Department of Education

American Printing House for the Blind

Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Request

CONTENTS

Page

Appropriations Language.............................................................................................................K-1

Appropriation, Adjustments and Transfers ..................................................................................K-2

Authorizing Legislation.................................................................................................................K-3

Appropriations History..................................................................................................................K-4

Activity:

American Printing House for the Blind ....................................................................................K-5
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND 

Appropriations Language

For carrying out the Act of March 3, 1879, $24,931,000. (Department of Education 

Appropriations Act, 2015.) 

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AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND 

Appropriation, Adjustments and Transfers

(dollars in thousands)

Appropriation/Adjustments/Transfers 2014 2015 2016

Discretionary:

Discretionary Appropriation ............................................................ $24,456 $24,931 $24,931

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AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND 

Authorizing Legislation

(dollars in thousands)

2015 footnote2015 footnote2016 footnote2016 footnote

Activity Authorized Estimate Authorized Request

The Act to Promote the Education of the Blind 

 (20 U.S. C. 101 et. seq.) Indefinite $24,931 Indefinite $24,931

 Total definite authorization 0 0

 Total annual appropriation 24,931 24,931

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AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND 

Appropriations History

(dollars in thousands)

Year

Budget Estimate 

to Congress

House 

Allowance Footnote

Senate 

Allowance Footnote AppropriationFootnote

2007 $17,573 N/A1 N/A1 $17,573

2008 17,573 $17,573 $22,000 21,616

2009 21,616 22,6972 22,5002 22,599

2010 22,599 22,599 24,6003 24,600

2011 24,600 24,6004 24,6003 24,6005

2012 24,600 24,5516 24,5516 24,505

2013 24,505 24,5057

24,508723,223

2014 24,505 N/A824,456324,456

2015 24,456 N/A

8

25,000924,931

2016 24,931

1 This account operated under a full-year continuing resolution (P.L. 110-5). House and Senate allowance 

amounts are shown as N/A (Not Available) because neither body passed a separate appropriations bill. 2 The levels for the House and Senate allowances reflect action on the regular annual 2009 appropriations bill, 

which proceeded in the 110th Congress only through the House Subcommittee and the Senate Committee. 3

 The levels for the Senate allowance reflect Committee action only. 4

 The levels for the House allowance reflect the House-passed full-year continuing resolution. 5

 The level for appropriation reflects the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 

2011 (P.L. 112-10). 6

 The level for the House allowance reflects an introduced bill and the level for the Senate allowance reflects 

Senate Committee action only. 7

 The level for the House and Senate allowances reflect action on the regular annual 2013 appropriations bill, 

which proceeded in the 112th Congress only through the House Subcommittee and the Senate Committee. 8

 The House allowance is shown as N/A because there was no Subcommittee action. 9

 The level for the Senate allowance reflects Senate Subcommittee action only.

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AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND 

Activity:

American Printing House for the Blind

(Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, 20 U.S.C. 101 et seq)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2016 Authorization: Indefinite 

Budget Authority: 

2015 2016 Change

$24,931 $24,931 0

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Act to Promote the Education of the Blind authorizes an annual appropriation for the 

American Printing House for the Blind (APH) to produce and distribute educational materials 

adapted for students who are legally blind and enrolled in formal educational programs below 

the college level. The Printing House, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has received Federal 

support under this Act since 1879. Materials produced by APH include textbooks in braille and 

large type, educational tools such as braille typewriters and computer software and hardware, 

teaching aides, including tests and performance assessments, and other special supplies. The 

materials are distributed, through allotments of funds to the States, to programs serving students 

who are blind. The allotments are based on an annual census conducted by APH of the number 

of students who are legally blind in each State and are provided in the form of credits. State 

educational agencies and programs serving persons who are blind may order materials free of 

charge up to the amount of funds allocated to each State for educational materials. 

Approximately 75 percent of the appropriation is used to cover the cost of operations to produce 

these materials. The Printing House uses the remainder of the appropriated funds to conduct 

research related to developing and improving products and to provide advisory services to 

professionals and consumer organizations on the availability and use of materials produced by 

APH.

