TechACCESSory (Winter/Spring 2002) Table of Contents
TechACCESSory
Winter/Spring 2002 Newsletter
Theme: Libraries and Accessibility
ATAP FUNDING REPORT
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Message from ATAP's Project: Regina Connor |
"NEWSLINE:" DAILY NEWSPAPER ACCESS
FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT READ REGULAR NEWSPRINT
The National Federation of the Blind’s Newsline® Network provides audio versions of national and local newspapers, that can be accessed via a toll-free telephone number. Dozens of newspapers are now available over any touch-tone telephone using synthetic speech. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) hopes to make this service available in Rhode Island. The NFB would offer this service in Rhode Island at no cost, for a start up year beginning March 2002, if continuing funding arrangements could be found to support Newsline ® thereafter.
Currently national newspapers such as USA Today, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal are available over Newsline ®. In states participating in Newsline ®, local newspapers are also available. Each day, users can choose among the various newspapers, and select the current day’s, previous day’s, or previous Sunday’s issue. By using a standard touch-tone phone, users can select which newspaper, section and article to read.
If established in Rhode Island, individuals with vision impairments and other disabilities who cannot read regular newsprint, would be able to sign up for the Newsline ® service through authorized personnel at libraries, and disability service organizations. Newspapers such as the Providence Journal could be added to the Newsline ® menu.
ATAP wants people with disabilities to be aware of this service by coordinating demonstrations of Newsline for interested consumer groups.
For more information, contact the ATAP Central Resource Center at TechACCESS at 1-800-916-TECH or 463-0202.
TechACCESS of RI
Last Revised: February 18, 2002