U.S. CONGRESS

"Newsline" Audio newspaper service
for the blind expanded and improved

Congressman John J. LaFalce (D-29, NY) announced that, as a result of a $4 million appropriation from Congress, effective March 1, 2002, the National Federation of the Blind's (NFB) NEWSLINE - an audio newspaper service - is available anywhere in the United States free of charge.

NEWSLINE is a toll-free service that uses synthesized speech to deliver an audio version of text from approximately 50 daily newspapers through the telephone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to those who are blind or visually impaired.

In order to activate selections from NEWSLINE, dial a toll-free number, 1-888-882-1629, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and use the telephone keyboard for all responses. A computerized speaker will ask for an identification code and security number to be entered and then helps with the process of selecting the choice of newspaper from the menu, and ask for specified newspaper sections such as headlines, sports, finances, etc., which will be read using synthesized speech.

Prior to March 1, the Brockport/ Rochester Service Center was the only Western New York NEWSLINE center that was equipped to handle calls within the 716 and 585 area codes. Only callers in the Brockport/Rochester area could access the service free of charge, while those in the rest of Western New York had to pay long distance charges.

The NFB is now offering the NEWSLINE service nationwide. The WNY Service Center and all other local centers have been replaced, and calls in-stead go to the NFB's National Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland via a toll-free number, so no long distance charges will be incurred by users of the NEWSLINE service.

Those interested in taking advantage of NEWSLINE can obtain an application by calling the NFB at (410) 659-9314 or on the Internet at http://www.nfb.org/newsap.htm. Proof of vision impairment is required.

"NEWSLINE provides an invaluable service to the blind, disabled, and elderly," LaFalce said. "I have been very supportive of federal efforts to provide free, nationwide access to NEWSLINE, and it is gratifying to know that it has become a reality."