. . . you’re better off than millions of Americans who have low vision or are legally blind. Most of us reading here take being able to to pick up the paper or log onto eCoronado.com to stay up on events for granted, but there are many for whom this is not possible. With modern computer technology the visually impaired can use computers to enlarge computer text to make it easier to read or even have the computer’s voice read text on the screen out loud to them. But many of our older, less tech-savvy residents are not going to be able to do this without assistance. Fortunately, Macintosh computers make this especially easy as they come with software to assist the visually impaired. Imagine the tragedy of losing that daily routine of sitting down with the paper and a cup of coffee after all those years. Just like good hearing or being able to get around independently, we don’t value it until we lose it. If you have family or know someone who is visually impaired, fortunately there is hope. There is a Radio Reading Service (RRS) here in San Diego run by the good folks at KPBS which reads the Union Tribune, Grocery Ads, Event Listings, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Time, Reader’s Digest, National Geographic, Wall St. Journal, The Economist, The New Yorker, The Smithsonian, Sports Illustrated and more over the air. The service operates EVERY DAY and is ABSOLUTELY FREE as is the special radio which is designed for the visually impaired to be able to easily operate. The readings are broadcast over a private sub-channel so you do need the special radio to be able to tune in and it is open to qualified listeners only. A couple walked in to the Fire Station a few months ago to get help bandaging up a small cut. They mentioned that they had a tough time even putting on a bandaid since they were both legally blind. I gave them the contact info for the RRS and I heard from them later that they both just LOVE the service! If someone you know would benefit from the Radio Reading Service or if you would like to learn more go to www.KPBSReadingService.org or to have a Listener Information & Application Packet sent to you or someone you know, please leave a mailing address on their voice mail system: 619-594-8170. The RRS is volunteer driven and donation supported. There are over 150 volunteers who help keep the service on the air every day. My wife and I have been Radio Reading Service volunteer readers for about eight years now and we LOVE IT! We also have one of our distinguished Coronado Cays residents who is a volunteer reader. Not only do we love providing this service, but the RRS gets lots of very positive feedback from listeners who feel like they’re now plugged back in to the outside world again after losing their sight.
Jamie Edmonds prepares to cue his wife Leslie to begin as he finishes his article. The RRS is supported by volunteer donations so if you would like to make a contribution, a legacy gift, or would like to sign up to become a volunteer reader, please check out the website: www.KPBSReadingService.org Subscribers can also listen to the Radio Reading Service online with a special code if they are using a computer currently. I bet there’s even a way to set up your loved ones’ computer to read the breaking news here on the eCoronado.com blog to them as well! I’ll look into the details on that and post a follow-up comment here.
