Kennedy Center honors Clovernook Center’s Samuel Foulkes

From Carnegie Hall to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Samuel Foulkes’ work has opened doors for people who are blind or visually impaired. On Thursday, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts recognized him with its national Community Asset Award, celebrating his leadership in arts accessibility.

Foulkes, director of braille production and accessible innovation at Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired in Cincinnati, received the honor during the Kennedy Center’s Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Conference in Cleveland. The annual award highlights individuals and organizations whose work strengthens inclusion in the cultural arts and sets an example for the field.

“Sam’s approach to problem solving and innovation is embellished by his work with his colleagues who have lived experience in the blind or low vision community,” said Sara Birkofer, assistant director of gallery and accessibility services at the Cincinnati Art Museum, one of institutions Foulkes collaborates with through Clovernook Center.

Helping organizations become more accessible

Founded in 1903, Clovernook Center provides services that empower people who are blind or visually impaired to live independently and fully participate in their communities. Its Braille Printing House is the world’s largest producer of Braille materials, publishing books, magazines and other resources for the National Library Service and readers around the globe. Clovernook also offers pediatric low-vision clinics, adaptive sports, social activities and employment opportunities.

Foulkes leads Clovernook’s Arts Inclusion Program, helping museums, theaters and other cultural institutions remove barriers and create programs that patrons who are blind or visually impaired can fully enjoy. Since launching in 2017, the initiative has grown into a network of more than 200 partners nationwide. Current collaborators include the Cincinnati Opera, Museum of the American Revolution, Carnegie Hall and the Yale Center for British Art.

“(Foulkes) dedication to having people who are blind or low vision be part of the process is paramount to his success as a leader in the community,” Birkofer said.

Clovernook Center for Blind & Visually Impaired