McConnell Receives Award From American Printing House For The Blind

Louisville’s American Printing House for the Blind (APH) announced today that U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is a recipient of this year’s APH Building Independence Award, in acknowledgement of his continuing efforts in support of educational opportunities for people with vision loss, The award is intended to demonstrate APH's sincere gratitude for outstanding efforts in support of its mission.

“Senator McConnell clearly recognizes the challenges that blind and visually impaired students face in an increasingly digital world and led the way toward ensuring that people with vision loss have the same life opportunities as their families, friends, and colleagues,” said APH President, Dr. Tuck Tinsley III.

“I am proud to support the great work the American Printing House for the Blind does to help provide educational opportunities for many blind and visually impaired Americans and it is an honor to be one of the first recipients of the Building Independence Award,” said Senator McConnell. “For more than 155 years APH has been a national resource for millions of Americans, and as it is located in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, I am especially appreciative for this remarkable institution’s service to our community and nation.”

Founded in 1858 in Louisville, Kentucky, APH was established to operate and raise funds to create what were then called “embossed” books for the blind. In 1879, Congress passed the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, which designated 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.

Since that time, APH's mission has been to promote independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing specialized materials, products, and services needed for education and life. In a statement, the APH said: “APH recognizes the collaborative efforts and partnerships needed to ensure that students with vision loss have access to the unique educational tools and materials they need to reach their full potential and become independent, productive citizens.

This year APH established the Building Independence Award to acknowledge these efforts. The first two recipients of the award, Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman John Yarmuth, both distinguished and accomplished members of Congress, have taken the lead in securing federal support for the complex, but important endeavor of developing innovative assistive technologies.”

The American Printing House for the Blind, located at 1839 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky, is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is the world's largest company devoted solely to researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind or visually impaired. Visit www.aph.org and APH on YouTube to learn more.

PHOTO: APH President, Dr. Tuck Tinsley III, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, W. Barrett Nichols, present Senator McConnell with the Building Independence Award in the U.S. Capitol.