Showing posts with label Blind-Low/Vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blind-Low/Vision. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

New low-cost handheld device offers independence for millions of Americans with low vision


HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA: Enhanced Vision, America’s leading manufacturer of magnifying solutions for people with low vision, launched a powerful new lightweight hand-held device today that can bring affordable independence to the 15 Million+ Americans with low vision , such as macular degeneration. At just $295 and weighing less than 4 ounces, “Pebble-mini” is an exciting new vision device that gives users the freedom to read menus, check price tags, write checks, and much more while on the go.


Pebble Mini
The Pebble features:

•Bright, 3.0” high resolution LCD display that magnifies words and objects from 2-10X the normal size
•Choice of 28 viewing modes
•“Freeze image” feature with capability to magnify and change modes
•Image capture with save and recall
•Adjustable brightness
•Charge with USB into outlet or pc and
•Protective pouch and neck strap
•Hands-free reading stand
•2 year warranty

Currently, more than 15 million people in the United States are diagnosed with low vision, such as Macular Degeneration which makes everyday activities like reading, writing, and ordering at restaurants a real challenge. And with America’s aging population, this number is expected to double by 2020. Leading eye care specialists have discovered that video magnification is a solution for these individuals to regain and maintain their independence.

“With the Pebble-mini, we’re giving people the confidence to do everyday activities again with a single, simple device,” said Barron Javaheri, President at Enhanced Vision. “Instead of carrying around multiple magnifiers, Pebble-mini adapts to a wide range of situations, so it grows as a user’s condition changes. And at a price that’s hundreds of dollars less than competing products, it’s the ideal solution at this challenging time.”

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Executive Director Wants to Take a Moment

When someone you barely know comes to you and asks if they can have a moment of your time two things happen simultaneously in your mind and generally speaking for the most part they’re not good. First thought is, “I don’t have time right now”; and the second is, “uh oh, what happened”. Now most of you know me, I am a positive person that has an open door policy when I’m working, but this week hasn’t been the best so trust me when I say that I seriously thought of diving under the desk when a student walked past my door. In truth, I was halfway there but then I realized he couldn’t see me so what was the point. You see sometimes even us positive people have issues and days where you just don’t want to talk to anyone.

The gentleman, for my purpose here will call Bill, is a new student in our Blind/Low-Vision program whom I had met briefly a few weeks ago on his first day in class. I honestly didn’t know his entire story only that he wanted to learn how to use screen readers and ZoomText so he can get back to work. Bill asked me if I had a moment to spare for him, “of course” I said…

After we had sat down he proceeded to tell me that he was a well known music engineer who’s not only losing his sight, but can only hear you if you sit to his right side. He told me that he wanted to take a moment, because people rarely do these days, to tell me that I have the most wonderful and professional staff. (see where I’m going with this). He then told me a bit about his life and that his disabilities will not stop him from working with music again. “Chris, Judy and Cameron your volunteers, all have a unique style of teaching that helps us as individuals and as a class team. I have grown to love and respect the other students”. Tearfully he told me the dreams of our other students and that one in particular who’s 62 and completely blind is his inspiration, because he wants to go back to work to help the state of California simply by paying taxes. This “moment” lasted less than 5 minutes. Just think of what I would have missed if I didn’t take the time.

I know I have asked most of you to come by the center, meet the students talk to my wonderful staff and volunteers but until you do I’m asking that you forward this on. Help me spread the word about EmpowerTech. It will only take a moment.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Letter from Student

I received this letter from one of our blind/low-vision students on September 22; just a few short days after our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The reason why I'm sharing this with you all is simple; this is one of the first letters he has written since losing his sight. He sent this letter as an attachment via email, something most of us take for granted and can do almost without thinking. But for him it was a great challenge but as you can read he did it! I'm so very proud of him and his commitment to continue breaking down the barriers and opening the doors in his path.

September 22, 2011

Dear JoanElaine,

When I first began at EmpowerTech I thought of the school like any other educational program. Quickly did I realize at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that was not the case. When you were speaking at the event, it hit me like a train the amount of the energy and effort it took you and your staff in putting this whole program together. Thank you for inviting me to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and the positive experience you create at the school.

I will continue working hard.


