News from the Hall of Fame

May 17, 2013
Martha Louise Morrow Foxx and Laurence Clifton Jones to be Inducted into the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field in 2013

The Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence manifested by specific individuals through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired in North America. It is housed at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in Louisville, Kentucky, but belongs to all.

The ceremony to induct Ms. Foxx and Dr. Jones, connected through their work at Mississippi's Piney Woods Country Life School, will take place on Friday evening, October 18, 2013 in conjunction with APH's Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Joining the fifty outstanding legends previously inducted, are these two remarkable historic figures who literally changed lives and altered history. Their stories of accomplishment, in the face of staggering odds, are still powerfully touching lives. Dr. Jones and Ms. Foxx opened, and held open, a door that was seen as forever closed to black Americans, including those who were blind. Their heroic actions were not accomplished without personal danger and danger to their fellow workers, to their supporters, and to the students in their charge.

The Class of 2013:

• Martha Louise Morrow Foxx (1902 - 1975)

  Ms. Foxx was the primary teacher of the blind at the Piney Woods Country Life School in Mississippi from 1929 until 1942. She then became principal until 1951, when the school moved to a new campus in Jackson, thus becoming the Mississippi School for Blind Negroes, where she served as director until retirement in 1969. Martha Louise began her journey in the Piney Woods as an 18-year-old graduate of the Overbrook School for the Blind (PA). She went on to study at several colleges during summers, earning her bachelor and master degrees.

  Mrs. Foxx became widely known for her innovative and dynamic teaching philosophy which entailed instruction outside the walls of the school. She insisted that the students be allowed to enjoy outings into the woods around Piney Woods School to hone their senses of touch, sound, and smell. Using what were considered to be progressive techniques she taught students to read braille and large print and insisted that they learn to be self reliant and develop careers to insure they would succeed in making their own way after graduating from the school. Teachers, both black and white, from around the country, came to the Piney Woods to learn and embrace her methods—all before PL 94-142, IDEA, and the Civil Rights movement. This was happening in the heart of our segregated country. It took courage, persistence and unlimited patience. Her curriculum was adopted by the "white" school for the blind in the late 1940s.

  "Challenging minds, expanding possibilities, securing opportunities, and changing what it means to be blind for African-Americans who happened to be blind - this is what Mrs. Fox did with her life. She accepted the call, challenged her limits, and impacted lives by making a difference in the dignity and quality of life of hundreds of blind individuals who are now living all across America. Those same individuals are carrying on her legacy not only today, but for many years to come." Barbara White Hadnott, former student

• Dr. Laurence C. Jones (1884 - 1975)

  The Piney Woods School was founded in 1909 by Dr. Jones as a place to provide vocational and academic schooling for poor black children and grandchildren of slaves in the rural piney woods area—just south of Jackson, Mississippi. The school started with one 16-year old student at a tree stump and the next day there were 2 more students. As word got around, the school continued to grow. Many students came in mule drawn wagons and were dropped off with tuition partially paid in crops and homemade goods. Their families left them at the school with the hope of a better life for them if they could only get an education. All students at the school were required to work helping to grow food for the school, building and repairing the grounds, or touring in music ensembles. In an early photograph the motto of the schools reads "Work is the Mother of Contentment."

  In the 1920s, sparked by two events, Dr. Jones became aware that there was no school to educate Negro children who were blind. He observed a young blind girl begging on the streets of Vicksburg and a young blind boy, whose sharecropper parents were killed in a fire, was left at the school for him to care for. Never one to turn away a child in need or a challenge, and believing every child deserved an opportunity, Dr. Jones added the education of blind children to the school's purpose which remained a focus until 1951.

  Dr. Jones authored several books and tirelessly toured the country telling of the work and inviting national and international dignitaries to visit the campus. He attracted both white and black teachers from around the country to the Piney Woods to learn the methods used at the school for the blind. He advocated education which touched "the mind, the heart, and the hands." This credo was evidenced in education for the mind, spiritual growth and service for the heart, and putting the hands to good old fashioned work.

