NFB-NEWSLINE(r) Adds Reader's Digest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen@nfb.org Susan Olivo Executive Director Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation 44 South Broadway - 17th Floor White Plains, NY 10601 (914) 244-5349 susan@partnersforsight.org NFB-NEWSLINE® Adds Reader’s Digest Popular Publication Now on Free Service for Blind and Print-Disabled People Baltimore, Maryland (June 18, 2012): The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to announce that NFB-NEWSLINE ®­its free service that provides independent access by print-disabled people to hundreds of local and national publications, as well as TV and job listings­has partnered with The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. to offer its very popular monthly magazine to subscribers. The addition of Reader’s Digest will expand the already wide variety of content offered by the service, including magazines that focus on science, technology, and culture. Offering more than 300 newspapers, magazines, and wire feeds, NFB-NEWSLINE® provides subscribers with on-demand access and the ability to read only those sections and articles of interest to the user from the publications available. Subscribers may read their favorite publications via a variety of methods, including using a touch-tone telephone, accessing content on the Web, via an iPhone or other iOS device, or by downloading publications to a digital talking book player or MP3 player. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “The addition of Reader’s Digest­which is not only one of the most popular consumer magazines in the United States but also enjoys worldwide success­gives NFB-NEWSLINE® subscribers yet another choice in content, featuring a mix of compelling human interest stories, family-based articles, and humor. The National Federation of the Blind is pleased that NFB-NEWSLINE® continues to expand the diversity of its offerings to meet the variety of subscribers’ interests and needs.” “This is great news for our subscribers,” said Scott White, who directs the NFB-NEWSLINE® program. “Reader’s Digest has been one of our most requested magazines and we are pleased to be able to offer it on the service.” Liz Vaccariello, V.P. and editor-in-chief of Reader’s Digest, said: “We are very happy to partner with the National Federation of the Blind in offering our magazine content. Its commitment to providing equal access to printed material is unparalleled.” NFB-NEWSLINE® allows those who cannot read conventional newsprint due to a visual or physical disability to access publications as well as television and job listings over the telephone, on the Web, via an iOS device, or by download to digital talking book players or MP3-playing devices. 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 nfbnewsline@nfb.org, 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. 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. About The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. The Reader’s Digest Association is a global media and direct marketing company that educates, entertains and connects more than 140 million consumers around the world with products and services from trusted brands. With offices in 44 countries, the company reaches customers in 78 countries, publishes 75 magazines, including 49 editions of Reader's Digest, the world's largest-circulation magazine, operates 62 branded websites and sells 30 million books, music and video products across the world each year. Further information about the company can be found at www.rda.com.