Sincerely,
A. L.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Interesting Fact-

Kevin A. Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Industries for the Blind (NIB)


Since the passage of the Wagner-O’Day Act in 1938, people who are blind have been a major part of the U.S. labor force by creating quality products for the federal government and military. This contribution to the manufacturing boom after the Great Depression and during World War II was decades before the signing of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)...Today, thanks to modern developments in assistive technology, people who are blind have a wide range of career options. However, the unemployment rate among working age Americans who are blind still hovers around 70 percent. Why is this?...

One issue is that employers assume they will have to invest lots of money to arrange a work environment that is conducive to people who are blind. In reality, the cost of accommodations is often nominal. Data from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) indicates that most accommodations for people who are blind or visually impaired cost less than $500. In fact, 50 percent of the accommodations required to set-up a barrier-free work station cost less than $50 and 31 percent cost nothing!

A national survey conducted by the Office of Disability Employment Policy on consumer attitudes toward companies that hire people with disabilities indicated that 92 percent of the American public views companies that hire people with disabilities more favorably than those that do not, and 87 percent would prefer to give their business to companies that hire people with disabilities.

I encourage companies to consider this information when making informed decisions about the modest investment required to accommodate this underutilized labor resource


Wednesday, July 27, 2011

What's New For Musicians... The Lime Lighter!

I was recently introduced to a company called the Dancing Dots they serve blind musicians and their educators through technology and training. How cool is that? Can you imagine loosing your sight and not being able to read music any more? Dancing Dots has a solution for you, they're the go to company; "Where Music Meets Technology for the Blind"


They have a new product for low vision muscians called, The Lime Lighter. I sugesst that you take a few minutes to cehck this video out!

3-minute video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7uVxADu2Do

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Sky's The Limit Skydive Event

SKYDIVING FOR DOLLARS: LOCAL PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PARACHUTE IN TO RAISE FUNDS LOS ANGELES-BASED ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER

EmpowerTech To Host “Sky’s The Limit” Event on April 30, 2011
March 3, 2011—LOS ANGELES: Proving that anything is possible and, in fact, the “Sky’s the Limit” for persons living with disabilities, EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, will host day of skydiving in Lake Elsinore, CA on April 30, 2011.

The event, which is open to the public, requires individual jumpers to recruit friends, relatives, and colleagues to sponsor a jump by pledging money to support EmpowerTech. The minimum total pledge per jumper is $1,000.

Joan Anderson, Executive Director of EmpowerTech commented, “The theme of this year’s event is “Free Falling for the independence and freedom for individuals with disabilities.” This captures the essence of what goes on every day at EmpowerTech—talented individuals pushing the limit and overcoming obstacles and fears to achieve their full potential.”

“Sky’s the Limit” will consist of jumps throughout the day at Lake Elsinore Skydive in Lake Elsinore, CA. All jumps will be “tandem” jumps with professionals from Lake Elsinore Skydive. On the ground there will be live entertainment, kids’ activities, food and fun for the whole family.

Two members of the EmpowerTech Board of Directors, Keith and Ravi, will lead the procession of jumpers and kick off the day’s events. Keith is a graduate of the agency’s Blind and Low Vision program and is back at work as one of LA’s premier radio DJ’s. He will be raising funds to assist current and future students. Ravi Rajan is also raising funds for Empowertech, both through this jump and through his participation in the upcoming Boston Marathon.

Anderson stated, “Anyone who is surprised when they first hear about “Sky’s the Limit” does not know our students and staff—they don’t back down from a challenge and they live to conquer obstacles. This is all in a day’s work for them. “Sky’s the Limit” represents a tremendous opportunity not only to demonstrate what extraordinary people are capable of, but to give our supporters in the community the chance to interact with our students and staff on the world’s most level playing field—a 120 mile per hour, 60 second free fall from an airplane!”

