APH Press Release
American Printing House for the Blind Event on Capitol Hill Features Nebraska Student
Louisville, KY (July 1, 2015) Chase Crispin, a student from Blair, Nebraska, recently made a trip to Capitol Hill to help with an event created to show members of Congress and the public what new educational tools are available for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Crispin, who has been blind from birth, joined employees from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) for a three-day event titled “Learning Without Limits, A celebration of educational opportunities for people with vision loss – past, present, and future.” Held in the Rayburn House Office Building, the event was comprised of an exhibit on Helen Keller, a reception honoring Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative John Yarmuth, and assistive technology demonstrations. Throughout the three days, Crispin demonstrated how to use devices that he has used in school and at home, including the Refreshabraille 18 and the Colorino Talking Color Identifier.
“Because of the APH products I’ve used in all of my courses, I was able to take the most challenging courses offered at my high school, be on the honor roll every semester, and always keep on pace with everything that my sighted peers and friends were doing,” Crispin said, during a speech he delivered during the reception attended by members of Congress, professionals in the field of blindness, and the general public.
Crispin described the Perkins Brailler and braille paper he used as a preschooler, learning how to read and write braille at the age of three. He later talked about his experience of using Talking Typer software for Windows, which taught him computer skills. He also spoke about products such as the Book Port Plus – a portable recorder, audio book and music player for the blind – and an app called Nearby Explorer, which gives people who are blind and visually impaired information about their whereabouts and public transportation routes.
This is Crispin’s second time traveling with APH to showcase educational products on Capitol Hill. In June of 2010, Crispin gave a similar presentation on the APH products he commonly uses in school and at home.
Crispin has been collaborating with APH since elementary school. With the help of his vision teacher LeAnna MacDonald, he has made numerous YouTube videos about APH’s assistive technology products – a practice he began in third grade. Crispin’s videos include a training series on how to use a Braille + Mobile Manager, and a tutorial on APH’s Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator.
Crispin, who just graduated from Blair High School with a 4.0 GPA, will attend Nebraska Wesleyan University in the fall. During his time at Blair, Crispin participated in community service, and was a member of organizations such as the National Honor Society and Thespian Honor Society, in addition to being the President of the Tri-M Honor Society. He was also a member of the Omaha World Herald Academic Team, and earned superior ratings at the NSAA District Music Contest. Crispin was recognized by the NSAA and U.S. Bank in June, and received a $500 “Believers and Achievers Scholarship” along with seven other Nebraska students.
“Because of APH products and services, I feel that I will be successful in college in the fall, as I begin the next chapter of my life, and that I will be able to overcome any challenges thanks to the numerous products available from this organization,” Crispin said, as he concluded his speech.
About the American Printing House for the Blind
The American Printing House for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the world’s largest 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 is located at 1839 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY. Visit sites.aph.org to learn more.
