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Talking Information Center and Furnace Brook Middle School Raise Vision Impairment Awareness Through Blindfold Run/Walk

Furnace Brook Middle School Principal, Patrick Sullivan, with his son Cooper at the “I Am...Not Alone. We’re in this Together” Blindfold Run/Walk.
Furnace Brook Middle School Principal, Patrick Sullivan, with his son Cooper at the “I Am…Not Alone. We’re in this Together” Blindfold Run/Walk.

In partnership with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) and Team with a Vision, the Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, recently participated in the “I Am…Not Alone. We’re in this Together” Blindfold Run/Walk with Furnace Brook Middle School in Marshfield.

Twenty teams of two participated in the Blindfold Run/Walk held Sunday, October 16th, 2016 at Martinson Elementary School track in Marshfield. The event was geared towards raising awareness of the challenges of blind and visually impaired individuals. Participants included Marshfield sixth, seventh and eighth graders and their family members, TIC and Furnace Brook Middle School staff, and community members.

The runners/walkers took turns being blindfolded while their teammate remained sighted and served as a guide as they ran or walked the Martinson Elementary School track two laps each for one-mile total. The guides held the tether rope of their blindfolded partner and provided verbal direction throughout the entire race.

In addition to the race, participants had an opportunity to try on visual impairment glasses, which simulated low vision (courtesy of Capeway Opticians) and enjoy family friendly games designed to help children empathize with those who have vision issues.

A $10 donation was asked of participants, with all proceeds going to TIC to help fund special assistive radio technologies that benefit thousands who are blind or vision impaired. Tiny & Sons Glass Co., Capeway Opticians, Bond Printing and Marketing, Furnace Brook Middle School, MABVI and Team with a Vision sponsored this event.

“The Blindfold Run raised awareness of the hardships people with vision challenges face and it fit our school’s mission to be Peace Builders in being an event that encouraged empathy and helped others. We are lucky to have the TIC, Tiny and Sons, and St. Christine’s parish peer ministry support our school’s endeavors,” said Teresa DeLuca, Librarian at Furnace Brook Middle School.

“According to the National Federation of the Blind, 136,500 people of all ages in Massachusetts reported to have a visual disability in 2013,” explained Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director.”Through the Blindfold Run/Walk, we were able to provide a better understanding of the challenges of individuals with visual impairment. We had a very positive response from everyone involved.”

He continued, “We’d like to expand this initiative and continue to raise awareness by holding the Blindfold Run/Walk at other schools throughout the South Shore.”

Schools that are interested in holding a Blindfold Run/Walk event may contact Anna Dunbar of TIC (781) 834-4400.

Reaching New Audiences

Two out of three aging Americans confront vision loss. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older.

TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors and veterans seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind oversee TIC, which is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center and Furnace Brook Middle School Raise Vision Impairment Awareness Through Blindfold Run/WalkRead More

Talking Information Center Announces Dr. Oce Harrison as Speaker for Annual Wine Dinner Fundraiser

PrintTalking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, is pleased to announce that Oce Harrison, Ed.D, Project Director of the New England ADA Center at the Institute for Human Centered Design in Boston, will be the guest speaker for their 24th Annual Wine Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

Dr. Harrison has directed the New England ADA Center since 2001 and provides ADA Title I Employment trainings throughout New England. She collaborated with the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, which yielded groundbreaking research methods on various topics including “The Triumph of the Older Worker Despite the Great Recession.” She also led the region’s two largest events marking the 20th and the 25th Anniversary of the ADA on Boston Common.

TIC’s fundraising dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Barker Tavern, a beautifully restored 17th century building located at 21 Barker Road in Scituate. Guests will enjoy a four course meal created specifically for this event by George Jordan, head chef at The Barker Tavern. Each meal will perfectly complement a corresponding wine.

The evening will also feature live and silent auctions that will include a trip to Baltimore to see the Red Sox take on the Orioles, admission passes to museums, foursomes with carts at the area’s most prestigious golf clubs, and even a tour of the State House by Representative Jim Cantwell.

All proceeds from the Annual Wine Dinner directly benefit TIC, which serves the listening needs of thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and Connecticut through its network affiliates in Mashpee, Pittsfield, Lowell, Springfield and Worcester. To donate an auction item or to sponsor this event, contact TIC’s Anna Dunbar at 781-834-4400 or adunbar@ticnetwork.org.

Seating is limited. The Annual Wine Dinner is a very popular fundraising event and advanced reservations are required. To make reservations, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

Reaching New Audiences

According to the National Federation of the Blind, 136,500 people of all ages in Massachusetts reported to have a visual disability in 2013. Two out of three aging Americans confront vision loss. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older.

TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors and veterans seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind oversee TIC, which is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

 

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TIC, Radio for the Blind, to Hold Wine Dinner Fundraiser on November 3rd

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, will hold their 24th Annual Wine Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Auction items are needed and sponsorship opportunities are available.

TIC’s fundraising dinner will be held at the Barker Tavern, a beautifully restored 17th century building surrounded by natural landscape and historic views, located at 21 Barker Road in Scituate.

Guests will enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal and exceptional wines. Live and silent auctions will be held during the evening, and will include unique auction items such as vacation packages, excursions, performance tickets and gift certificates.

All proceeds from the Annual Wine Dinner directly benefit TIC, which serves the listening needs of thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and Connecticut through its network affiliates in Mashpee, Pittsfield, Lowell, Springfield and Worcester.

To donate an auction item or to sponsor this event, contact TIC’s Anna Dunbar at 781-834-4400 or adunbar@ticnetwork.com.

Seating is limited. The Annual Wine Dinner is a very popular fundraising event and advanced reservations are required. To make reservations for a table, a couple, or an individual, visit www.ticnetwork.com.

Reaching New Audiences

According to the National Federation of the Blind, 136,500 people of all ages in Massachusetts reported to have a visual disability in 2013. Two out of three aging Americans confront vision loss. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older. Military veterans are seeking programs that have a ‘veteran’s voice’.

TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors and veterans seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.com; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.com or call (781) 834-4400.

TIC, Radio for the Blind, to Hold Wine Dinner Fundraiser on November 3rdRead More

Talking Information Center Unveils New Website

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, recently unveiled their new website, www.TICNetwork.com.

TIC’s new mobile responsive website is clean and well organized, featuring simple, intuitive navigation, concise information, and active communication tools. The new website was developed by Bond Printing & Marketing of Hanover, MA, a family-owned and operated commercial printing and marketing company that has been serving clients in Eastern Massachusetts for more than four decades.

One of the most important new components of TICNetwork.com is the Giving page, which outlines all the ways to support TIC and enables visitors to easily make an online donation to the non-profit. A comprehensive Programs page is another key component, as it lists TIC’s hourly schedule for every day of the week and provides access to archived shows. A Volunteer page enables visitors to register to become a volunteer reader, help at an event or join a committee. Site visitors will also be able to stay up-to-date on TIC activities and news through the new online Newsroom.

Three prominent buttons on the Home page provide visitors quick, one-click options: “Listen Now” enables listeners to tune in live; a Zoom feature enables visitors to increase/decrease the font size of the website’s text; and the Give button takes visitors directly to the online donation page.

With the new design, TIC also has all the necessary tools on the back-end to make frequent content updates, ensuring that visitors to the site have access to the most current news, programs and events.

“TIC’s new website is extremely user-friendly, very easy to navigate and better serves our diverse audience of listeners. Bond Printing & Marketing did a tremendous job of developing a robust site that will serve us well for years to come,” said Jim Bunnell, Executive Director at TIC.

Reaching New Audiences

According to the National Federation of the Blind, 136,500 people of all ages in Massachusetts reported to have a visual disability in 2013. Two out of three aging Americans confront vision loss. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older. Military veterans are seeking programs that have a ‘veteran’s voice’.

Bunnell continued, “TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors and veterans seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.”

TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide and approximately 200 volunteers in their Marshfield studio alone, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

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Talking Information Center Provides Libraries with a “Listening” Option

TIC imageThe Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, exhibited at the 2016 Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) Annual Conference in Hyannis in an effort to create greater awareness about TIC’s accessible technology for libraries.

TIC offers their special radio receivers to libraries, which in turn enables library patrons to “tune-in” to TIC’s informational and entertaining broadcasts. The receivers, which resemble traditional radio receivers, may be installed in a dedicated room at a library, to be utilized by listeners who do not have access to the Internet and who rely on their public library for a variety of services.

During the  MLA conference, TIC’s Executive Director Jim Bunnell spoke to library decision-makers about how TIC “turns print into sound” and demonstrated how to use the special receivers and review TIC’s daily broadcast schedule.

TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area.

Bunnell explained, “TIC has thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout the state, yet there is a broader audience seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, who can benefit from our programming.”

Libraries may arrange for TIC’s specially tuned radio receiver to be installed on-site by calling TIC at (781) 834-4400. For more information about TIC’s programming, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and otherwise disabled listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually and mobility impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. Cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry is also provided. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center Provides Libraries with a “Listening” OptionRead More

Talking Information Center Enables Listeners to Tune-in to MABVI Vision Summit

TIC imageThe Talking Information Center (TIC) a non-profit reading service, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually and mobility-impaired listeners, was on-site to record the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) Vision Summit held recently at the Microsoft New England Research and Development (NERD) Center in Cambridge. TIC has made this broadcast available online at

https://soundcloud.com/ticnetwork/sets/2016-solutions-in-sight-summit.