Thursday, February 10, 2011

EMPOWERTECH APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF BLIND & LOW VISION SERVICES

Veteran Educator Nicolas M. Crisosto to Lead One of Los Angeles-Based Non-Profit’s Core Service Offerings
FEBRUARY__ —LOS ANGELES: EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, announced the appointment of Nicolas M. Crisosto as Director of Blind and Low Vision Services.
Mr. Crisosto has been a Lecturer in Computer Science at California State University Channel Islands, an instructor at The Society for the Blind in Sacramento, CA, and is a former chapter president and California State Treasurer for the National Federation for the Blind. He graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a degree in Mathematics, and is an alumnus of the Colorado Center for the Blind’s Independence Training Program.
EmpowerTech Executive Director Joan Anderson commented, “I am excited to welcome Nicolas Crisosto to the EmpowerTech team. Our Blind and Low Vision programs require a Director with experience, expertise, and a passion for helping others. Nicolas is the complete package. When it comes to learning intricate computer technologies, he has sat on both sides of the desk—as a teacher and a student—and he knows firsthand the challenges and the rewards of mastering non-visual techniques. The positive impact that I expect Nicolas will make on our students and on our organization is difficult to overstate.”
After an initial evaluation of EmpowerTech’s Blind and Low Vision service offerings, Mr. Crisosto plans to enhance the agency’s core curriculum to include instruction in advanced computer software applications and more advanced Assistive Technology programs. In addition to his collegiate-level instructional experience in basic computer literacy involving the full suite of Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer, Mr. Crisosto also is proficient in a broad variety of Assistive Technologies including including JAWS, OpenBook, VoiceOver, WindowEyes, Guide, Duxbury, JulietPro Embossers, scanners, BrailleNote, and LaTeX.

Mr. Crisoto commented, “When I was given the opportunity to join EmpowerTech in a leadership capacity, I leapt at the chance. Giving people the freedom and independence to manage their lives through technology that so many take for granted, is a rare opportunity. I am excited to work with my new colleagues to enhance EmpowerTech’s existing programs and to make an even greater impact on the community we already serve so well.”

Friday, December 3, 2010

Blind DJ back at Work

Greetings everyone as you know my name is DJ Ken. You’ve probably heard about me on the blog at the EmpowerTech web site. Before we get started, let's talk about a man who’s been truly blessed, taught some of the best techniques in technology by some of the most genuinely committed, experienced, passionate & accomplished teachers in the educational industry over at the Empowertech school of computer technology. Now just imagine a man who was one of the top broadcast professionals on the air in America, and the regional manager for one of the top telecommunications providers in the USA. Then out of nowhere Glaucoma had struck & attacked him like a Visual Virus. Would you believe I never saw it coming? Although, I had been advised by my medical physicians that it would immediately impact my future, personal & business relationships. Actually, he simply explained to me that my life will unfortunately change completely if I didn’t agree to at least one more surgery, although I had recently endured five excruciating operations within the last two years and was refusing to tolerate another one. I went totally blind in just a few weeks, not knowing that my highly successful career would change like I could never imagine. I didn’t start crying or feeling sorry for myself. I kept on pushing but after awhile, I needed a way to communicate with my colleagues, employees, representatives & most of all the clients. Now if you know anything about me, this tragic event had to be dealt with at once. So I resigned immediately to take some time and find the resources to better myself for my four boys & my beautiful wife Barbi. And there it was, EmpowerTech. Most would not know this, but when I arrived at EmpowerTech, I did not know how to type, email, download, or even go on the internet. I could not use a computer at all. & yes thanks to Chris, Eric, Joan, Julie, Joanne, Rosemarie & the man Tom Lange my Teachers I became the computer geek that I am today. Now when I head out to the radio station I’m able to get my show going without an intern or an assistant. I just walk into the control room & pop in my NVDA flash drive then it starts talking; now I’m on my way. Once everything’s up & going I can find out which commercials & songs that I need to play next. Also it tells the time & the order in which to play them. Yes I am on the air & it's time to be the number one DJ in L A again. Thanks to the fine people over at Empowertech, yo’ boy Ken has his independence back! ”that’s Y I say every day I’m Empowered!
Ken

