Annual Meeting 2024 Wrap Up

This October, APH Ex Officio Trustees (EOTs), EOT Census Assistants, Online Ordering Assistants, TVIs, and many other professionals from across the field traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for our 156th Annual Meeting. Attendees enjoyed informative sessions while creating new connections and strengthening existing ones. 

Pre-Conference 

Annual Meeting began with related meetings between EOTs, Council of Schools for the Blind (COSB), Instructional Resource Centers for BVI (IRCBVI), Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) Users, the National Prison Braille Forum, Principals of Schools for the Blind (POSB), State Vision Consultants (SVC), and VIPPERS (Visual Impairment Personnel Preparation. Attendees learned about braillewriter repair and gave feedback on APH low vision products. Information about the ConnectCenter and the business side of APH was shared along with important resources for new and experienced EOTs. 

Presidential Address and Awards 

APH President Dr. Craig Meador emphasized the importance of the word “Grow,” one of APH’s core values and the theme of Annual Meeting. Growth is necessary and uncomfortable, but it often leads to positive change. He encouraged everyone, saying, “Please tell your story. Share your path, share your accomplishments. That’s the fuel we need to continue doing the work we do every day.” 

At the same session, 2024 APH Scholars Andrea Montano, Julie Hapeman, and Patricia Gallardo were introduced. Dr. Jane Erin, Professor Emerita at the University of Arizona in the department of Disability and Psychoeducation Studies, and former APH President, Tuck Tinsley were inducted into the Hall of Fame.  

The session concluded with the announcement of the 2024 APH awards. Recipient of the Louis Award, Duxbury Systems, is the global leader in software for braille. Ted Hinter won the Horizon Award for inventing JAWS, one of the most popular synthetic speech software packages on the market. Executive Director Mark Riccobono accepted the Navigator Award on behalf of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, The Wings of Freedom Award was presented to Kim Charlson and Dr. Judith Dixon. Kim has been the Executive Director of the Perkins Library since 2001 and has devoted her life to advocacy issues that impact people who are blind or have low vision. Dr. Dixon is an internationally known expert in braille, tactile literacy, and document accessibility.  

Sessions and Solutions 

Annual Meeting participants grew in their knowledge about a variety of resources and practices during the conference. Concurrent sessions covered topics such as new manufacturing techniques, accessible textbooks, building and nurturing your advocacy network, strategies for time management, how APH products are made, and much more.  

Two of our general sessions featured firsthand accounts about how the new Monarch refreshable braille display has positively impacted the lives of students, teachers, and other professionals. Speakers included Jose (Manolo) Alvarez, a Professor at the University of Puerto Rico; Daniel Gillen, Accessible Music Technology Specialist at The Filomen M. D’Agostino Qeenbert Music School; Karen Anderson, Education Programs Coordinator for the National Federation of the Blind; Joe Hodge, APH Quality Assurance Analyst; APH Scholar Julie Hapeman; Gina Fugate, Computer Science and Technology teacher at the Maryland School for the Blind; Gregory Gerhart, Educational Consultant at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network; and a 10th grade student from Bucks County Pennsylvania.  

In the third general session, APH Vice President of Impact and Outreach, Paul Schroeder, and Will Smith, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs, taught attendees how funding in Washington works and how to explain the needs of students to members of Congress. A panel of presenters (Julie Hapeman, Karen Anderson, and TVI Diane Coleman) assisted by sharing their stories of advocacy. 

The APH Solutions Hall and APH Tech Solutions Hall provided participants an opportunity to get hands-on with our products and services. They received more information about The Dot Experience and outreach services, observed demos, and had the opportunity to ask questions about new and upcoming APH products.  

InSights Art  

A highlight of Annual Meeting, the InSights Art exhibit and awards honored artists who are blind or low vision of all ages. On Thursday night, Annual Meeting attendees had the chance to speak to the artists about their work. Afterwards at the ceremony, artists took to the stage to accept awards, celebrating their creativity and talent.  

Read the full list of this year’s winners and learn more about the competition on the InSights Art webpage. 

Thank you to all who joined us at Annual Meeting. We look forward to seeing you next year.