  Dr. Jones was a pioneering educator of the blind in Mississippi and he is credited with guiding the Mississippi Blind School for Negroes towards its move to Jackson and eventually to integration. The first big step was embodied by the creation of a new campus in Jackson in 1950, after almost 30 years of effort. In 1945, Helen Keller, after visiting the school and learning of Dr. Jones and Miss Foxx and their work, helped convince the Mississippi legislature to fund the establishment of the school. The Piney Woods School received state funding and moved to become a sister school of the Jackson based Mississippi School for the Blind.

  The combined efforts of Dr. Jones and Ms. Foxx were rewarded when the two campuses combined in 1974. "Dr. Jones should be noted and recognized for his work in the field of blindness. Because of his willingness to take on the challenge of educating black children, including those that were blind, Mississippi can tout the legacy of Martha Foxx. Dr. Jones was the first spark that initiated a fireball of interest and support to educate all children, including those of former slaves and those who were blind. This leader dared to educate the excluded. This leader dared to include a department to educate the blind which was far different from the expectations during that time. His leadership and professional practice are unsurpassed." Dr. Rosie L. T. Pridgen

Helen Keller visits the Piney Woods School in 1945.

For additional information on Dr. Jones, Ms. Foxx and the Piney Woods School, visit this website: http://captionmax.com/blog/2012/02/dr-laurence-jones-martha-louise-morrow-foxx/ or the Piney Woods School website: http://www.pineywoods.org/

Additional information regarding the 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will soon appear on the APH website, www.aph.org. Visit the Hall of Fame website at http://www.aph.org/hall/index.html for information on the Hall and those inducted.

Dean and Naomi Tuttle Honored for their Work

On behalf of the Governing Board of the Hall of Fame for the Blindness Field, Dr. Kay Ferrell framed and presented Dr. Dean and Naomi Tuttle with a copy of the engraved stone that is now mounted on the Wall of Tribute in the Hall of Fame. This tribute honors Dean and Naomi for creating the first 48 Hall of Fame Inductee biographies! As the stone states: Their words truly do bring our heroes to life. The Board also thanks the many fans and friends of the Tuttles whose donations made this possible.

May 30, 2012
Phil Hatlen and Pete Wurzburger to be Inducted into the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field in 2012

The Hall of Fame for the Blindness Field is housed at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in Louisville, Kentucky. The Hall, which belongs to the entire field of blindness, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence manifested by specific individuals through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired in North America.

To date, forty-eight outstanding professionals have been inducted into the Hall. Joining those legends are two remarkable icons, each of whom has mentored professionals and consumers throughout their careers and as a result their impact will be felt for generations to come.

The ceremony to induct Dr. Phil Hatlen and Mr. Pete Wurzburger will take place on Friday evening, October 12, 2012 in conjunction with APH's Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Class of 2012:

• Philip H. Hatlen

  During his career, Dr. Phil Hatlen has served as Executive Director of the Blind Babies Foundation, founder and current board member of the Living Skills Center for the Visually Impaired now named the Hatlen Center for the Blind, Professor at San Francisco State University, and Superintendent of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He has also served as President of the Council of Schools for the Blind, President of the Association for the Education of the Visually Handicapped, Co-Chair of the National Agenda, and Executive in Residence at the American Printing House for the Blind.

  Dr. Hatlen has written extensively on curriculum for students with visual impairments and on education placement issues. He is the author of what is considered the most important pillar in the instruction of children with visual impairments in the field today - The Expanded Core Curriculum.

  Among his honors, Dr. Hatlen has received AER's Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Award and the Mary K. Bauman Award, AFB's Migel Medal, CEC-DVI's Distinguished Service Award, CEC's Outstanding Leadership Award, and APH's Wings of Freedom Award.

  Induction into the Hall of Fame is intended for individuals who have made "significant contributions to improve the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired in such areas as professional practice, research, writing, leadership, direct service, and/or in their professional organizations." Phil Hatlen has contributed in all of these areas, sometimes simultaneously, but always with passion, conviction, innovation, and sagacity. Dr. Kay Ferrell

• Berdell "Pete" Wurzburger

  During his career, Pete Wurzburger served as Coordinator and Professor of the San Francisco State University Graduate Program in Orientation and Mobility (O&M), and taught O&M skills at the Hines Center, at the Orientation Center for the Blind, and at Sonoma State Hospital.

  Mr. Wurzburger, who was one of the first peripatologists in the field, was extremely innovative. He founded and served as the first president of the California Association for Orientation and Mobility Specialists (CAOMS), invented the "marshmallow tip" for multiply disabled students who needed constant contact—now used worldwide, was one of first to teach O&M to preschool children, and was the first university professor to accept a blind or visually impaired person into the O&M program.

  Among his awards Mr. Wurzberger received AER's Blaha Award, the first NCAOMS Berdell "Pete" Wurzburger Biennial Award, the Sandy Kolterman Award, and AFB's Migel Medal.

  Pete made it clear, in words and actions, that he considered every client his equal, deserving of the same respect and dignity as every human being. Pete never judges people. Rather, he takes them as they are, warts and all, nurtures them, finds the good in them, and supports them. Dr. Phil Hatlen

Additional information regarding the 2012 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will soon appear on the APH website, www.aph.org.

Visit the Hall of Fame website at http://www.aph.org/hall/index.html for information on the Hall and those inducted.

Rod Kossick video interviews: Warren Bledsoe, Russell Williams, and Stanley Suterko

Watch these uncut video interviews from Rod Kossick with Hall of Famers Warren Bledsoe, Russell Williams, and Stanley Suterko.

2011 Induction Ceremony Videos Are Available

Class of 2011: Edward Ellis Allen; Sally Rogow

Video: Jim Deremiek: Opening Remarks and History

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Video: 2011 Induction Ceremony

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Video: Sally Rogow Response

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2010 Induction Ceremony Videos Are Available

Class of 2010: Morris Frank; M.C. Migel

Hall of Fame 2010 Induction Ceremony

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Morris Frank

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May 31, 2011
Sally Rogow and Edward Allen to be Inducted into the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field

The Hall of Fame for the Blindness Field, founded in 2001, is housed at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in Louisville, Kentucky. The Hall, which belongs to the entire field of blindness, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence manifested by specific individuals through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired in North America. The Hall is guided by a nine member Governing Board.

To date, forty-six outstanding professionals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Joining those legends are two remarkable icons whose impact has been felt internationally. The ceremony to induct Dr. Sally Rogow and Dr. Edward Allen will take place Friday evening, October 14, 2011, in conjunction with APH's Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Class of 2011:

• Edward Ellis Allen (1861-1941)

  Dr. Edward Ellis Allen was instrumental in professionalizing the field of education for students who are blind and visually impaired. His high personal and professional standards infuse the work of our schools for the blind daily. Allen oversaw the design and construction of two residential schools for the blind: Overbrook (1899) and Perkins (1912) which are still in use. In 1920 he created the first teacher training program for students who were blind and visually impaired in partnership with Harvard College, now housed at University of Massachusetts Boston. Allen Introduced the first interpoint and interlinear braille embossing equipment in the U.S. in 1898 and sponsored research and the development of standardized testing which established that the intelligence of people with visual impairment is unimpaired.

  "Edward Ellis Allen's greatest contribution lay in his insistence that educational methods focus on the student. His forward-thinking innovations presaged the child-centered teaching methods that are the foundation of our field today. His educational innovations were driven by the understanding that the needs and gifts of the individual student must be integrated into the teaching plan." Jan Seymour-Ford

• Sally Rogow

  Dr. Sally Rogow is a renowned educator, researcher, author, and human rights advocate who pioneered teacher preparation programs in the area of visual impairment across Canada. Among her accomplishments were creating and directing the master's program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and her studies significantly expanding our understanding of language development and literacy in children with disabilities. Rogow has shared her findings in numerous books, articles, stories, and presentations. Following her retirement from UBC, Dr. Rogow became an international advocate against the abuse and neglect of children with disabilities through her writings, lectures, and as director of The Person Within program.

