the Resource Services team as an Expert Database Specialist/Website Manager. Bill has quickly begun researching, writing records for, and promoting the use of APH's Fred's Head Database.
Fred's Head is a growing collection of electronic "tips" that can be accessed through the APH web site. Blind, sighted, and low vision visitors to Fred's Head will find more than 400 articles on subjects ranging from how to fly-fish to how to use APH products. All of the articles are written to address issues of importance to blind and low vision users. Fred's Head also serves as an educational resource for sighted visitors who wish to learn more about vision-related products, services, and advocacy organizations.
If you have a tip for Fred's Head, contact Bill at (800) 223-1839, Ext. 399, or Maria Delgado at Ext. 340. Their respective emails are, bbrymer@aph.org or mdelgado@aph.org.
APH Product Catalog Winter 2001 Supplement
The new cumulative color supplement of the APH Product Catalog is now available for ordering. To order, call (800) 223-1839, and select #4 from the menu.
Hall of Fame
APH is excited to announce the initiation of an endowment project to establish a venue for recognizing and honoring heroes of the vision field. The preliminary plan includes creating a "virtual" Hall of Fame on the APH web site as well as a physical home that we hope will attract many visitors. We believe the project will compliment the mission of our Callahan Museum.
Dr. Cay Holbrook (B.C.), Dr. Joan Chase (FL), Dr. Dean and Naomi Tuttle (CO), Burt Boyer (CA), Dr. Michael Nelipovich (WI), and Dr. Phil Hatlen (TX) joined an APH "in-house" committee to plan this multi-layered project. The APH "in-house" committee includes Dr. Tuck Tinsley (President), Mary Nelle McLennan (Vice-President of Products and Services), Gary Mudd (Vice-President of Public Affairs), Will D. Evans (Educational Products Manager), Janie Humphries (Field Services Representative), and Bob Brasher (Director of Educational and Advisory Services).
The first year of the project will frame the dream and begin the processes required to initiate a venue that will truly honor the men and women who make up the rich heritage of leader-ship from all areas of the vision field.
If you wish to offer suggestions for this exciting project, please contact Bob Brasher at 800/223-1839, Ext. 369 or email bbrasher@aph.org.
Strength in Numbers, by Nancy Lacewell, Public Affairs Specialist
"Now is a critical time in the evolution of civil rights for people who are blind or visually impaired. Decisions are being made on key issues, at the national level, that will have long-term ramifications. We must each speak out now to ensure that this unique and timely opportunity for positive change doesn't pass us by." - Denise Rozell, AER; Mark Richer, AFB; Gary Mudd, APH.
"Advocacy is an area in which together, we can do so much. Positive change depends on the strength of many united behind a common cause," says Gary Mudd, APH Vice President of Public Affairs. "APH is committed to developing and maintaining partnerships in many different areas, none more important than addressing policy issues that impact the lives of blind and visually impaired people and the professionals who work with them."
During the 2000 Annual Meeting, the Public Affairs Department hosted a Legislative Luncheon to share information concerning several issues of critical importance on the national level. During the past few decades, several laws have been passed by Congress to protect the civil rights of people who are disabled. Unfortunately, implementation of these laws has often been inconsistent and ineffective, and some important issues have yet to be addressed.
The panel of professionals who lead this "town hall" discussion, along with Gary Mudd, included Denise Rozell, Executive Director of Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), and Mark Richert, Government Relations Representative with American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Specific issues discussed related to ensuring that blind and visually impaired students receive their textbooks at the same time as their sighted peers, expanding Medicare reimbursement to include vision rehabilitation services, and ensuring that federal employment services are accessible to blind and visually impaired job seekers.
Intended as a "call to action," the Legislative Luncheon was designed for both "beginner" advocates and those who have worked in the realm of public policy for many years. Information was provided on the "nuts and bolts" of identifying and contacting key members of Congress, and on pending civil suits and legislation in each area discussed. "Pros" shared tips on the most effective ways to communicate with elected officials.
"Professionals in the field of vision are acutely aware of the issues that directly impact their specific area of work and the clients or students they serve, but they may not have the time, information, or confidence to speak out," says Gary. "The Legislative Luncheon gave them an opportunity to voice their concerns to their colleagues and to identify areas of common interest. They were also given information on broader national issues about which they may not be aware, but which could have a significant impact in the future. Hopefully, they came away with a better understanding of the important role that public policy plays in their daily work and with renewed motivation to join efforts toward positive change."