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

JAWS 12 Sneak Preview

JAWS version 12 is due out later this year, and we've got the latest scoop on its most exciting changes!
The JAWS Configuration Manager is replaced with the Settings Center, where you can search for the setting that you want to change and simply change it, with no need to hunt through a variety of menus to track down where, for instance, you can change the level of punctuation that JAWS speaks or increase the JAWS speech rate. Also, the Settings Center remembers your last 25 changes and displays them at the bottom of the tree view, making it easier for you to fix a setting that you might have adjusted incorrectly or adjust settings that you change frequently.
Braille display users, take note! JAWS 12 lets you operate your computer from the Braille keyboard of any connected refreshable Braille display. Using the Braille keys, you can enter any character that would be entered through a standard QWERTY keyboard, and this includes all JAWS commands, too. If you're a whiz at Grade II Braille, you'll also be able to enter text in contracted Braille and have the result reverse-translated to text on the fly.
Finally, if you just can't seem to make your way around Office 2007 or 2010's new Office Fluent User Interface (OFUI) without getting frustrated and saying oh phooey!, JAWS 12 lets you choose whether to use the Office ribbon as is or to use a Virtual Ribbon interface that feels more like the old traditional Office menu system.
Stay tuned, and EmpowerTech will bring you the latest details on these and other exciting developments as we receive them.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Still Living the American Dream...

Still Living the American Dream...

When Namundi and his wife set out for America in the early 70's life was filled with a bright kaleidoscope of dreams, a land of endless possibilities. He set his sights on progressing up the career ladder beginning as a bookkeeper for Weyerhaeuser Mortgage Company and before the company was sold ended up as the Vice President of the Mortgage Division.
Not one to rest on his laurels and loving the world of numbers he also held a variety of honorary positions with the West LA Chapter of the National Association of Accountants. In 2006, while working as a senior loan officer with Clarion Mortgage Capital Namundi noticed that something was happening with this eyesight, things were blurry and objects began to have halos around them.
Soon he was diagnosed with acute glaucoma in both eyes. In 2007, he was legally blind and the mortgage market had collapsed. I know what you are thinking, raise the white flag of surrender, give in, give up. Namundi did none of these things. You see Namundi loves numbers. He viewed the stats, weighed the odds, calculated with fierce determination that he would once again work with numbers. To help him win his independence back, is where EmpowerTech steps in. Over the course of several months in our Blind/Low Vision Program, Namundi has been reunited with his numbers. The kaleidoscope of dreams and endless possibilities don't end with the loss of eyesight, they begin again as they have with Namundi. Currently he is being vetted for a position as a disbursement officer with the FBI, yup that's right folks the FBI!

Friday, June 25, 2010

First PowerPoint Created Entirely by a Blind Person

The Sky’s the Limit Powerpoint presentation was created using several devices and programs. The hardware included my Toshiba Laptop, a BrailleNote MPower note-taker and a Victor Reader Stream portable Daisy book reader/digital recorder. The software that I used included the JAWS for Windows screen reader version 11, Powerpoint 2007, Notepad, and version 1.3 of the freeware Audacity multi-track sound recorder/editor.

I began by creating a simple Powerpoint using a sampler set of four still photos of different phases of my skydive Each photo went into a single slide. I added title and/or descriptive text for each slide, then created the slide notes. I discovered that while creating the notes and running the presentation, JAWS wouldn’t read the slide notes aloud. . So for reviewing and editing, I transferred each slite’s notes to individual text files in Notepad, and transferred them to my BrailleNote note-taker.

I then read each file on my BrailleNote aloud and recorded the narrations on my Victor Reader Stream in MP3 format.
Next, I used Audacity to create four multi-track projects, one for each slide. Each project contained background music clips which were cut from various MP3’s in my collection of albums. I then imported an MP3 narration into each Audacity project, effectively dubbing in voice-over. After setting sound levels and adding effects like stereo phasing for the background music on slide 1 and repeat echo for part of the narration on slide 4, each project was exported to an MP3 file. The files were then inserted into their appropriate places in the Powerpoint presentation.
The end result is a multimedia Powerpoint presentation that, hopefully, is as fun to look at and listen to as it was for me to create. I thoroughly enjoyed the creation process and learned a lot in the bargain. The knowledge that I gained from this experience will be passed on to students in the future, and perhaps we’ll put together similar presentations as fun class projects.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Blind DJ Keeps it Real

