One of the most frustrating aspects of sight loss has always been the inability to read a newspaper. Blind citizens of Michigan living in the areas of Detroit, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Marquette who are unable to read conventional newspapers can soon read the newspaper whenever they want to.
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the Library of Michigan, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is providing Newsline for the Blind of Michigan. With this service and your touch-tone phone, you can read the news columns of several national newspapers and a local paper. Some of the papers available include the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Tribune and USA Today (may vary by area.)
To read, you simply dial the local phone number of Newsline, key in your two access codes, and listen to the announcements to pick the newspaper, the section and the articles you wish to read. You can control the speed, repeat what you have read and select other control options, as well. The information is read to you by a very clear computerized voice.
Any person who is legally blind or persons who cannot read a conventional newspaper is eligible. Many Newsline readers are already signed up with the Michigan Library for the Blind, and these people are automatically found eligible for Newsline when they apply. Anyone who cannot read the newspaper due to sight loss can apply. Those not already using the Michigan Library for the Blind can attach a letter from their doctor or other community leader familiar with their sight problem. Mail the application to Newsline where eligibility will be confirmed and access codes assigned. Newsline does not charge a fee to individual readers, but donations are welcome.
For more information and to request application forms, please call (248) 546-5110 or write to:
Newsline for the Blind of Michigan
P.O.Box 647
Hazel Park, MI 48030