Accessible Textbooks: A Balancing Act
Jane E. Lyons, Director, Accessible Textbook Initiative Collaboration (ATIC)
Photo: Jane E. Lyons, Director, ATIC
The ATIC team played a key role on the agenda of this year's Annual Meeting. During the general session on Friday morning, ATIC staff involved in accessible textbook projects gave an overview of progress made by ATIC in the last year.
A six-month pilot project focused on expanding production of Braille textbooks. This resulted in the receipt of 26 new Braille transcriptions, the sale of 151 copies of books, and 1,882 volumes of textbooks delivered to students. Jane E. Lyons noted that a focus group was conducted to develop best practices for ATIC textbooks.
Larry Skutchan, APH Research Scientist, Technology Project Leader and Keith Creasy, APH Programmer demonstrated a prototype of a new software they are developing called Book Master. This software uses the new digital talking book format that APH and many others have been developing to make it possible for individuals to read books in a variety of formats such as Braille, large print, digital, synthesized speech, and digitized audio.
Christine Anderson, APH Director of Resource Services, and Mark Klarer, APH Technical Programmer presented an overview of a new software-conversion program that will convert publishers' files into a format that is braille-transcriber-friendly.
Two highlights of the presentation were the introduction of eBraille and the new Tactile Vision tactile graphics process. eBraille will be a free, online Braille-translation service. It is being created by a collaboration of Duxbury Systems, Canadian National Braille Institute (CNBI), and APH.
Using the Duxbury Braille translation technology, eBraille produces contracted (Grade 2) or uncontracted (Grade 1) Braille in many languages. The resulting file then is available for immediate download or can be emailed anywhere in the world. eBraille can be used to translate short or simple documents such as letters, memos, or homework. It is not suitable for lengthy or complex documents such as textbooks.
The choices and ease of access will simplify writing letters, creating handouts for teachers, sending notes to visually impaired students or parents, and a variety of other tasks. This exciting new way to communicate will be available on APH's web site in the near future.
The Tactile Vision tactile graphics process was another "crowd pleaser" at the Annual Meeting. Although this project is still in the research phase, the ATIC team produced samples of tactile graphics to share with the meeting participants. This system will allow tactile graphics to be produced faster and less expensively. The ATIC team plans to include tactile graphics produced by this process into textbooks this year.
ATIC was created by APH's commitment to textbooks. For 2001, APH hopes ATIC will continue to grow in staff as it develops new programs and delivers high quality textbooks making a difference for students who are blind or visually impaired.
In November 2000, APH purchased an 1837 letter written by Samuel Gridley Howe to Michael W. Ash, a member of Congress asking his support for printing books for people who are blind.
The letter is printed in line letter but the address is handwritten so there were probably copies sent to other congressmen as well. The letter was embossed in an early form of Boston Line Letter which had no capital letters.
Throughout the three-day Annual Meeting, general and breakout sessions were presented by APH staff and other experts in the field. Following are highlights from selected sessions. If you would like more information about any of these sessions, please call APH at (800) 223-1839.
Projects, Partnerships, Plans and Progress
Presenter: Debbie Willis, Educational Research, APH
During the Friday general session, Educational Research Department staff provided the overview for Projects, Partnerships, Plans, and Progress of the Educational Research Department. "Our primary concern," said Willis, "is to identify and undertake projects that result in high quality materials which are needed and affordable and that will make a difference in the education and lives of blind or visually impaired students and clients and their families."
To achieve this goal of high-quality materials, Educational Research uses numerous sources for general guidance and direction throughout the product development process. These resources include the two Ex Officio Trustee committees-the Research and Development (R&D) and the Publications Advisory Committees as well as other Trustees, APH's Executive Committee, and experts from the field. Educational Research also organizes focus groups, survey participants, and people who submit product ideas to APH. Additionally, Educational Research staff members network at conferences and via the APH web site with consumers, students, clients, families, reviewers, and field evaluators.
"The strength of APH's Educational Research program is in its partnership with the field," said Willis. "Furthermore, it reflects positively the full cooperation and interaction of APH's staff and employees. It is through this spirit of teamwork that APH is able to maintain a high level of productivity."
The Educational Research staff collaborated with over 150 consultants, reviewers, field evaluators, and committee members to produce nearly 70 new or significantly revised products in Fiscal Year (FY) 2000. Looking ahead to FY2001, product research and development surveys and basic research as well as 11 special initiatives are underway. Special initiatives are issues in need of immediate attention or product development of particular relevance and importance to today's blind population.
An Early Childhood Registry Becomes Reality!
Presenters: Judy Parks, Research Associate/Early Childhood Project Leader, APH; Dr. Deborah Hatton, Research Investigator, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Throughout the first days of Annual Meeting, many attendees donned small buttons that read, "Babies Count." In the Saturday morning general session, Judy Parks and Deborah Hatton outlined a national "babies count" of children ages two and under with visual impairments.
As national trends increasingly advocate early intervention programs for children with disabilities, it became apparent there was a need for a national registry for children with visual impairments, birth to three years of age.
This effort evolved into a model project that included nine states and a Canadian province. It was designed and initiated by leaders in the early childhood visual impairment field at a preschool workshop in Boston in 1995. Using work pioneered by the Blind Babies Foundation in San Francisco and with financial support from the Hilton/Perkins Program, a model registry was established. It identified 806 children in this age group, and elicited data analyzed and published by Hatton.
The data collection process begins with family members and agency representatives upon intake into a service program; data is coded from that point on to insure confidentiality. Reliable results from this database can help to:
During 2001, APH will begin data collection from currently participating states and will work with eight new states to initiate and define data collection procedures. Hatton will work with APH to continue to analyze data and publish outcomes. By the end of FY 2005, APH anticipates participation of all 50 states in the national "babies count."
Basic Braille Literacy Skills
Presenter: Eleanor Pester, Research Scientist/Braille Project Leader, APH
Pester presented the results of a recent survey of teachers of the visually impaired to determine materials needed for children and their parents in contracted (Grade 2) and uncontracted (Grade 1) Braille. Included was an annotated bibliography of recent publications on the use of contracted and uncontracted Braille for teaching beginning reading. Preliminary reports, including both the bibliography and the survey results to date, served as handouts and are still available in print, large print, and Braille.
New and Upcoming Technology Products from APH
Presenter: Larry Skutchan, Research Scientist/Technology Project Leader, APH
The technology group hosted two workshops which showcased new products released in FY 2000 and previewed products soon to be released. The session highlighted Talking Typer TM for Windows, Math Flash TM, Road Runner, and MotionPAD. Skutchan and Keith Creasey, APH Programmer, demonstrated the products and provided an overview of the APH software strategy.
Tactile Tricks and Treats
Presenters: Karen J. Poppe, Senior Research Associate/ Tactile Graphics Project Leader; and Sarah Ballard, Research Assistant
Tactile "goodies" were shared with attendees including new "tricks" -methods for producing tactile graphics-and "treats" -new products-ideal for visually impaired students and adults. New products demonstrated at this session included the U.S. Puzzle Map, Quick-Draw Paper, Feel 'n Peel Stickers, Picture Maker: Wheatley Tactile Diagramming Kit, IntelliTactiles: Standard Overlay Companions, and the Tactile Demonstration Thermometer.
Poppe also conducted a special tour of APH to demonstrate the evolution of a product from concept to being ready for sale. Karen Poppe used the product path for developing Picture Maker: Wheatley Tactile Diagramming Kit for the demonstration. Will Evans, Educational Products Manager; Sarah Ballard, Research Assistant; Bernie Mudd, Product Materials Designer; and Tom Poppe, Pattern and Model Maker, took part in the tour to speak specifically about their roles in the product's development.
Adult Life: It's More Than Just Getting Older
Presenter: Marcia Gevers, Rehabilitation Teacher/Blind and Visually Impaired Services of Indiana and Adult Life Consultant, APH
Gevers discussed the outcomes of APH's recent survey of uncontracted Braille needs for adults, the priorities of the recent Rehabilitation Focus Group, and the Employment Issues Focus Group.
Large Type Dragon
Presenter: Elaine Kitchel, Research Scientist/Low Vision Project Leader, APH
Kitchel illustrated the science of large print typo-graphy. Using the humorous motif of a jovial knight off to slay a dragon, Kitchel demonstrated APH's arrival at some of its guidelines for producing large print documents for optimum readability.
