Our workshops are free for organized groups of 7—24. They can be scheduled in the afternoon or on Saturdays. Most workshops are co-taught by both blind and sighted instructors. Length and content are adjusted to meet the needs and ability levels of the participant groups.
For more information about workshops, contact Katie Carpenter, Museum Educator, or call 502-899-2213.
Our picture book workshops are like Story Time at the library and are intended for younger children. Each focuses on a book that involves blindness in some way or features a character who is blind. Creative dramatics, simple games, music, and art strengthen children’s understanding of the book’s message. Each workshop is co-taught by a person who is sighted and a person who is blind, who reads the book in braille.
Have you seen those dots in an elevator and wondered how they could possibly be words? Braille is a code, not a language, and the basics are easy. In less than an hour, participants will be reading and writing braille (by sight). They will also find out who invented braille and how it became the code used worldwide by people who are blind.
Being blind is not about what people can’t do — it is about what they can do. Instructors of this workshop, who are blind, will explain how they manage homes, families, and careers; how they read and write with braille and “see” illustrations with their fingers; and how a guide dog is an invaluable help.
Maybe you know all about Helen Keller and Louis Braille, but other people who were blind deserve recognition as well. The workshop will make participants reconsider their perception of blindness as a hindrance to leading full and rewarding lives.
People who are blind are scientists, engineers, business owners—all occupations that involve lots of math. But how do you do math if you can’t see? With the right tools, it’s easy. Participants will learn about ingenious tools invented over the centuries so that people who were blind could learn and practice math. They will also pick up some tips on doing mental math, solving math problems in their heads.
How do the blind “see” art? Through their sense of touch. Texture, line, and shape can all convey meaning. After taking a look at some methods APH uses to produce tactile (touchable) images, as well as artworks submitted to APH’s insights Arts competition, participants will create their own tactile works of art.
Sighted people are often surprised to discover that people who are blind or visually impaired enjoy arts and crafts. But why wouldn’t they? Over the years we’ve partnered with local artists to offer classes in quilling, jewelry-making, mosaics, holiday ornaments and wreaths, gourd art, “dreamscapes,” and more.
Be a problem solver! The products invented and developed by the American Printing House for the Blind address challenges faced by people who are blind or low vision. Can you do the same? After taking a look at some APH products and learning about the process, from the initial idea to the creation of a prototype, participants will follow through with their own design of a product that will empower the blind.
The art of bookmaking has been around for centuries, from illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages to unique journals found in gift shops today. In this workshop, you will tear apart a book to see how it’s made, tour the publishing facility at APH, and handcraft some books of your own.
In her time, Helen Keller was the most famous child in the world, and a celebrity all her life. Our archives include hundreds of paintings, formal portraits, and photos of Helen Keller. Through close examination of these photos, participants will trace Helen’s life, from the precocious six-year-old who learned about language at a water pump to the human rights crusader who changed the world not only for people with disabilities but for others marginalized by society.
We tailor the factory tour, museum tour and workshops so Scouts can make progress on specialized badges. We also offer our own unique patches, just for participating. Contact Katie Carpenter, Museum Educator, or call 502-899-2213 for more information.