  "Dr. Rogow's boundless energy stems from her uncompromising belief in human potential and equality and from her celebration of diversity. Her unflagging resolve to advance the needs of students with visual impairments is a wonderful inspiration to all and I, like so many others, am deeply indebted to her. Dr. Rogow exemplifies the commitment, self-reflection, professionalism, expertise, and humility needed to enable children to reach their full potential." Dr. Erika Forster

Additional information regarding the 2011 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will soon appear on the APH website, www.aph.org.

Visit the Hall of Fame website at http://www.aph.org/hall/index.html for information on the Hall and those inducted.

May 11, 2010
Morris Frank and M. C. Migel will be Inducted into the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field, founded in 2001, is housed at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in Louisville, Kentucky. The Hall, which belongs to the entire field of blindness, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence manifested by specific individuals through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired in North America. The Hall is guided by a nine member Governing Board.

To date, forty-four outstanding professionals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Joining those legends are two remarkable icons from our past whose impact is still felt internationally. The ceremony to induct M. C. Migel and Morris Frank will take place Friday evening, October 15, 2010 in conjunction with APH's Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Class of 2010:

• M. C. Migel

  Working with the American Red Cross during World War I, Major Moses Charles Migel was exposed to countless veterans who lost their sight in combat. These experiences inspired him to dedicate himself to helping people with vision loss lead independent and fulfilling lives. Migel founded the American Foundation for the Blind in 1921 and served as President of the Board of Trustees until 1945. Among his honors was being proclaimed a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor for his work in France during World War I.

  "The past 20 years of my life's work has been shaped by and dependent upon the work of M.C. Migel. Without his leadership, knowledge of the business world, and willingness to contribute personally, professionally, and monetarily, I honestly believe that the American Foundation for the Blind would not be the organization it is today." Carl Augusto

• Morris Frank

  As the first person in North America to use a guide dog, Morris Frank promised to spread the word about the independence and enhanced mobility that could be experienced. Together with Dorothy Harrison Eustis, Frank founded The Seeing Eye in 1929, basing the organization on the philosophy that limitless possibilities exist within the lives of people who are blind. He was almost single-handedly responsible for the passage of initial legislation relevant to dog guide access in every state and province.

  His famous book, "First Lady of The Seeing Eye," co-written with Blake Clark, was the story of Buddy, his first dog guide. This eventually led to being the subject of the Walt Disney movie, "Love Leads the Way."

  "It was his leadership and role modeling behavior that founded not only the first dog guide school but the entire industry -- an industry that today has over 80 accredited schools around the world." James Kutsch, Jr.

  Additional information regarding the 2010 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will soon appear on the APH website, www.aph.org.

  Visit the Hall of Fame website at http://www.aph.org/hall/index.html for information on the Hall and those inducted.

January 1, 2010
Hall of Fame Then and Now

The first photo shows the cleared Hall space in December of 2001. The second photo was December of 2010. Both were taken in approximately the same place with approximately the same people.

First photo: Don Keefe, Bob Brasher, Janie Blome, Gary Mudd, Will Evans
Second photo: Paul Zurkuhlen, Bob Brasher, Janie Blome, Gary Mudd, Will Evans

May 7, 2009
Two Legends to Enter the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field in 2009

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field, founded in 2001, is housed at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in Louisville, Kentucky. The Hall, which belongs to the entire field of blindness, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence manifested by specific individuals through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired in North America. The Hall is guided by a nine member Governing Board.

To date, forty-two outstanding professionals who made significant contributions to the field of blindness have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Now joining those legends are two remarkable individuals who will be inducted on Friday evening, October 16, 2009 during a ceremony that will be held in conjunction with APH's Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests, at the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Class of 2009:

• Euclid Herie

  Dr. Euclid Herie exhibited tremendous leadership and vision as President of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and as President of the World Blind Union. This inspiring and committed leader has continued to exemplify his strong advocacy for braille by establishing, in his retirement, a foundation to help implement braille literacy programs in developing countries. Dr. Herie has received many honors, including his 2001 appointment as CNIB President Emeritus. In 2002 he received AER's Ambrose M. Shotwell Award. Herie is also the recipient of the Queen's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal and the Canadian Government's prestigious Member of the Order of Canada.

