APH 150th Anniversary Essay Contest
First Place Winner: Professionals in the Field of Vision
Doreen Bohm
MY "SOS" IS APH . . . !
As many people know, the acronym SOS is the commonly used description for the International Morse Code distress signal (· · · - - - · · ·). It is an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed. I equate SOS to the words "Save Our Students". As a Teacher for the Blind/Visually Impaired, my SOS signal has been answered many times daily by a company that prides itself on promoting independence for people having visual challenges in life. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) truly has answered the call to SAVE OUR STUDENTS by providing quality services, products, unique materials, and technical support covering a broad spectrum of needs for people who are visually impaired or blind.
Tools, materials, resources, services are limited in the low-incidence area of blindness and visual impairments. As evidenced by the font, (APHont), that I use in this essay and in my daily work with students, the strategies and resources provided by APH are truly valuable for students in all aspects of life. The large print materials that I have ordered are quality in every way. My students have learned to order their own materials and work with the user friendly APH website and ordering system. I visit the APH website at least weekly and find the APH News sent out by Bob Brasher and Malcolm Turner to be the best way to keep up-to-date with all of the exciting new products and news that APH has to offer.
In my tenure, I have had some level of experience with virtually everything that APH has to offer. Our Developmental Adapted Physical Education Teacher and I recently worked with APH Research Associate, Tristan Pierce to test pilot the Tennis Kit. I also recently submitted my name for consideration to work on new CVI materials under the direction of Dr. Christine Roman. APH offers other opportunities in the area of personal growth, such as raising public awareness about the importance of braille for students and adults who are blind and visually impaired. This includes their work with other organizations on projects like the National Braille Challenge contest.
It would be absolutely impossible for me to name my favorite product or service offered by this company. I would have to probably say that the product that I use with the biggest age group of students is the Classroom Calendar Kit. Recently, I actually had to order replacement numbers/days for an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. The Mini-Lite Box is without a doubt my favorite tool with students. It is so versatile and is used to work on many, many visual skills. The unique sets of materials that can be ordered enhance the learning experience. I have also developed and used many of my own materials on the Mini-Lite Box. By utilizing what APH has to offer, I become a better resource to other educators and more effective in my work as a Teacher for the Blind/Visually Impaired.
The American Printing House for the Blind has empowered many people to overcome challenges that are often viewed as obstacles by most. From the many experiences that I have had with students and families I am convinced that without the rich array of services that APH has to offer, students and educators would not be where they are today. APH has created opportunities for educators to reach their students and assist them to be their very best.
One of my favorite phrases that I have posted on my bulletin board states: "Play is the work of childhood and toys are its tools. Blind and visually impaired children need toys that give them encouragement to understand their world and its possibilities". I think that APH addresses this phrase by its belief in providing unique products and resources that address vision needs.
· · · - - - · · · is the signal that has been answered by APH each day for the past 150 years. Happy Anniversary American Printing House for the Blind, thank you for Saving Our Students!