National Federation of the Blind's Newspaper Service Now Offers More Digital Talking Book Player Compatibility

NFB-NEWSLINE(R) In Your Pocket Now Compatible with BookSense and Book Port Plus

BALTIMORE, March 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NFB-NEWSLINE®, a free service that provides independent access by print-disabled people to hundreds of local and national publications and TV listings, is pleased to announce that NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket is now compatible with two more digital talking book players, the BookSense and Book Port Plus.  Digital talking-book players such as BookSense and Book Port Plus allow print-disabled individuals to download and store books and music on a small handheld device, affording easy and portable access to a wide array of media.  

NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket is a dynamic software application for personal computers which, through an Internet connection, automatically downloads the publications of a subscriber's choice to his or her digital talking-book player.  Through this revolutionary access method, subscribers can now use their Book Port Plus or BookSense players to gain easy and immediate access to their favorite publications and enjoy the reading experience that is offered with a DAISY-reading device.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "With NFB-NEWSLINE®, the print-disabled can benefit from the vital news contained in newspapers and magazines.  With the new device compatibility created for NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket, blind people have even more flexibility in where and how they access the news they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives."

NFB-NEWSLINE® allows those who cannot read conventional newsprint due to a visual or physical disability to access newspapers and magazines by download to a digital talking book player, over the telephone, or on the Web.  

To learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE®, please visit www.nfbnewsline.org; those interested in subscribing to the service may fill out the online application form, write to [email protected], or call (866) 504-7300.  In order to be eligible for NFB-NEWSLINE® an individual must be a US resident who is legally blind or has a physical or learning disability that prevents the independent reading of newspapers.  

For further information about NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket, visit www.nfbnewslineonline.org and select "NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket" from the NFB-NEWSLINE® Online Main Menu.

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States.  The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind