Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field
by Nancy Lacewell, APH In Touch

Originally appeared in the APH Slate, Summer 2002.

In 2000, a presentation at the AER (Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired) became the catalyst for APH to act on a long-held dream of a Hall of Fame for the field.

The Hall of Fame is designed to honor leaders in the field of vision. A committee of experts from the field and APH worked together to make this Hall of Fame a reality. Committee members from APH include: Tuck Tinsley, President; Mary Nelle McLennan, Executive Advisor to the President; Gary Mudd, Vice President, Public Affairs; Janie Humphries, Director, Educational and Advisory Services; Will Evans, Educational Products and Services Advisor; Burt Boyer, Field Services Representative; and Bob Brasher, Vice President, Products and Services. Experts outside APH are: Dr. Phil Hatlen, TX; Dr. Cay Holbrook, BC; Dr. Michael Nelipovich, WI; Dr. Susan Spungin, NY; Dr. Dean Tuttle, CO; and Naomi Tuttle, CO.

"This is not solely an APH project," said Bob Brasher. "It’s important that everyone in the field of vision feel a sense of ownership and participation because it really is their Hall of Fame." Thirty-two leaders spotlighted at a conference in Denver will represent the initial "class" of inductees. The committee is working on criteria and a process for nominating future inductees. Don Keefe, Vice President, Development, will coordinate fund-raising efforts to fund the Hall of Fame which will begin September, 2002.

Brasher continues, "It is exciting to see the support and enthusiasm this Hall of Fame is creating. People who work in the field of vision are eager to keep their history alive and to learn from the work of the great professionals who came before them."

For information about how you can contribute to the success of this project, contact Don Keefe, Vice President of Development at 502-899-2351.

Additional Information about the Hall of Fame: Place a Stone in the Hall’s Wall of Tribute

A wall has been designed to give you the opportunity to honor people or organizations that have made a difference in your life. Made up of inscribed stones placed in beautifully detailed wooden columns, the wall is entitled "Friends of Leaders and Legends." Five sizes of elegantly inscribed stones are available to be personalized as you choose. All etched stones are eight inches wide and vary in height: three ($375), four ($550), six ($1,000), eight ($2,500), and twelve ($5,000) inches. Each high contrast Romanite® stone is engraved with half-inch black letters and can be donated outright or purchased on a three-year installment plan. Organization logos can be accommodated on the eight and twelve inch stones. Handsome 8" x 1" strips of braille provide the message of each stone.

Your support is vital in helping us remember and honor the esteemed leaders of our field. For more information, call the APH Office of Development at 800/223-2839, Ext. 361, or email halloffame@aph.org