If you're a rhythm and blues fan and you've been a listener to certain L.A. radio stations over the last ten years or so, chances are that you've probably heard Ken (not his real name). He's one of the guys who got you movin' and groovin' in the morning with all those hot jams that got your eyes open, put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. He was one of the guys who played just the right tunes to take the tedium and frustration out of your long afternoon commute. And when the day melted down into a sleepy red glow and your wild desires started to show,
Ken made sure that the night time was the right time to be with the one you love, playin' those sweet songs, those straight-from-the-heart songs that put you in that special mood for that special someone.Ken's vision loss began back in 1997 and he became totally blind around the year 2000. In those days there were still knobs and switches, LP's and cartridges, so being a DJ wasn't that difficult for someone without vision. But as Ken adjusted to his blindness, the DJ technology changed too, from analog to digital, posing new challenges.Ken came to EmpowerTech recently, determined to learn to use computers with JAWS for Windows. His ultimate goal is
to use those new-found skills to get familiar with digital DJ technology and get back on the air. It will be a great day when we can hear that great music and that special radio voice of his once again.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN FOR EMPOWERTECH’S “SKY’S THE LIMIT” SKYDIVING FUNDRAISER

Disabled Students Among Scheduled Jumpers
February __, 2010—LOS ANGELES: EmpowerTech announced today that a team of jumpers will participate in the non-profit organization’s skydiving fundraiser, “Sky’s the Limit” on April 24, 2010 in Lake Elsninore, CA. EmpowerTech’s Director of Blind and Low Vision Services, Tom Lange, who is blind, will also make the jump and is planning to broadcast the experience on Twitter.

Only a limited number of spots remain for the jump. Individuals interested in jumping or in learning more about EmpowerTech, the only assistive technology center in Los Angeles that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, can visit www.empowertech.org.

The event, which is open to the public, requires individual jumpers to recruit friends, relatives, and colleagues to sponsor a jump by pledging money to support EmpowerTech. The minimum total pledge per jumper is $1,000 ($750 for students and persons with disabilities).


“Sky’s the Limit” begins with a first jump at 7:30 A.M. at Lake Elsinore Skydive in Lake Elsinore, CA, followed by 20 jumpers per hour throughout the day. All jumps will be “tandem” jumps with professionals from Lake Elsinore Skydive. On the ground there will be live entertainment, kids’ activities, food and fun for the whole family.

Anderson stated, “We are so excited about Tom Lange’s decision to jump. He is an inspiration to us all and living proof that you can do ANYTHING with the right attitude and proper support. I am directing all of my fundraising efforts to sponsor Tom’s jump and I encourage the public to consider sponsoring a jumper, as well.“

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Free On-line Banking Training at EmpowerTech

OPEN ACCESS TRAINING SESSION (OATS)
Featuring: Online Banking Using JAWS for WINDOWS
Date and time: December 23, 2009

Are you nervous about giving assistants, friends, family members or relatives access to your checkbook and financial statements? Have you been ripped off? Would you like to be able to manage your financial affairs independently and privately? Nobody else but you needs to know about and participate in your financial business. Take charge!

For years, using their computers and an Internet connection, blind and visually-impaired people have managed their financial affairs independently and privately from the comfort and convenience of their homes and offices, and you can, too. Come to the next in a series of Open Access Training Sessions at EmpowerTech, to be held on December 23, 2009 from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Using online banking facilities at chase.com , we'll show you how to register, view account activity, add and update payees, pay bills and view payment history.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Sarah's Story

I think for most of us that are reading this message there are things that we take for granted: every day things; opening mail and reading it and paying bills with checks or through our on-line banking accounts. For most of the students here at EmpowerTech these things are done with assistance usually by another person. The following story will anger and appall you but I promise it has a very good ending.

The main character of this story is Sarah (not her real name for privacy purposes). Sarah is one of our recent Blind/Low-Vision program graduates, she is extremely independent and even more so after completing the program.
There were still a few things that she did need help with, primarily opening of her bills and then writing the checks. She did have a hired assistant who would come in a few hours a week to help her with this. Sarah and her got along very well and a trust began to form. For several months, a few hours a week, the assistant helped Sarah with her finances. Then one day by sheer luck, Sarah called her bank to check her balance. She was overdrawn and the check that the assistant wrote for her rent was going to bounce.
Very upset and beside herself she called Tom Lange, EmpowerTech's Blind/Low-Vision Director. Tom immediately calmed her down and helped her navigate along with her bank's assistance, the source of the overdraft, a check was forged by the assistant. The bank acknowledged the problem and replaced the funds.
A few days later and through a series of phone calls, Tom taught her how to use on-line banking.

