For work with Braille Plus 18

For work with Braille Plus 18

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 13, 2014) — Braille Plus 18, developed by Louisville’s American Printing House for the Blind, received the Federal Communications Commission’s  award for Advanced Communication Services on June 9 during the Awards for Advancement in Accessibility at a ceremony in Arlington, Va.

Braille Plus 18 is anaportable tablet/communication device with an 18-cell braille display that is the world’s first Android device designed specifically for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

AAA honors innovators in public and private sectors who develop communications technology for people with disabilities; they are part of the FCC’s Accessibility and Innovation Initiative’s goal to facilitate ongoing exchanges among industry, assistive technology companies, app developers, government representatives, and consumers to share solutions for accessible communications technologies (A & I Initiative).

The American Printing House for the Blind, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is the world’s largest nonprofit company devoted solely to researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. Under the 1879 federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, APH is the official supplier of educational materials for visually impaired students in the U.S. who are working at less than college level. APH was recently named Kentucky Mid-sized Manufacturer of the year.

APH manufactures textbooks and magazines in braille, large print, recorded, and digital formats. APH also makes hundreds of educational, recreational, and daily living products including computer software and an array of assistive technology items.