Derby Museum Welcomes Blinded Veterans Association

The Blinded Veterans Association made a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum as part of its 70th annual national convention held in Louisville, Kentucky. Featuring 15 veterans and several peer support members, the group was led through a specially designed tour that facilitates the understanding of horse racing and comprehension of the Kentucky Derby through sensory experiences, highlighting elements of the Museum’s exhibits through touch, smell and taste.

Props helped facilitate the purpose and meaning being discussed. Also presented were special Braille welcome cards, generously donated by the Kentucky School for the Blind. Curator of Education Ronnie Dreistadt led a special “Derby 101” presentation while introducing the veterans to the Museum’s Resident Thoroughbred Twinspired and miniature horse Winston and taking them on a Historic Walking Tour of Churchill Downs. 

The Blinded Veterans Association was established specifically to help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness as a result of their military service.

Watch WLKY's video clip of the group visiting here!