LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It will be a beacon of inclusion and admiration for the contribution of Blind Americans.
One of the longest continuously running institutions in Louisville is paving the way for generations to come as the American Printing House for the Blind broke ground Monday on a $55 million renovation and expansion project.
It was a historic day for an organization steeped in 165 years of history.
“I think this is absolutely huge for the Blind community not only here in Louisville but across the world,” Jean Brown of Indianapolis told Spectrum News 1. Brown is a Chapter President for the National Federation for the Blind. Her husband Ron Brown is also a leadership member of the national organization. Brown and her family traveled from Indianapolis to experience the ground breaking in person.
The project includes a re-imagined museum to be known as “The Dot Experience.”
“The museum is going to house APH’s Helen Keller archives, items from Stevie Wonder. It’s going to introduce to people how people use braille, what braille is,” Ceremony Emcee Joe Strechay told the enthusiastic crowd Monday morning.
Among the youngest attendees is Jasiah Seymore who described the importance of the school and museum: “Because it helps people that are visually impaired, and some people are blind and they can’t see,” he said.
Seymore and his mother used to commute to the school from Paducah but last August, moved to Louisville so Jasiah could attend APH full time.
“I feel like it puts a voice on those people who are blind and let it be known that it’s not impossible for them to pursue a career or do things, like my son loves music so I think it will be very inspirational for him,” Jasiah’s mother, Jamyra Seymore, said.
The project is touted as a global model of inclusion, accessibility and innovation and as a means to educate and inspire minds of all ages. And, like its groundbreaking, it will also be a symbol of support and admiration of the contributions of blind people.
The Dot Experience is expected to open in 2025.