The Printing House conducts research necessary to develop and improve educational materials 

in core curriculum areas such as science, mathematics, English language arts, and social 

studies and adapts testing materials related to these subject areas. In addition, APH undertakes 

research in product areas specific to the visually impaired population, such as braille reading, 

orientation and mobility, and assistive technology. Special materials are also developed for use 

in teaching students who are blind and have additional disabilities and in areas such as early 

intervention and early childhood education, prevocational training, and the functional use of 

residual vision.

Educational and Advisory Services are provided to consumers primarily through three 

departments: Field Services, Communications, and Resource Services. Examples of advisory 

services include administration of the Student Registration System, Louis Database of 

Accessible Materials, Electronic File Repository and Expert Database; National Instructional 

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Partnership activities; and production of catalogs, brochures, videos, and a wide variety of webbased information. APH also convenes expert advisory committees and focus groups to 

address specific issues, as necessary.

As of August of 2014, APH had 199 Federal Quota accounts administered by 142 ex officio 

trustees who represent State educational agencies, schools for the blind, rehabilitation 

programs, and other agencies responsible for the education of blind students in each State. The 

Quota accounts consist of funds from the APH appropriation in the form of credits that are 

allocated on the basis of the annual census of blind students to the ex officio trustees. Trustees 

may use the credits to order materials from APH. These materials are available for purchase by 

the trustees and the general public at http://shop.aph.org. The ex officio trustees are 

responsible for the administration of the Federal accounts in each State. Items to be produced 

and distributed by APH are reviewed by a six-member Educational Products Advisory 

Committee. The purpose of this committee, made up of ex officio trustees, is to ensure that all 

educational materials produced and research undertaken by APH are effectively focused on 

meeting the needs of students who are blind. In addition, a second five-member advisory 

committee of ex officio trustees, the Educational Services Advisory Committee, provides 

oversight and accountability regarding APH’s outreach and support services. 

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the States are required to provide a 

free appropriate public education, including appropriate related materials and supplies, to all 

students with disabilities. Materials provided through the APH appropriation supplement the 

various other resources available to the States to achieve this goal. In order to meet their 

responsibilities under the IDEA, many States make additional purchases from APH and other 

suppliers of materials for students who are visually impaired. 

In fiscal year 2014, funding provided by the Federal Government for educational materials

represented approximately 70 percent of the Printing House's total sales income. Funding 

provided through the APH appropriation represented approximately 80 percent of APH’s total 

budget of $30.8 million. Federal grants and contracts from agencies such as the National 

Library Service for the Blind, Social Security Administration, and Veterans Administration 

represented 10 percent of APH's total budget for fiscal year 2014. Sixteen percent of APH’s 

budget came from nongovernmental contracts and revenue generated from the sale of 

unsubsidized product to State and local agencies, direct sales to individuals who are blind, 

private sector contract sales, corporate and individual donations from the private sector, and 

interest income from endowments and other investments. 

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Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were:

Fiscal Year (dollars in thousands)

2011 .......................................................................................$24,551

2012 .........................................................................................24,505

2013 ........................................................................................ 23,223

2014 .........................................................................................24,456

2015 .........................................................................................24,931

FY 2016 BUDGET REQUEST

The Administration requests $24.9 million for activities to be conducted by the American Printing 

House for the Blind in fiscal year 2016. The request would maintain funding for APH at the fiscal 

year 2015 level. APH provides crucial educational aids at no cost to students who are visually 

impaired. The materials developed, manufactured, and distributed by the Printing House offer 

States an additional resource to assist them with providing free appropriate public education to 

visually impaired students, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Federal support of the APH also helps ensure that students who are visually impaired receive 

the accessible educational materials they need to succeed in school and prepare for college and 

careers. The Administration believes the request provides sufficient resources to support an 

adequate level of service in each of the three program areas: educational materials, advisory 

services, and research. 

