Groundbreaking Louisville Attraction Addresses Blindness and Inclusivity
Now open in Louisville, The Dot Experience, a new attraction by the American Printing House for the Blind, invites visitors to rethink disability, accessibility, and their role in shaping a world that welcomes everyone.
Photos: The Dot Experience/American Printing House
The American Printing House for the Blind has introduced a first-of-its-kind attraction with a hands-on approach to understanding blindness and inclusivity. Through the engaging exhibits of The Dot Experience and its human-centered stories, the museum boldly reimagines what a museum can do for the greater good—and for accessible travel.
At this 28,000-square-foot destination, human-centered stories, historical artifacts, APH innovations and interactive exhibits bring to life the themes of working, playing, living, navigating, advocating, educating and creating. Everything is touchable.
A museum guided by the vision-impaired
Guided by a “nothing about us without us” philosophy, individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are disabled have served as key decision-makers throughout the museum’s development. From flooring to tactile replicas and from braille to layered media, the team evaluated every aspect of the built environment.
“The Dot Experience shows that when we design for accessibility, we create better experiences for everyone,” said Craig Meador, APH president. “It reflects APH’s nearly 170-year commitment to expanding opportunity and reminds us that innovation is most powerful when it helps people participate more fully in the world around them.”
What to expect
Upon arrival, visitors encounter an orientation station that provides resources to help them navigate the museum with independence, agency and choice. The first gallery, Who We Are, sets the stage for the idea that understanding, acceptance and commitment will lead to a more welcoming world for us all.
Beginning with an audio and American Sign Language (ASL) experience, visitors are introduced to the diverse realities of living with blindness or low vision through stories from artists, adventurers, businesspeople, advocates, parents, students, teachers and innovators.
A tribute to Helen Keller
Visitors can also explore the life and legacy of Helen Keller beyond the most familiar stories of her childhood. They will meet Helen’s parents and teacher, learn about her educational journey and struggles, and discover how she begins to find her voice and develops into a national and global change maker.
Visitors can feel the rush of water and the chill of the cast-iron pump associated with Keller’s first breakthrough in language. Then they can gather around Helen’s desk in her home office at Arcan Ridge to explore many personal effects from her tours abroad as a U.S. ambassador for global goodwill, peace and equity.
An introduction to Braille
Throughout the innovation gallery, visitors will be introduced to young inventor Louis Braille and the journey of Braille through production, automation, and education. Here, visitors will learn the origin story of APH and its innovations, including low-vision devices, talking books, and educational materials for the classroom. Visitors can also tour APH’s factory to see how accessible educational materials are made and shipped to students and educators.
“The Dot Experience was created to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions and change the way people engage in the world,” said Jo Haas, APH chief operating officer and vice president of advancement, The Dot Experience. “We want to take people on a journey through the human experience and be compelled to take concrete action that improves our communities, schools and businesses.”
Visitor information
Location: American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, Ky. 40206
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Sunday, closed for major holidays
Admission: Adult, $18; senior, $16; child ages 6-17, $14; ages 5 and under, free. Teacher and military discounts are available. Factory tours, $7.
Reservations: Groups larger than 15 are encouraged to make reservations.
The Dot Experience was made possible by private funds as an investment in public awareness, engagement and support that can strengthen understanding of APH’s mission and spark the kind of culture change that makes a better world for everyone.
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