From: Julie Russell 
Subject: Newsline
Hello Federationists and Friends,
        Below is a copy of my response to David Noack's request for Newsline
information.
Happy Holidays,
Julie A. Russell        
David noack,
        I am writing in response to your inquiry on the NFB net concerning
Newsline.  I began using the service via telephone at its inception in 1995
in Baton Rouge, LA This site is available for the state's blind population
at no charge.  In addition it becomes even more accessable to the non Baton
Rouge residents by an 800 number.  This service has allowed me to compete on
an equal ground with my sighted peers.  As a college student who took a
Journalism course in the fall semester of this year it was the sole factor
into my being able to pass current event quizzes and to be able to
participate in class discussion.  Having used the service daily since late
August, I hope to decrease my use to every couple days.  
        In addition to allowing me to compete in the classroom it is
necessary for all individuals to know current events to make informed
choices concerning elections on a local, state and national level.
Knowledge of current events is also a necessary to function in many social
situations.
        Other news services for the blind fade in comparison.  To be able to
get news in accordance with one's schedule is a significant factor in
getting any news.  If one works while the news is on the television (which
provides a different depth of news anyway) it is not accessable to that
person.  If a radio service offers live newspaper reading the the area, one
must have the time and patience to sit through articles that may be of no
interest to the individual.  Today's Newsline is clearly the best option.
        Before its inception, I had no true method and recieving news.
Having been blind only a few months, I had not developed any method, but I
can not imagine a method as convenient as Newsline.  When I get home, after
a long day it is reassuring to know I can read the paper.  It is good to
know that in the morning I can read the same paper, or even yesterday's
paper.  Over a cup of coffee, one can leisurely flip through book reviews,
or the money section.  It is one of many wonderful services of the National
Federation of the Blind.  If you have any additional questions, please do
not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Russell
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