Educational Materials. The Administration’s request includes $18.7 million for educational 

materials, the same as the fiscal year 2015 level. The requested funding level provides an 

estimated $302 per eligible student. Materials produced by APH include textbooks in braille, 

large type, and audio recording formats; educational aides such as braille typewriters, raised 

(tactile) graphics, and computer software and hardware; teaching tools such as tests and 

performance measures; and other special supplies. APH manufactures these instructional 

materials for a broad range of academic subjects and grade levels. In fiscal year 2014, 1,026

distinct educational products were available for purchase with Federal quota funds. 

The timely delivery of textbooks in accessible media formats for braille-reading students is 

crucial to ensuring that children who are visually impaired have the same access to a free 

appropriate public education as children without disabilities. In order to address this need, each 

year APH produces thousands of braille and large print textbooks on demand, including 

instructional materials featuring tactile graphics. APH issues industry standards for tactile 

graphics, manufactures and distributes graphics to students across the country, and maintains a 

Tactile Graphic Image Library in order to increase the variety and lower the cost of pictures and 

graphics included in accessible educational materials. Tactile graphics are particularly essential 

for teaching subjects such as geography and geometry. The funds requested for educational 

materials support APH’s production of teaching modules and associated instructional materials 

in these subjects. The request for educational materials includes $1.5 million for the Accessible 

Textbook Initiative. The goal of the Initiative is to deliver quickly custom-produced accessible 

textbooks in an assortment of media formats.

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Advisory Services. The Administration requests $1.6 million for advisory services for fiscal year 

2016, the same as the fiscal year 2015 level. Advisory Services include a variety of activities 

that support the administration of the educational materials program area by the ex-officio 

trustees. These funds provide for the annual meeting of the ex-officio trustees; advisory group 

panels; the annual census of students who are visually impaired; printing and distribution of 

catalogs of available materials; and field services such as consultation, in-service training, 

webinars, and workshops. Staff in the advisory services area provide ongoing consumer 

information and technical support to customers and establish and maintain communication with 

APH’s network of ex-officio trustees. APH also provides support and information to staff and 

teachers at schools around the country. In order to maximize the availability of its training and 

technical assistance activities, APH frequently conducts training through the Internet. These 

web-based training sessions have given the Printing House the ability to reach a wide audience 

of those who want information and training in an efficient, low-cost manner.

Projects that would continue to be funded in fiscal year 2016 include the National Instructional 

Partnerships program, webcast product training series, APH Research Library, APH Accessible 

Media Producers Database, and National Instructional Partnership with Teacher Training 

Programs. The APH Web site offers the public convenient on-line ordering of products, manuals 

and directions for using products, downloadable catalogs and newsletters, information on 

training events, online surveys, and online reference services such as the Louis Accessible 

Materials Database and APH file repository. In recent years, APH has integrated these unique 

databases and online tools to make them cross-searchable, user-friendly, and comprehensive 

sources of specialized information and resources on accessible instructional materials for 

individuals who are visually impaired. The request provides sufficient funds to cover all advisory 

services activities the Printing House plans to conduct in fiscal year 2016.

Research and Product Development. The Administration’s request for research in fiscal year 

2016 is $4.7 million, the same amount that would be allocated for research at the fiscal year 

2015 level. APH undertakes applied and developmental research with the goal of developing 

innovative educational products for students who are visually impaired. Major research 

initiatives include the APH SMART Brailler by Perkins, which is an electronic brailler that 

provides the user immediate feedback through text-to-speech, and a screen that displays 

SimBraille and large print of what is brailled. There is an audio and visual component that 

provides access to non-braille users. APH has also partnered with Orbit Research® and Texas 

Instruments® to create the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator. The modified TI-84 

Plus has attachments that add accessibility controls allowing the student to participate fully in 

STEM-related academics. A calculator to assist younger students is currently in development. 

These new products represent major improvements over existing tools. APH also continues to

invest in the development of the file formats, software, hardware, and production infrastructure 

necessary to produce and deliver braille books through electronic files and e-readers rather than 

through paper books. 

