APH News & Press
APH announces Art History Through Touch and Sound, an innovative multi-sensory learning system for people who are blind or visually impaired
News Release: Louisville, Kentucky, August 7, 2000
The first three components of this ongoing series, The Building Blocks of Art, The Art of Ancient Egypt, and European Modernism: 1900-1940 are now available from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). Developed by Art Education for the Blind (www.arteducation.org), Art History Through Touch and Sound's multi-sensory system uses a blend of sight, sound, and touch to convey the richness of the world of art to those who are visually impaired. This innovative approach to art appreciation includes information about individual artworks as well as the events and perspectives that have influenced major art movements from prehistory through contemporary art and architecture. The series is a result of nine years of research and development by educators, psychologists, and art historians. It has been tested among people who are blind or visually impaired and has been given their enthusiastic support.
Who will want Art History Through Touch and Sound?
- Groups offering formal art history classes or art appreciation/art-making classes (universities, museums, libraries, schools, and recreation programs).
- Visually impaired individuals who have not had access to those important aspects of our culture and heritage that are conveyed through the visual arts and architecture.
Each volume of the series includes:
- Tactile diagrams.
- Color and black and white photographs of artworks with captions in large print and braille.
- Cassette tapes containing audio narratives co-authored by highly respected art historians.
- An accessible teacher's supplement on computer disk that can be read on computer or used to create either braille or print hard copy.
Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has promoted the independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing special media, tools, and materials needed for education and life.
Contact Tony Grantz, APH Business Development Manager, at 800-223-1839 or by E-mail, tgrantz@aph.org or contact Elisabeth Axel, Director, Art Education for the Blind, at 212-334-8723 or by E-mail, elisabeth@idt.net