  "Aside from his technical skills and brilliance as a public speaker, I value most highly his warmth of personality and ability to touch the lives of disempowered people." Dr. William Rowland

• Dean Tuttle

  Dr. Dean Tuttle served as the innovative Principal of the California School for the Blind before joining the faculty of the University of Northern Colorado where he created one of the finest, most respected teacher preparation centers in visual impairment in the country. His 58 publications include the classic text, Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness, co-authored with his wife Naomi. Honors and awards include APH's Wings of Freedom (2004), AFB's Migel Medal (2000), and CEC/DVI's Distinguished Service Award (1991).

  "We should all be thankful that Dean Tuttle is blind. For in being blind, he has given us a legacy of insight and self examination that has provided new understandings about the children we teach." Dr. Kay A. Ferrell

  Visit the Hall of Fame website at www.aph.org/hall for information on the Hall and those inducted.

2008 Induction Ceremony Video Is Available

Class of 2008: Sally Mangold, Ph.D.; Richard L. Welsh, Ph.D.

• Video in Windows Media Player Format
• Video in Quicktime Format
• Bonus Movie! The Stone Presentations to Susan Spungin and Bob Brasher are also available:
  • Video in Windows Media Player Format
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May 29, 2008
Two Giants to Enter the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field in 2008

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field, founded in 2001, is housed at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in Louis-ville, Kentucky. The Hall, which belongs to the entire field of blindness, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence manifested by specific individuals through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired in North America. The Hall is guided by a nine member Advisory Board.

To date, forty outstanding professionals who made significant contributions to the field of blindness in the recent and distant past have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Now joining those legends are two remarkable individuals who will be inducted on Friday evening, October 3, at a ceremony that will be held in conjunction with APH's Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests.

The Class of 2008:

• Sally Mangold, Ph.D.

  Sally Mangold served as a Resource Room teacher for students with visual impairments for 18 years. She followed that important role with that of Professor at San Francisco State University for another 18 years. Sally was a passionate proponent and champion of braille literacy throughout her career. She was a pioneer in the institution of the Distance Education Program at SFSU. She and husband Phil founded Exceptional Teaching Aids, a company promoting and selling products for visually impaired clients and teachers. Among her many achievements was the creation of the Mangold Developmental Program of Tactile Perception and Braille Letter Recognition, hailed as a landmark program for braille instruction.

  According to AFB President Carl Augusto, "Sally Mangold's writings, technol-ogical breakthroughs, and teachings have not only enabled children and adults who are blind or visually impaired to learn braille, but also have raised awareness to the critical importance of braille literacy."

  Among her awards and honors were the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Award, the California Transcribers (CTEVH) Fred L. Sinclair Award, the Holbrook-Humphries Literacy Award, the American Foundation for the Blind Migel Medal, and the American Printing House for the Blind Creative Use of Braille Award.

• Richard L. Welsh, Ph.D.

  During his illustrious career, Rick Welsh has served as an orientation and mobility specialist, a college instructor and professor, a counselor, a coordinator of rehabilitation services, and an agency administrator, most notably as President of both the Maryland School for the Blind and Pittsburgh Vision Services.

  Two of Dr. Welsh's many significant contributions include co-editing the first and second editions of the primary textbook used by programs educating orientation and mobility specialists, Foundations in Orientation and Mobility, and providing the leadership in the consolidation of two prior, long-standing professional associations to form the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) in 1984. He then served as the first elected President of the organization.

  Frances Mary D'Andrea observes, "Rick has that rare ability to take the long view, and with remarkable foresight to forge a vision of what could be--and then work hard to make it a reality."

  Among his honors and awards are the inaugural D.C./Maryland AER Chapter Service Award, established in his honor, the American Foundation for the Blind Migel Medal, the American Association for Blind Workers C. Warren Bledsoe Award, and the AER Ambrose M. Shotwell Award.

  Visit the Hall of Fame website at www.aph.org/hall for information on the Hall and those inducted.

