Kansas Talking books and National Federation of the Blind Partner to provide free audio news service
TOPEKA – The State Library of Kansas and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the transformative membership organization of blind Americans, announced today that the Kansas Talking Books program will sponsor and administer the NFB-NEWSLINE® service in Kansas.
NFB-NEWSLINE® is a free audio and Braille service that provides access to over 500 publications including national, state, and international newspapers. The service also includes magazines, TV listings, retail ads, job listings, and breaking news sources. The service is designed to make printed information accessible to blind and print-disabled individuals.
The Kansas Talking Books program, which is part of the State Library of Kansas, provides free library services to Kansans who cannot read standard print due to a visual or physical disability. The program offers a wide range of books and magazines in audio and Braille formats, as well as playback equipment and accessories.
By adding NFB-NEWSLINE® to its portfolio of services, the Kansas Talking Books program will enable its patrons to access current and reliable information from local and national sources, using a variety of methods, including touch-tone telephone, website, iOS mobile app, and Amazon Alexa smart speakers. NFB-NEWSLINE® subscribers can also download publications to a digital talking-book player or a compatible device.
Ray C. Walling, the State Librarian of Kansas, said: “We are delighted to partner with the National Federation of the Blind to offer NFB-NEWSLINE® to our Kansas Talking Books patrons. This service will enhance their access to information and entertainment, and empower them to live the lives they want.”
Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “Over the past thirty years, NFB-NEWSLINE® has become an indispensable resource for tens of thousands of blind and print-disabled Americans who want to stay informed and connected with their communities and the world. We are proud to partner with the State Library of Kansas and the Kansas Talking Books program to expand the availability of this service, created by and for blind people, throughout the Sunflower State.”
To learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE®, visit http://www.nfb.org/nfbnewsline
About the National Federation of the Blind The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at nfb.org.