A Life Without Limits: Classical and Modern Languages Alumnus Featured in Groundbreaking Attraction

By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences 

Pianist, trumpet player, and singer Patrick Henry Hughes has traveled the world to share his story, and now his impact continues at The Dot Experience, a first-of-its-kind fully inclusive attraction, where he is a featured cast member. 

Born without eyes and without the ability to straighten his arms and legs, Hughes defied every odd, graduating with a degree in Spanish in 2010 and spending five seasons as a member of the UofL marching band.  

A motivational speaker, author, and more, Hughes and his father have been featured on ESPN, Oprah, The Ellen Show, Extreme Make Over Home Edition, The Today Show, Million-Dollar Round Table, The Grand Ole Opry, People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and many, many others.   

The Dot Experience is part museum, part education center, and part factory tour, and makes the 16^th building at the American Printing House for the Blind. This new attraction, which opened late October, shares real stories from real people about the human experience, offering a new view into accessibility and inclusion.  

Hughes states that the support he received from his father and also from the UofL community helped him achieve his dreams. 

“You know, we can do anything that other people can do. And I'm just really excited to be a part of this museum and I am looking forward to giving people that education,” he said. “And not only that, but also the inspiration that - it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from - all you have to do is set your mind to achieve a goal and you can do it.” 

Hughes is excited to educate others with the message that, ultimately, anything is possible. 

"I had some great teachers at UofL, especially with Spanish and with the marching band,” Hughes said. “Of course, it's thanks to the marching band and Dr. Greg Byrne, the (retired) band director, who insisted that I be in the marching band. He saw me not as a blind kid in a wheelchair, so to speak, but rather a trumpet player that would be a great asset to the marching band.” 

APH has recruited a diverse group of blind and low vision people who are artists, adventurers, businesspeople, advocates, parents, students, teachers, and innovators to serve as its “cast.” Their voices, along with historical figures like Helen Keller and Louis Braille, will join those of everyday APH customers, staff and community members to provide well-rounded perspectives on their successes, struggles, realities, hopes and hurdles. The Dot Experience cast offers a range of representations in age, background, identity, vision acuity, and context of vision loss. 

Hughes, who began playing the piano at 9 months old, has been sharing his story and inspiring people across the globe for years. 

"We were very blessed to travel not only throughout the United States, but also parts of South America, Europe, Taiwan and even the Caribbean and the Bahamas,” Hughes said. “We always told our stories about overcoming obstacles and being more than you think you can be - and looking at your perspective in life. It was always a thrill to be able to share our story with a different audience. But of course, the highlight for me, was always being able to meet everyone one-on-one individually and hear their stories and how our story impacted theirs.” 

Since traveling the world as a speaker, Hughes continues to perform and is celebrating over five years of marriage with his wife Jessica, who continues to be a strong anchor of support in his life today. 

For current UofL students, Hughes has advice that can impact anyone’s attitude and outlook. Whenever he is faced with an obstacle in life, he remembers an effective acronym that starts with the first three letters of his name: PAT. 

“’P’ is passion, patience, and perseverance, because in order to achieve a goal, you've got to have a passion for that goal. And of course, be patient, because it might take a while for your goal to work. You've got to persevere and keep trying and don't give up. And then the ‘A’ is ability and attitude. Use the abilities that you know you have and always keep that positive attitude because, well, it's not going to work without that positive attitude. And finally, the ‘T’ is trust. Trust in yourself. You will achieve your goal eventually.” 

The Dot Experience mission is to change perspectives about blindness and empower individual action toward a world that welcomes everyone. It is a natural extension of APH’s important work to make change, break barriers, champion dreaming, and insist on access for all. 

For more information about The Dot Experience, you can read the blog, visit the website, follow on Instagram @the.dot.experience, or on The Dot Experience Facebook Page.