About American printing house for the blind
American Printing House for the Blind: Providing Accessible Learning for Over 160 Years
For over 160 years, the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has been a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to creating accessible learning materials and resources for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. With a mission to empower people with visual impairments to achieve their full potential, APH has become a trusted source of educational tools and services that help individuals overcome barriers and achieve success.
Founded in 1858, APH began as a small printing operation in Louisville, Kentucky. Today, it is recognized as the world's largest nonprofit organization focused on creating accessible learning materials. The organization's commitment to innovation and excellence has led to numerous breakthroughs in assistive technology and educational resources that have transformed the lives of millions of people around the world.
One of APH's most significant contributions is its development of braille literacy programs. Braille is an essential tool for individuals who are blind or visually impaired because it allows them to read and write independently. APH offers a wide range of braille products including textbooks, reference materials, games, puzzles, maps, charts, graphs and more.
In addition to braille literacy programs, APH also provides access to digital audio books through its partnership with Bookshare.org. This service allows users with print disabilities such as blindness or dyslexia access over 800 thousand books in various formats including audio books.
APH also offers tactile graphics which provide students with visual impairments access to images that they can touch rather than just see on paper or screen. These graphics include raised line drawings which allow students who are blind or visually impaired understand complex concepts like geometry diagrams.
Another area where APH excels is assistive technology development. The organization has developed several innovative technologies such as Refreshable Braille Displays which allow users read electronic text using refreshable braille cells instead of traditional paper-based braille displays; Talking Calculators which speak out calculations aloud; Tactile Graphics Display which converts digital images into tactile graphics; among others.
APH also provides training opportunities for educators working with students who are blind or visually impaired through its Professional Development program. This program includes workshops on topics such as teaching strategies specific to visual impairment needs like orientation & mobility training (O&M), social skills development etc., curriculum adaptation techniques etc., all aimed at improving student outcomes by providing teachers with necessary skills needed when working with this population group.
The American Printing House for the Blind continues its legacy today by providing innovative solutions that empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired across America and beyond borders worldwide through partnerships established globally.
In conclusion,
The American Printing House for the Blind remains committed towards ensuring equal opportunities exist between sighted persons versus those living without sight by providing quality education tools tailored specifically towards their needs while promoting independence amongst them.
With over 160 years' experience under their belt coupled up with cutting-edge technological advancements made possible through research & development initiatives undertaken by experts within this field - there's no doubt why they remain one step ahead when it comes down delivering top-notch services aimed at empowering those living without sight!