American Printing House For the Blind

History

Founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 1858, APH is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. From its founding until the Civil War began, APH organized its operation and raised funds to create embossed books. After the war, APH resumed operations and produced its first tactile books. By the early 1870s, APH was operating on a national scale. APH received a federal mandate in 1879 when the Congress of the United States passed the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind. This act designates APH as the official supplier of educational materials to all students in the U.S. who meet the definition of blindness and are working at less than college level.

Specialties

The American Printing House for the Blind, Inc. (APH) is the world's largest nonprofit organization creating educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are visually impaired. APH promotes the independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing specialized materials, products, and services needed for education and life. Individuals or small groups are welcome to visit our Museum, free of charge, Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm and Sat. 10am-3pm. Explore the history of the education of people who are blind in a fun and accessible setting. Individuals or small groups (9 or fewer) are also welcome for a free guided walking tour of our factory and museum. See the production of braille publications, the recording of audio books, a demonstration of educational materials designed for visually impaired people, and visit the Museum. Visitors may choose to spend additional time in the Museum before or after the tour. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and are offered Mon.-Fri. at 10am and 2pm, no reservations required. APH is closed on major holidays. The Museum is closed on major holidays and on Derby Day (the first Saturday in May). For more information or to find out about scheduling tours for large groups, custom visits, or field trips for students, check out the Museum website linked at the bottom of our homepage.