TIC Executive Director James Bunnell, producer John Shea and development associate Lauren Kanan attended and taped the May 4th summit entitled, “Solutions in Sight: A Summit to Address the Vision Loss Crisis”, which put the spotlight on the impending crisis due to an anticipated doubling of the number of older adults with sight loss.

The Vision Summit was an invitation-only event featuring opinion leaders, senior government officials, innovators and philanthropists focusing on vision loss as one of the costliest health conditions. The goal of the summit was to have a common understanding of the needs of those with vision loss and to craft a plan to leverage today’s advancements to transform services in the 21st century.

Dr. Hugh Herr, the nationally recognized “Leader of the Bionic Age” was Keynote speaker. Dr. Herr is the Director of the Bio-mechatronics research group at the MIT Media Lab and Founder of BionX, a leader in the field of prosthetic devices. Four panel workshops were held:

Transformative Technology: Access, Collaboration, Innovationwith Moderator Kara Miller, Host and Executive Editor, Innovation Hub; Suman Kanuganti, Co-Founder and CEO, Aira; Erich Manser, Accessibility Tester and Consultant, IBM; and Bilal Zuberi, Partner, Lux Capital.

Closing Gaps in Our Healthcare System: The Challenge of Health Care Reform with Moderator Audrey Shelto, President, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts; Cathy Holden, COMS, Director of Clinical Operations/Rehabilitation, NewView Oklahoma; Paul Saner, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind; and Scott Taberner, Chief of Behavioral Health and Supportive Care, MassHealth.

Access to a Full Life: Addressing Mental Health Barriers and Reimagining Services for Active Living with Moderator Michael Festa, Esq., State Director of AARP; Rebecca Alexander — Psychotherapist, Author; Alice Bonner, PhD, RN, Secretary, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs; and Ryan Knighton, Author, Screenwriter, Speaker.

Employment: Strategies to Eliminate Joblessness with Joe Abely, President, The Carroll Center for the Blind; Bruce Howell, Accessibility Services Coordinator, The Carroll Center for the Blind; Kate Katulak, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, Perkins School for the Blind; Dave Power, President and CEO, Perkins School for the Blind; Carl Richardson, State House ADA Coordinator; Marla Runyan, Digital Accessibility Consultant/Testing Team Lead, Perkins School for the Blind; and Martha Steele, National Trustee and Boston Chapter President, Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Haben Girma, White House Champion of Change, Forbes 30 Under 30 leader, BBC Women of Africa Hero, and the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, was the lunchtime speaker.

“Adult vision loss costs the economy more than $51 billion a year, and the number of older adults with vision loss is expected to double,” explained Bunnell. “MABVI’s Vision Summit was designed to focus more attention on the growing vision crisis and propose solutions.”

To tune in to the taped broadcast of MABVI Vision Summit, visit https://soundcloud.com/ticnetwork/sets/2016-solutions-in-sight-summit.

About MABVI

Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) is the oldest social service organization in the country that serves adults and elders who are blind or visually impaired. They provide vision rehabilitation services and partner with community and medical groups to create high-impact, cost-effective services. Visit mabvi.org for more information.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually and mobility impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. Cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry is also provided. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center Enables Listeners to Tune-in to MABVI Vision SummitRead More

Turning Print into Sound at Senior Living Communities – Talking Information Center Radio Installed at Village at Proprietors Green, Marshfield

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC) is “turning print into sound” for senior residents at the Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield, MA with the installation of a specially tuned radio receiver. TIC is a non-profit reading service, which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners.

TIC’s radio receiver was installed at Proprietors Green. Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director completed the installation and spoke to staff and residents about the TIC reading program. He also demonstrated how to use the radio and how to review the daily schedule.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

“We’re delighted to work with Proprietor’s Green and other senior living communities that wish to provide TIC’s innovative programs to their residents,” noted Bunnell.

Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older.

Bunnell continued, “TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.”