APH developed large print guidelines based on the Student Survey of Large Print (SSLP) and other research of reading efficiency. APH's survey of over 175 students with low vision between the ages of 8 and 18 was designed to deter-mine student preferences in large print. This study and others evaluated reading efficiencies of specific fonts.
The survey indicated preferences for font styles such as Verdana (56%), Arial (24%) and Helvetica (18%). Based on research and prevailing standards, any type below 18 point is not considered "large print" (National Association of the Visually Handicapped-NAVH, and National Accreditation Council-NAC). Type sizes between 14 point and 18 point are considered "enlarged" print, but do not qualify as "large print" (NAVH, NAC). Font sizes of 18 and 20 point are preferred (SSLP).
The APH study indicates the font Verdana best met the characteristic needs for readability and preference for now. In response to the need for a more perfect font, APH is developing APHont, a typeface designed specifically for readers with low vision. It received a favorable response during beta and field testing. As soon as it is available, APHont will be used in APH's Accessible Textbook Initiative and Collaboration to produce large print books. The dragon may be tamed, at last.
Current Topics in Tests and Assessment
Panel of Presenters: Barbara Henderson, Test and Assessment Project Leader, APH; Carol Allman, Program Director, ESE Program Development and Services, FL Department of Education; Scott Trimble, Associate Commissioner, Office of Assessment and Accountability, KY Department of Education; and Larry Skutchan, Research Scientist/Technology Project Leader, APH
The panel discussed issues currently faced by educators who must provide tests and assessments in accessible formats. Henderson and the panel's discussion included news about developing standardized tests in alternative formats, accountability issues for those providing accessible state assessment tests, guidelines for developing state assessment tests, and computer-based testing. Skutchan demonstrated Teacher's Pet TM, an accessible test delivery software program developed at APH.
Let's See: Vision Development Activities for Young Children
Presenters: Judy Parks, Research Associate/Early Childhood Project Leader, APH; and Suzette Wright, Project Leader/Consultant, APH
Parks and Wright shared activities designed to promote development of visual skills in young children with visual impairment. Over 40 teachers contributed to the development of these activities.
Spanish Projects... What's Needed?
Presenter: Tony Grantz, Business Development Manager, APH
Grantz discussed APH's commitment to adapting and developing materials in Spanish. Attendees offered input regarding products needed. APH will soon introduce its Classroom Calendar as the first in a series of products available in Spanish.
At APH, we strive to provide you with the information you need about all our products and services. Should you have a question or concern, we are available to you Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) via e-mail, mail, or phone.
To help you reach the individual or team who can best serve your needs, follow this link to a list of contacts at APH.
U.S. Puzzle Map
Feel 'n Peel Stickers
Brain Quest®: English
RollBuster II
Nemeth Code Reference Sheet for Basic Mathematics, Braille Edition
Quick-DrawTM Paper
Picture Maker: Wheatley Tactile Diagramming Kit
On the Way to Literacy: The Littlest Pumpkin
4 x 6 Interpoint Slate
ISAVE, Individualized Systematic Assessment of Visual Efficiency
Donor Shares Family Treasure with Callahan Museum
Tuck Tinsley III, APH President, recognized Sam Vance and his wife, Delores, during the Annual Meeting awards dinner. Vance and his family have given the Callahan Museum one of their family treasures in memory of Benjamin B. Huntoon. Vance is the great-grandson of Benjamin B. Huntoon who was superintendent of Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) for 41 years and of APH for 48 years.
The gift is a set of dessert spoons and a serving knife, with Roman coins on the handles, in a handsome leather case, given to Huntoon's daughter as a wedding gift by the KSB employees. The back of the knife blade has the names of the KSB employees engraved in it.
APH thanks Mr. & Mrs. Vance for their thoughtful gift.
Mary Nelle McLennan, Vice-President, Products and Services
Bob Brasher, Director, Educational and Advisory Services
Scott Blome, Communications Group Manager
Nancy Lacewell, Public Affairs Specialist
Bernadette S. Mudd, Product Materials Designer, Graphic Designer, The APH Slate
The APH Slate is a publication of the American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.© 2001 by APH. All rights reserved.
©2001, American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.