The entire historic 2002 Induction Ceremony is now available for viewing.

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Virtual Tour of the Hall of Fame Now Online

• Tour the Hall of Fame

2007 Induction Ceremony Video Is Available

Class of 2007: Charles F.F. Campbell; "Butch" Hill

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New Video on Biography Pages

To view historic footage of meetings, dedications, and interviews with Georgie Lee Abel, Kathern Gruber, Berthold Lowenfeld, and Josephine Taylor, visit their Hall of Fame biography pages. The Hall gratefully acknowledges Dr. Phil Hatlen for providing these amazing videos.

New Video on the Website: AER/Hall of Fame Connections

This eight-minute Hall of Fame Video was produced for a general session of the 2006 AER International Conference in Utah. The video highlights the various AER connections with the Hall of Fame, including many of the engraved stones that appear on the Wall of Tribute.

Due to the popular demand after that viewing, DVDs of the presentation were sent to all AER chapters, divisions, and International officers. Now we have made the video available here on our website. Please feel free to share this video with any person or group who might be interested in AER and the Hall of Fame.

These links will open in a new browser window. You will need either Windows Media Player or Quicktime to view the videos.

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May 21, 2007
Two Giants to Enter the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field in 2007 Induction

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field, founded in 2001, is housed at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) in Louisville, Kentucky. The Hall, which belongs to the entire field of blindness, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence manifested by specific individuals through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired in North America. The Hall is guided by a nine member Advisory Board.

To date, thirty-eight outstanding professionals who made significant contributions to the field of blindness in the recent and distant past have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Now joining those legends is the Class of 2007, made up of two remarkable individuals who will be inducted in October at a ceremony that will be held in conjunction with APH's 139th Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests.

Come to the Induction Ceremony!

The Class of 2007:

• Charles F.F. Campbell (1876-1935)

  Charles Campbell led the development of modern vocational rehabilitation for blind adults through the establishment of work stations that demonstrated to blind people and the public the many and varied jobs that could be done without sight. In 1907, he launched a journal which has become the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, and he led the creation of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to continue the journal and to take on other projects of national significance. He then persuaded Helen Keller to dedicate her life to the support of AFB. "While I was still at Radcliffe College, his eloquent pleadings convinced my teacher and me that there was something we could do to better the condition of the adult blind." -- Helen Keller, 1936

  "The modern conception of work for the adult blind throughout the entire country owes more to his inspirational, vivacious initiative than to any other single factor." -- C. W. Holmes 1936

• Everett "Butch" Hill (1943 - 1994)

  Dr. Hill's significant contributions to our body of literature include his work in spatial positional concepts, preschool orientation and mobility, and the classic textbook: Orientation and Mobility Techniques: A Guide for the Practitioner, co-written with Purvis Ponder. For the last 14 years of his life he served as Professor at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University where his teaching and mentorship of O&M practitioners was legendary. As recognition to his competence in this area, he received the first Outstanding Teaching Award from Peabody in 1986. "In his all too short 28 years with us, he single-handedly accomplished what he set-out to do when he entered the field of O&M, which was to heighten the awareness and recognition of the field of O&M by creating a well defined base of research literature." -- George Zimmerman

  "Through his early work on concept development with children who were congenitally blind, Dr. Hill helped to build the bridge between the approach to the systematic delivery of orientation and mobility training as it was developed for adventitiously blinded adults and O&M services for congenitally blind children." -- Rick Welsh

April 3, 2007
We've Decked the Hall with a New Website Design!

We're excited to launch our redesign of the virtual Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field.

The wealth of information on the Hall of Fame site has been reorganized for easier navigation. The site features:

• User-friendly, streamlined navigation
• Photos and bios of all 38 Hall of Fame inductees, including the new Class of 2006 inductees
• Additional photos of some inductees
• New photos of the Hall of Fame space, housed at APH
• New stones on the Wall of Tribute
• Information on how you can support the Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is a project of the entire field of vision and is housed at APH in Louisville, Kentucky. The Hall 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.

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Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is a project of the entire field of blindness. It is curated by the American Printing House for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.