Voice of the Diabetic

Voice of the Diabetic

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NEWSLINE FOR THE BLIND

The National Federation of the Blind announces the availability

of Newsline, an electronic publication of major daily newspapers, specifically

tailored for blind and visually-impaired readers. With 69 regional "hubs"

in 33 states, Newsline electronically "reads" all of each day's edition,

which is immediately made available via modem to the local distribution centers.

Users telephone the nearest local center (or place a long?distance call to the

National Center for the Blind) and listen to the articles they choose, read

to them in a synthesized voice. The reader is free to jump between articles,

sections, and publications, and to pick the speed of reading to suit their needs.

There is no subscription fee or other charge to access the system (although

long-distance phone charges may apply, if the nearest local service center is

not in your vicinity).

Newsline is not the Internet, and no computer is necessary to use it. The system

is easy to learn, and easy to access. Service is available to any person at

least legally blind, and again, there is no charge.

USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The

Toronto Globe and Mail, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune already

participate. More publications, including local papers, are expected to join

shortly. As the system expands, even more blind individuals will have rapid

and comprehensive access to daily print news media, a substantial improvement

over "live reader" services. Our goal is to make the service available

to every blind person in the country, and soon.

The NFB is looking for individuals and organizations willing to sponsor and

maintain more new local distribution centers, in areas not yet served. For further

information, about participating or sponsorship, contact Newsline Network, National

Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone:

(410) 659-9314.

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