You see there are things you and I take for granted; opening our mail, paying bills and on-line banking. But now because of EmpowerTech and Tom's help our Blind/Low-Vision students are all being taught and taking advantage of on-line banking even furthering their independence.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Joan's Personal Thank You

The first letter that any new Executive Director writes is always the hardest. The reasons are many: will they like my writing style without placing too much emphasis on the grammatical, will my words convey what I want to express without upsetting anyone, and will they even read my words. Here’s what I think, words matter. I think that we are as a nation fumbling for the language of the current times, but I have the perfect two little words. Thank You. If I were asked last year about becoming the leader of a team of assistive technology professionals my first word would be, what? I had no idea what assistive technology was. But I do now. And for this I say thank you to my team. Thank you Ally, for taking a chance with me and seeing what I saw in our student’s eyes, what an amazing development department we now have. Thank you Judy, for your passion, your strength to set out into our community with your lessons; touching not only our preschoolers every day but their parents as well. Thank you Eric for your endurance, patience and familiarity with your students that you see every day during TRADE, you have taught not only them but me as well. Thank you Bruce and Tom for always amazing me that even without full eyesight you have taught your students through touch to see the world differently, completely. Thank you Melody, for your guidance that you give our preschool students through your body language, I have learned much through shadowing you, I have never met anyone who can teach so well without words. Thank you, Chris for accepting a new challenge and jumping in so quickly to our daily routine, the students have taken to you very quickly. Thank you Joanne, for your knowledge, your compassion, being the overall keeper of the mission of EmpowerTech, it is true without you my words would not be on the page right now.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Clip from Tom's Interview With Luke Ford...Does Blindness Enhance other Senses?

[Luke Ford]One question for publication:

I had this sense during our interview that your blindness enables you to see people, in some ways, more clearly than the sighted. That your blindness enhances many of your other senses. Is this true?

[Tom Lange]

It's interesting that you would say that. Perhaps that's because it seemed that I was more tuned in to you as we were talking and not distracted by the visual. It is a common misconception that blind people's remaining senses are innately sharper and that some blind people have some sort of "sixth sense". The latter, in my view, is somewhat ludicrous. It is true, that our remaining senses can and do become sharper, but they aren't innately so. Rather, they become that way out of necessity. In other words, whenvision decreases or is lost altogether, there's no physiological "magic switch" that is thrown which immediately cranks up the other senses into overdrive. Instead, touch, hearing and smell become heightened because we use them more to gather clues about our environment. There are, however, physiological aspects to this that become apparent over time. Laboratory studies now show that when the visual cortex of the brain becomes idle following vision loss at an early age, the brain will, over time in effect "rewire itself", so that the visuall cortex, or portions of it, may be assigned the task of auditory processing to supplement the capabilities of the existing auditory centers. If vision is restored later in life, as was the case with Michael May, the person will be ill-equipped to process visual images and may in fact have to "learn to see" all over again, with varying degrees of success.
Interesting, eh?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Web News on Demand Accessable to the Blind by Tom the Tech Guy...

Baltimore, Maryland (March 31, 2009):
NFB-NEWSLINE®, the largest electronic newspaper
service in the world for blind and print-disabled
Americans, is pleased to announce the launch of
NFB-NEWSLINE® Online
(www.nfbnewslineonline.org).
Through NFB-NEWSLINE® Online's groundbreaking
features, subscribers can enjoy both an enhanced
experience in reading the news and dramatically
increased flexibility in how they choose to
access their favorite publication's content.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind, said: "The NFB-NEWSLINE®
service was created so that blind people could
benefit from independent access to information on
world news and hometown events in the same way
that our sighted colleagues can. The new
features offered by NFB-NEWSLINE® Online are an
extension of this service's ability to allow
independent and flexible access to news content
by the blind. I am very proud of the increased
choice and convenience that initiatives like Web
News on Demand and NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket
provide to NFB-NEWSLINE® subscribers."