NFB - Newsline

As I was creating my first post about the different assistive technology available at the San Francisco Library I was intrigued when I came across the service Newsline provided by the National Federation of the Blind. It is a audio newspaper service that offers access to over three hundred publications!! Most of the publications are in English, but they do have a handful of Spanish publications.

Those who have access to this service, can use it free of charge and at any time.  When people use the service they have the ability to change settings such as speed, voice settings, and section of the paper they would like to hear.

To use this service one does have to submit an application, but it is offered to those who are unable to read printed newspapers.  To register for this service you can download an application from the National Federation of the Blind's official web page, call the NFB or you can call your state's Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

When I visited the website for the San Francisco Public Library I was easily able to find the area of their website dedicated to their assistive technology, which also included information about Newsline. I decided to browse the websites for libraries in Escondido and the city of San Diego.  On the Escondido website, the audio newspaper service is not specifically mentioned, but they do provide a link to the page of the California State Library with information regarding services for the blind or visually impaired.  On that page, there is information about the newsline service.  For the San Diego Public Library it was a very different experience.  They did not provide a link, or mention this service. Under their page titled, "OliverMcMillan I CAN! Center - Services for Persons with Disabilities," they only have services they offer for disabilities.

I think it is amazing a service like this exists, and it is quite sad not all libraries advertise information regarding the service.  Now, it is very likely users may be referred to the service after speaking with a librarian or other library staff, but it would be very helpful for all to have some information provided online.

If you would like to view more information you can visit the official page of the National Federation of the Blind at the following website https://nfb.org/audio-newspaper-service.