Defining The Dot Experience: Everything You Need to Know

What is The Dot Experience? 

The Dot Experience is APH’s re-imagined museum set to open in 2026. Designed with an unprecedented set of applied inclusive design standards that puts disability access front and center, it aims to be the most inclusive museum in the world. Here we will change perspectives about blindness and empower visitors to create a more inclusive world through powerful stories and innovations shaped by people who are blind or low vision, hands on interactives, and more! 

Why is it Called The Dot Experience? 

The name pays homage to the six-dot system of braille, a tactile reading and writing code for people who are blind or low vision that will be showcased throughout the museum to educate, empower, and encourage literacy for all.  

When Will The Dot Experience Open? 

We look forward to welcoming you in October 2026! 

What Can I Expect to See and Learn at The Dot Experience? 

Throughout The Dot Experience you will hear stories of the human experience from folks who are blind or low vision, both contemporary and historical, sharing their successes, struggles, joy, and everyday lives. You’ll meet teenage inventor, Louis Braille, creator of the braille code, and thanks to the American Foundation for the Blind Helen Keller Archives, you will get to know Helen through her own words, spanning all phases of her life.  

You will have hands-on opportunities to learn about the history of education for people who are blind or low vision and cutting-edge technology that is changing the game. As you tour our production facility, you’ll learn how our products are made and meet some of the students that benefit from them.  

Before you leave, we’ll invite you to reflect on your own experiences and communities, and how you can make them more inclusive. 

Will The Dot Experience Include Information About APH’s History? 

Yes! APH’s long history of innovation will be highlighted as visitors learn about the history and future of braille, talking books, magnifiers, braille writers, and more. The Factory Tour will be an opportunity for visitors to experience firsthand what we do at APH to support students who are blind or low vision across the country. Additionally, we maintain the largest and fastest growing center for historical materials in the nation devoted to the history of blindness and the education of people who are blind or low vision, which will be displayed throughout The Dot Experience 

Can I Try Out APH Products at The Dot Experience? 

Our products will be used throughout the experience to enhance learning opportunities and give visitors the chance to get hands-on experience with products such as the Monarch, Juno, Code Jumper, and more. 

Where Will The Dot Experience Be Located? 

The Dot Experience is being added on to the front of our headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, where we have resided since 1878. The lobby will serve as the new entrance into APH, where museum goers and corporate visitors will be welcomed into our tactile experience. 

What Ages is The Dot Experience for? 

The Dot Experience is for all ages! 

How Will The Dot Experience Be More Accessible Than a Typical Museum Experience? 

Where most museums discourage touch, at The Dot Experience we want you to touch everything! You’ll be invited to tactically explore replicas of artifacts, and in some spots, the artifacts themselves, with multi-sensory experiences throughout the galleries. 

The Dot Experience has been designed with an unprecedented set of inclusive design standards that ensure every visitor will be able to independently explore and engage with exhibits at their own pace.  All text will have corresponding braille and audio, video will have on screen ASL interpretation, and every image will have alt text. Tactile maps and flooring will guide visitors through the galleries and to specific exhibit components, all of which are fully navigable with a wheelchair. Interactives have been designed with mobility and dexterity in mind and are all within the reachable zone of a person using a wheelchair.  

Why Should I Visit The Dot Experience? 

The Dot Experience raises the voices and highlights the lived experiences of the blind and low vision community, providing a platform to expand equality and opportunity for all people. 

How Can I Support the Creation of The Dot Experience? 

The Dot Experience will house many stories from people who are blind or low vision. If someone has positively impacted your life, we’d love to include them. By honoring your influencer with a $250 donation, their name will be included in a tactile display in The Dot Experience. Learn more about how you can ensure your influencer’s legacy. In addition, there are opportunities for both individuals and companies to support The Dot Experience on a larger scale. Please contact development@aph.org for more information. 

In Addition to Key Figures like Helen Keller and Stevie Wonder, Are There Going to be Ordinary Blind People Represented? 

Absolutely! Visitors to The Dot Experience can expect to hear stories from students, parents, underemployed individuals, athletes, TVIs, and more. 

To learn about local events hosted by The Dot Experience, browse our online collection, and more, visit The Dot Experience website.