The Administration recognizes the need for APH to conduct developmental and applied 

research, so that it can continue to meet the changing needs of students who are visually 

impaired, particularly as the technologies for producing accessible educational materials evolve 

rapidly. The request will provide funds for APH to conduct over 350 research projects in a wide 

range of content areas, including development of new products for use with infants, toddlers, 

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and preschoolers who are visually impaired, materials for students who are visually impaired 

with secondary disabilities, equipment to assist students with low vision, materials for braille 

literacy, classroom learning aids, tactile graphics, and tools to aid in the transition from school to 

postsecondary educational or job settings.

Product development activities planned for fiscal year 2016 are categorized into eleven content 

areas: Adult Life, Braille, Core Curriculum, Cortical Visual Impairment, Early Childhood, 

Emergent Literacy, Low Vision, Multiple Disabilities, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering 

and Math), Tactile Graphics, Technology, and Tests and Assessments. 

The Administration’s request also includes funding for APH’s Accessible Tests Department 

initiative. The goals of this initiative are to:

• Provide tests, practice tests, examination administration manuals, and other assessment

related materials, including full-color large print assessments, in high quality accessible 

media in a timely manner.

• Promote the inclusion of visually impaired individuals during the development of 

assessments.

• Enhance the test performance of visually impaired individuals through research, education, 

and communication. 

PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES (dollars in thousands)

Measures 2014 2015 2016

Distribution of funding:

Educational materials $18,456 $18,698 $18,698

Advisory services 1,550 1,550 1,550

Educational and technical research 4,450 4,683 4,683

Total 24,456 24,931 24,931

Number of eligible students 60,393 61,867 61,867

Average per student allotment (whole dollars) $305 $302 $302

Number of services and products provided:

Products available with Federal funds 1,026 1,020 1,020

Advisory committee meetings 5 5 5

State educational agencies visited 12 12 12

Residential programs visited 13 12 12

Rehabilitation programs visited 5 7 7

In-service training programs and webcasts 30 33 33

Product training presentations and exhibits 120 125 125

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Measures 2014 2015 2016

Visits to Ex Officio Trustees 20 15 15

Total employees (full-time equiv.) 303 305 307

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, for example, GPRA goals, 

objectives, measures, performance targets, and an assessment of the progress made toward 

achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based on the cumulative effect of 

the resources provided in previous years, those requested in fiscal year 2016 and future years, 

as well as the resources and efforts invested by those served by this program.

The Administration and the Printing House have worked together to develop 10 performance 

measures for the activities carried out through the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind. 

Four of the indicators are customer satisfaction measures. Two are efficiency measures. Four 

indicators measure aspects of product quality.

Goal: Pre-college level blind students will receive appropriate educational materials that 

result in improved educational outcomes.

Objective: Appropriate, timely, high-quality educational materials are provided to pre-college 

level visually impaired students to allow them to benefit more fully from their educational 

programs.

Measure: The percentage of American Printing House for the Blind trustees, advisory committee

members, consumers, and teachers who agree that the educational materials provided through 

the Act to Promote the Education of the Blind are appropriate, timely, and high quality.

Trustees - Percentage who agree:

Year Target

Actual

Extremely 

Mostly

Somewhat 

Detail

Extremely 

Satisfied

Detail

Mostly 

Satisfied

Detail

Somewhat 

Satisfied

Detail

Not too 

Satisfied

Detail

Not at all 

Satisfied

2011 98% 99% 59% 36% 4% 1% 0%

2012 98 99 52 44 4 0 0

2013 98 99 56 39 6 0 0

2014 98 99 61 35 2 0 0

2015 98

2016 98

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Advisory Committee Members - Percentage who agree:

Year Target

Actual

Extremely 

Mostly

Somewhat

Detail

Extremely 

Satisfied

Detail

Mostly 

Satisfied

Detail

Somewhat 

Satisfied

Detail

Not too 

Satisfied

Detail

Not at all 

Satisfied

2011 100% 100% 67% 33% 9% 0% 0%

2012 100 100 60 37 3 0 0

2013 100 100 57 43 0 0 0

2014 100 100 63 33 3 0 0

2015 100

2016 100

Consumers - Percentage who agree:

Year Target

Actual

Extremely 

Mostly

Somewhat

Detail

Extremely 

Satisfied

Detail

Mostly 

Satisfied

Detail

Somewhat 

Satisfied

Detail

Not too 

Satisfied

Detail

Not at all 

Satisfied

2011 96% 100% 56% 35% 9% 0% 0%

2012 96 98 58 34 6 2 0

2013 96 98 50 43 6 2 0

2014 96 99 61 33 2 1 0

2015 96

2016 96

Teachers - Percentage who agree:

Year Target

Actual

Extremely 

Mostly

Somewhat

Detail

Extremely 

Satisfied

Detail

Mostly 

Satisfied

Detail

Somewhat 

Satisfied

Detail

Not too 

Satisfied

Detail

Not at all 

Satisfied

2011 97% 99% 56% 38% 5% 1% 0%

2012 97 98 54 38 6 1 1

2013 97 98 53 40 6 1 0

2014 97 99 56 37 6 1 0

2015 97

2016 97

Additional Information: APH gathered the data for these measures by administering an online 

survey to 384 respondents during fiscal year 2014. An external research firm assisted with the 

design of the survey. Respondents rated their satisfaction on a 5-point rating scale with the 

following range: (1) Not at all satisfied, (2) Not too satisfied, (3) Somewhat satisfied, (4) Mostly 

satisfied, and (5) Extremely Satisfied. The percentages shown for each measure are composed 

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of the respondents from each group that were “Extremely satisfied,” “Mostly satisfied,” or 

“Somewhat satisfied” with all three dimensions of product satisfaction (quality, timeliness, and 

appropriateness for targeted audience). 

The Administration believes that a survey instrument is an appropriate vehicle to obtain data on 

consumer satisfaction with products, including whether the educational materials provided 

through the APH are appropriate to the consumer’s needs, delivered in a timely manner, and of 

high quality. However, the same survey is not appropriate for measuring outcomes, such as 

whether visually impaired students benefit more fully from their educational programs because of 

these products. A rigorous evaluation would be necessary to determine whether students are 

making progress and the extent to which that progress is attributable to the availability of these 

materials. 

Objective: To improve the quality of APH research and product usefulness.

Measure: The percentage of APH product sales revenue that is from new products.

Year Target Actual

2011 15% 27%

2012 22 31

2013 22 45

2014 22 40

2015 22

2016 22

Additional Information: This measure was developed to help determine the efficacy of new 

products developed by APH. The purpose of the measure is to evaluate the reaction of 

consumers to new products created by the research department, which is determined by 

measuring the extent to which sales of new products surpass a minimum level of products sold. 

In fiscal year 2014, the Printing House significantly exceeded the established target level. APH 

established targets for the next several years based upon product development trends and an 

analysis of the average percentage that sales of new products represented of all APH product 

sales from 2005 to 2014. Actual data from recent years indicate that new products tend to be 

more technologically advanced, and, therefore, more expensive than older products. As a 

result, the percentage of sales revenue from newer products has consistently exceeded targets. 

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Measure: The average rating, according to approved criteria on relevance, for a sample of new 

American Printing House for the Blind products evaluated by an independent panel of qualified 

experts or individuals with appropriate expertise related to the target audience.