Senior living communities may arrange for TIC’s specially tuned radio receiver to be installed on-site by calling TIC at (781) 834-4400. For more information about TIC’s programming, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

About the Village at Proprietors Green

Located at 10 Village Green Way in Marshfield, the Village at Proprietors Green is owned and managed by Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group. For more information, visit http://www.proprietorsgreen.com.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Turning Print into Sound at Senior Living Communities – Talking Information Center Radio Installed at Village at Proprietors Green, MarshfieldRead More

Talking Information Center Focuses on Team With A Vision at 2016 Boston Marathon

John Shea, producer at Talking Information Center reading service for the visually impaired (right) with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and runners Sarah Dever and her sighted guide Sammie Nunziata of Team With A Vision during Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Volunteer Appreciation Brunch.
John Shea, producer at Talking Information Center reading service for the visually impaired (right) with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and runners Sarah Dever and her sighted guide Sammie Nunziata of Team With A Vision during Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Volunteer Appreciation Brunch.

Thousands of visually impaired listeners were able to tune in and get up-close and personal with Team With A Vision runners and their sighted guides at the 2016 Boston Marathon via the Talking Information Center (TIC) non-profit reading service’s live radio broadcast of the event.

TIC producer John Shea took listeners from the Hopkinton starting line to the finish line of the 120th running of the Boston Marathon in a narrative of the race that included interviews with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and a number of Team With A Vision runners.

Team With A Vision is comprised of runners with visual impairment and their sighted guides who take part in events all around the country to raise funds and awareness for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI). This year marked Team With A Vision’s 24th year running the Boston Marathon. According to Team With A Vision’s Boston Marathon page, the group has raised more than $137K, and all funds raised support MABVI’s statewide network of vision rehabilitation services.

Shea discussed some of the challenges of the race with Team With A Vision member John Chan, a visually impaired runner from Staten Island, NY who has run in more than 40 marathons and was running for the second time with Team With A Vision.

“The biggest thing would be just the obstacles along the course, which are potholes, curves and turns, and there’s train track in some parts of it too… If it wasn’t for the guide, I wouldn’t be able to run it efficiently,” explained Chan.

To hear the personal stories of Team With A Vision runners and learn more about the challenges, their goals and how they communicate with their sighted guides during the race, tune in to TIC’s Mission Possible archived segment from April 18th: http://ticnetwork.com/audio/wire/mission.htm.

About MABVI

The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) is the oldest social service agency in the country providing services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Their mission is to work with individuals with vision loss to eliminate barriers and create opportunities. For more information about MABVI and Team With A Vision, visit www.mabcommunity.org/mabvi/home.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually and mobility impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. Cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry is also provided. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

 

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Talking Information Center Announces Alliance with ESC of New England

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of print and visually impaired listeners, has engaged the services of Executive Service Corps (ESC) of New England to assist in the development of a strategic plan.

In their alliance with ESC, TIC has embarked on the development of a long-term strategic plan that will serve as a road map to ensure that the organization continues to provide their valued reading services to the visually impaired throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

ESC offers consulting services to the nonprofit community to enable organizations to operate more effectively to meet the needs of their constituencies. ESC consultants Marietta Joseph, Jack Wallace and Ed Haddad make up TIC’s core consulting team. Ms. Joseph recently served as Vice President of MassDevelopment, where she assisted nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt debt financing for capital projects. Mr. Wallace is a seasoned leader, marketer, mentor and business development professional with over 30 years of varied, consulting-based experience working for such national brands as Fidelity Investments, Talbots and General Motors. Mr. Haddad, now retired, is the former Vice President of Intellectual Property at New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc.

“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with ESC’s distinguished executives Marietta, Jack and Ed,” explained Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director. “Several areas that we will focus on in the creation of a strategic plan include marketing, finance, funding, organization and governance. Our vision is to evolve TIC to a more professionally organized and financially sound operation.”

With limited government funding, TIC relies on the generosity of donors and operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide and approximately 200 volunteers in their Marshfield studio alone. TIC staff and volunteer readers broadcast local news, articles, and items of interest to listeners to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC coordinates a network of affiliates throughout the state to provide broadcasts to blind/visually impaired listeners as well as other individuals with disabilities who do not have access to the written word and who rely on this service. TIC brings not only news and information, but companionship to those who have limited access to the communities in which they live.

About ESC

ESC of New England is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit that provides management consulting and capacity building services to other nonprofits in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. ESC’s mission is to enhance the overall impact of the nonprofit community by enabling organizations to operate more effectively to meet the needs of their constituencies. ESC accomplishes this through the provision of affordable, high-impact management consulting and related services by senior level executives and professionals from the private, nonprofit, and public sectors who donate their time and expertise. For more information visit www.escne.org.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually and print-impaired listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible. TIC programming may be accessed by specially tuned radio receivers; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025; or via live audio stream on the TIC website, www.ticnetwork.org. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, (P.O. Box 519), in Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center Announces Alliance with ESC of New EnglandRead More