Breakthrough Technology Provides TV Listings to the Blind

Breakthrough Technology Provides TV Listings to the Blind

Free, On-Demand Service Available to Millions

BALTIMORE, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind has partnered with Tribune Media Services to add television listings to NFB-NEWSLINE(R), the nation's largest on-demand news service for the blind. Beginning today, blind and visually impaired Americans will have independent access to their local TV listings, all in one place, only a telephone call away.

Eric Duffy, a Columbus, Ohio native and blind parent of two children, said: "It is so important to find quality television programming for young children. Now I can choose appropriate TV shows for my children, just like any other sighted parent."

Garrick Scott, of Atlanta, Georgia, hosts a weekly sports talk show. "Watching sports is a huge part of my life, and this new capability makes it infinitely easier to find what I want to watch," Scott said.

By simply entering the zip code, source of TV reception, and time zone, blind users will have quick and easy access to their local TV listings. The listings are interactive, as the user can navigate and choose between date, time, and/or channel listings. After a user enters the local zip code, he or she is presented with a list of cable and satellite providers in the area. The user can also indicate the use of a television antenna.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind said: "The sheer volume of information that blind persons will now have access to is astonishing. Finally, blind television viewers can find out what's on any channel, at any time, and within seconds."

Over 50,000 NFB-NEWSLINE(R) subscribers already enjoy the free electronic newspaper service which carries 242 newspapers and magazines to 41 states and the District of Columbia. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and AARP The Magazine are among the many national and local newspapers offered. Subscribers have access twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, through a local or toll-free telephone number.

NFB-NEWSLINE(R) uses the Zap2it television listings, a product of Tribune Media Services and the leading source of entertainment listings in the country.

Individuals who are unable to read print due to a physical disability are eligible for this free service. To register or to request more information, call the National Federation of the Blind at (866) 504-7300, or visit them online at http://www.nfbnewsline.org/ .

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.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: National Federation of the Blind

CONTACT: John G. Pare Jr., Director of Public Relations of National
Federation of the Blind, +1-410-659-9314, extension 2371, +1-410-913-3912
(Cell), jpare@nfb.org

Web site: http://www.nfbnewsline.org/

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