Year Target Actual

2011 4 4.6

2012 4 4.5

2013 4 5.0

2014 4 5.5

2015 4

2016 4

Additional Information: To determine the average relevance rating, a panel of experts, who 

are proposed by APH and approved by the Department, reviews a random sample of new 

products developed each year by the Printing House to assess whether: (1) there is evidence of 

need for the product; (2) there is evidence that APH sought the opinions of knowledgeable 

individuals on the need for the product; (3) APH made the decision to produce the product 

based on a standardized process for product selection; (4) the product addresses an identified 

need for individuals who are visually impaired; and (5) the product is fully accessible for the 

intended population. The products are rated using a 7-point rating scale, where 1 equals “does 

not meet criteria, 4 equals “meets criteria,” and 7 equals “exceeds criteria.” The average of the 

scores is the number reported in the actual column. In fiscal 2014, the panel’s average rating 

increased from the prior year and continued to exceed the “meets criteria” rating. The small 

variations in the average score from year to year may reflect the changing composition of the 

expert review panel and the sample of the products rated. 

Measure: The average rating, according to approved criteria on quality of research, for a sample 

of new American Printing House for the Blind products evaluated by an independent panel of 

qualified experts or individuals with appropriate expertise related to the target audience. 

Year Target Actual

2011 4 4.2

2012 4 4.3

2013 4 4.4

2014 4 5.3

2015 4

2016 4

Additional Information: The panel of experts annually reviews a purposefully selected sample 

of new products developed each year by APH to assess whether: (1) appropriate research 

methodologies are being used consistent with the type of product being developed; (2) sufficient 

supporting information and evidence is collected by research data methods; (3) data are 

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gathered from a geographically diverse U.S. population and a variety of potential user groups; 

(4) evaluation data are gathered from appropriately qualified individuals; (5) research data are 

gathered from an adequate number of sources; (6) development demonstrates use of fieldreviewed data for modification to the product prior to final development; and (7) data are 

gathered on student and consumer outcomes related to the use of the proposed product. The 

products are rated using a 7-point rating scale, where 1 equals “does not meet criteria, 4 equals 

“meets criteria,” and 7 equals “exceeds criteria.” The mean of the scores is the number 

reported. 

In fiscal year 2014 the average rating increased significantly from the prior year and exceeded 

the “meets criteria” rating. In response to concerns expressed by panel members in prior years, 

during the 2014 rating process, APH provided panel members with more specific information 

about the research supporting each sampled product. However, panel members continued to 

express the need for additional research and data to determine if product development took 

account of all relevant research. 

Measure: The average rating, according to approved criteria on utility, for a sample of new 

American Printing House for the Blind products evaluated by an independent panel of qualified 

experts or individuals with appropriate expertise related to the target audience. 

Year Target Actual

2011 4 4.7

2012 4 4.4

2013 4 5.2

2014 4 5.5

2015 4

2016 4

Additional Information: For this measure, the panel of experts annually reviews a purposefully 

selected sample of new products developed each year by APH to assess whether: (1) sales of 

the new products indicate demand; (2) new product indicators, such as field evaluations and 

other feedback, substantiate that the new product is meeting a need; and (3) the products are 

considered highly useful for individuals with visual impairments. The products are rated using a 

7-point rating scale, where 1 equals “does not meet criteria, 4 equals “meets criteria,” and 7 

equals “exceeds criteria.” In fiscal 2014, the average rating continued to increase and the target 

“meets criteria” rating was once again exceeded.

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Efficiency Measures

The Department worked closely with the Printing House to develop appropriate efficiency 

measures for the Federal program at APH. 

Measure: The cost (in cents) per page to produce color large type textbooks.

Year Target Actual

2011 13.0¢ 9.4¢

2012 10.8 8.1

2013 10.8 9.3

2014 10.8 8.2

2015 10.8

2016 10.8

Additional Information: 

There are three variables used in calculating the cost per page for both the production of color 

large type and braille textbooks. These three variables are: (1) the actual cost of manufacturing 

the pages; (2) the total number of pages produced annually; and (3) the average number of 

pages per volume. Factors that can affect these variables include the costs of raw materials and 

equipment, demand for products, and efficiency of operations. 

In fiscal year 2014, the total number of large type color pages (9.62 million) decreased by 

281,000 or 2.8, percent, and textbook volumes increased by 27,000 or 14.9 percent compared to

production in fiscal year 2013. However, the total production costs of large type color pages 

decrease by $126,000. As a result of these factors the actual cost per page decreased to 

8.2 cents per page and the performance target was met. While, actual performance has 

exceeded targets in recent fiscal years, the Department has not revised its targets because APH 

anticipates a reduced demand for color large type textbooks in future years as a result of 

schools beginning to offer digital books on I-Pads, Kindles, and other devices to students in 

elementary and secondary programs. The expected reduction in production is expected to 

increase costs. 

Measure: The cost (in cents) per page to produce braille textbooks.

Year Target Actual

2011 8.5¢ 10.5¢

2012 10.9 10.6

2013 11.0 15.2

2014 11.0 17.1

2015 13.0

2016 13.0

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Additional Information: In fiscal year 2014, the total number of braille textbook pages 

(6.167 million) decreased by 824,000 or 11.9 percent, and the number of volumes decreased by 

14,000 or 15.8 percent compared to production in fiscal year 2013. The total production costs of 

braille textbook pages decreased by $38,000. As a result of these factors, the actual cost per 

page raised production cost of braille textbook pages to 17.1 cents per page and the target was 

not met. The Department plans work with APH to revise performance targets for fiscal year 

2016 and future years, during its planned March on-site visit. 

Other Performance Information

The Department conducted a 2-day on-site monitoring visit to APH on June 10 -11, 2013. The 

purpose of the visit was to examine APH’s compliance with applicable requirements, its use of 

annual Federal appropriations “to manufacture and furnish books and other materials especially 

adapted for instruction of students who are blind,” as authorized by the Act to Promote the 

Education of the Blind of March 3, 1879 (Act), 20 U.S.C. §§ 101-106a, review the quality of 

GPRA and other program data, and the performance of selected programs. Topics covered 

during the on-site monitoring visit, included inquiries into the link between APH’s Strategic Plan: 

2012-2014, the proposed use of Federal funds for Resources with Enhanced Accessibility for 

Learning Plan (the REAL Plan), and the usefulness of current indicators used to measure APH’s 

activities. The review was conducted as part of the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of APH 

programs and administrative operations funded by the annual Federal appropriation. 

During the on-site monitoring visit, APH reported that the APH’s Strategic Plan: 2012-2014 has 

four objectives: (1) identification of blind and visually impaired consumers’ needs; (2) solicitation 

of ideas and development of products to meet consumer needs; (3) efficient management of 

manufacturing, marketing and distribution of products; and (4) the continuous review and 

evaluation of APH products and other products available for visually impaired consumers.

In addition, APH reported that it created the Resources with Enhanced Accessibility for Learning 

(REAL) Plan in response to rapid transition of traditional textbooks to digital products delivered 

online, that are not accessible to students who are blind and visually impaired. APH’s REAL 

Plan proposes four key strategies: (1) conversion of digital (XML-based) source files into 

multiple formats; (2) discovery tools through storage of the Louis Plus Database, Tactile Graphic 

Image Library, and APH Libraries in Amazon Cloud and Internet Archive; (3) content distribution 

through DAISY Online and partnerships with online libraries (Open Library); and (4) continuous 

improvement through ongoing feedback from the field. APH is expected to keep the Department 

fully informed of the institutions’ activities as it implements the Strategic Plan 2012-2014 and the 

REAL Plan and the implications for the Federal program and Federal funding. 

A review of APH’s GPRA data highlighted the need for new performance targets for many of the 

measures. APH has proposed new targets for Department review based on an examination of 

production trends and possible further improvements. APH also reported that it had simplified its

customer satisfaction survey to focus on the questions needed to collect GPRA data. APH has 

submitted to the Department a proposal for new performance measures on the timeliness of 

braille textbook production. The Department will continue to work with APH to finalize any new 

measures. Additionally, an on-site monitoring visit is scheduled for March 11, 2015, to review 

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AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND 

American Printing House for the Blind

APH’s technology strategic plan, and the production of APH’s braille education materials, and 

products. 

K-17