Accessing the Print World Part 1: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss
Debby Smith, Rehabilitation Specialist
June 1, 2008
In our daily lives we are surrounded by print. The morning newspaper, bills, shopping circulars, catalogues, to name a few. Some of us enjoy reading books and magazines in our leisure time. Many of us need to read print at our jobs. Print is everywhere!
Clients often say that reading is what they miss most when they lose their vision but there are alternatives, both high and low tech. This article will focus on some “low tech” options.
The TIC Network, Talking Information Center, turns “print into sound”. TIC broadcasts the reading of printed materials. Numerous publications are read including The Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal, even the obituaries. The program schedule listing the specific time when a publication airs is available in large print, Braille, audio cassette, audio CD and computer disc. Listeners can receive the broadcast with a special TIC radio or through some AM/FM radio stations, cable stations, or the internet. Many people prefer the receiver or small radio because it can be set to pick up the station without resetting the dials. The receiver can be obtained by contacting the TIC office at 800-696-9595. A one time fee of $50.00 is requested but TIC will try to find a sponsor if a new listener is not able to pay.
Both the Mass Commission for the Blind (MCB) and MAB Community Services maintain informational telephone recordings. The MCB message has legislative information, consumer information and social activities for people who are visually impaired. Call 800-392-6450 x 7660 to reach the MCB line. MAB Connections introduces you to a menu of options including information about services but also weekly television programming, grocery specials and area entertainment. Call 617-923-2790 to access MAB Connections.
How about learning about the weather, your daily horoscope, soap opera updates, sports news or stock quotes? Call Tell Me at 800-555-8355 or 800-555-TELL. All kinds of information are available using this voice-recognition system. Either listen to the main menu or just “speak” what you are looking for.
Are you looking to order a gift, buy some clothes or to find a new cookbook? Home Readers is a non-profit corporation that provides cookbooks and catalogues on 4-track audio tape able to be played on talking book machines for people who are blind or visually impaired. This service allows people to independently shop when they want, rather than wait for someone to come read to them. The collection includes Figi’s (food gifts), Land’s End (clothing), and Care-A-Lot (pet products). Many of the catalogs are free. For some there is a charge. Call 913-893-6939 for more information.
Do you have just 3 or 4 pages you need read? Read This To Me is a free reading service. Fax them the document and a volunteer reader will call you and read the information. For information call 877-333-8847.
These are just some resources that allow people who are visually impaired or blind to access print. Next month’s Strategies for Life article will detail all that is offered through the Braille and Talking Book Library, including who is eligible for the services and how to become a patron.
Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643