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visually-impaired

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.

 

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

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

Talking Information Center to Broadcast the 8th Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House Event

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 visually impaired listeners, will be on-site to record the Eighth Annual Blind Legislative Informational Networking Day (B.L.I.N.D.) on Thursday, March 24, 2016 in The Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

As a supporter and sponsor of this important event, TIC will air the taped broadcast on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 9:00 p.m.

Listeners will have a chance to hear Bruce Howell, Chair of the Rehabilitation Council at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind serve as Master of Ceremonies. Advocates will visit representative and senators’ offices, and there will be product demonstrations, consumer presentations and an awards presentation.

“The purpose of Blind Legislative Informational Networking Day is to provide information as well as network with legislators on the need for appropriate funding for the blindness community’s unique service needs,” explained Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director.

The Governor’s proposed budget for FY2017 has recommended level funding for most of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) state appropriations, along with the Perkins and Worcester Library programs. Funding support is also needed for special education for students with disabilities.

Critical programs to be funded include: The Perkins Library and the Worcester Talking Book Library; MCB’s Community Service account which includes funding for support for the Community Mobility and Orientation Program and the Deaf-Blind Community Access Network (DBCAN); and MCB’s Turning 22 account (4110-2000) covers supports and services for more severely disabled youth who are blind or visually impaired transitioning out of the special education system as well as for their continued care as adults.

The event is sponsored by Bay State Council of the Blind, Carroll Center for the Blind, Lowell Association for the Blind, Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, National Braille Press, National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts, and Perkins, on behalf of the Friends of the Perkins Library and the Worcester Talking Book Library, and TIC.

“The proposed FY2017 budget takes into consideration the needs of specialized blindness services and its consumers who benefit from them. TIC fully supports these funding recommendations,” said Bunnell.

Tune in to TIC’s audio stream at www.ticnetwork.org to hear the Eighth Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House event delayed broadcast on March 27th. Listeners may also access the broadcast via specially tuned radio receiver; or through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app.

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-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.

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Talking Information Center to Broadcast the 8th Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House EventRead More

Talking Information Center’s New Programming for Veterans Begins in March

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of print and visually impaired listeners, is reaching out to military veterans with two new programs set to begin in March – Veterans’ Voice Radio and Veterans’ Voice Story Hour.

Veterans’ Voice Radio

Veterans’ Voice Radio, hosted by Gregg Brasso and produced at 95.9 FM WATD, will now air on TIC on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. with a repeat of the show on Wednesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. The first show aired March 5, 2016.

Veterans’ Voice Radio’s goal is to help veterans and active members of the military identify and apply for local, state and federal benefits, along with programs they may qualify for. Housing, education and training for careers are just some of the various topics that are discussed during the show. Guests from numerous veterans agencies will help vets navigate through the process of applying for and receiving benefits, and help answer any other questions may have about these subjects. Each week, Veterans’ Voice Radio features a Veteran’s Voice segment to start the show. It consists of a veteran telling their own story about their experiences in the military.

Veterans’ Voice Story Hour

The Veterans’ Voice Story Hour is a new program that will be produced in the TIC studio. Gregg Brasso will host a special hour-long program that will include interviews with authors who are military veterans (or their family members) and others who are relevant to veterans’ issues. Brasso receives assistance in identifying veteran authors and their work from the Warrior Writers Workshop and Book Club of the William Joiner Institute for the Study of War and Social Consequences at the University of Massachusetts/Boston.

Veterans’ Voice Story Hour will air on the third Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. The first show is set for Thursday, March 17, 2016.

“TIC has thousands of listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. Military veterans are seeking programs that have a ‘veteran’s voice’. There are more than 158,000 blind or visually impaired military veterans living among us, and in Massachusetts, there are approximately 950 print or visually impaired veterans,” explained James Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director. “In partnering with Gregg Brasso and Veterans’ Voice Radio, we are better able serve our veterans with innovative and important programming.”

“We’re very excited about our collaboration with TIC. Now, more veterans will be able to tune in to our Veterans’ Voice programs and stay connected,” explained Gregg Brasso of Veterans’ Voice Radio. “They will be able to access the shows in a number of different ways – via live audio stream on the TIC website, by specially tuned radio receivers, by telephone or by TIC’s smartphone app, whichever option works best for them.”

For more information about 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 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.

 

 

Talking Information Center’s New Programming for Veterans Begins in MarchRead More

Talking Information Center Announces Telephone Access Option & New App

TIC imageAudiences may now to listen to Talking Information Center’s (TIC) innovative programming in two new ways – through TIC’s new “AudioNow” telephone access option or via the TIC app. TIC is an award-winning, non-profit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of print and visually impaired listeners.

Dial in to listen

TIC utilizes AudioNow, an innovative platform that enables listeners to call a dedicated mobile radio phone number to hear TIC’s live radio or on-demand radio programming. Listeners can call from a traditional “landline” or a cellular phone and do not need a smartphone, the Internet or a special data plan to listen to a broadcast. There is no additional charge for the call, but long distance charges may apply.

According to AudioNow, “40 percent of the U.S population does not have a smartphone to listen to online radio.” TIC offers a smart solution to those without smartphones or Internet access through AudioNow.

To use TIC’s new AudioNow feature, simply dial 712-832-7025 and select your area: Metropolitan Boston, Worcester, Cape Cod, Springfield, Pittsfield, Lowell or the National stream.

Use the free TIC app

For those listeners who do have a smartphone, the free TIC app may found by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices. Once downloaded, listeners just tap play to listen to the live broadcast.

Listener’s Choice 

TIC programming may be accessed a number of ways – via live audio stream on the TIC website, by specially tuned radio receivers, and now by telephone or app – whichever option best meets the listener’s needs.

“AudioNow’s innovative radio by phone option enables us to bridge the gap with those who do not have smartphones or Internet service, and essentially extends our reach to new audiences. Now listeners may enjoy our innovative programming and maintain that connection to current events that they otherwise may not have access to,” explained James Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director. “With our new TIC app, anyone with a smartphone can easily listen live anywhere, anytime.”

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 by specially tuned radio receivers or via live audio stream on the TIC website, www.ticnetwork.org.

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 in Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center Announces Telephone Access Option & New AppRead More

TIC to Broadcast Live at NFBMA Annual State Convention on February 27th

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of print and visually impaired listeners, will broadcast live at the Sixty-Third Annual State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts, Inc. (NFBMA) on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The convention will be held at Embassy Suites Hotel in Boston.

TIC will be broadcasting the convention via the Massachusetts Radio Reading Service. The stream may also be accessed at http://ticnetwork.com. TIC’s newly appointed Executive Director Jim Bunnell will share remarks at 9:10 a.m.

The line-up of events on Saturday includes the National Report presented by NFB National Representative, Kevan Worley at 9:20 a.m.

The Leadership Roundtable: Serving The Blind in The 21st Century with Paul Saner, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Barbara Salisbury, President, MAB Community Services, Brian MacDonald, President, National Braille Press, David Power, President, Perkins School, and Joe Abely, President, Carroll Center will be broadcast at 1:35 p.m.

At 2:15 p.m., the NFBMA Presidential Report will be presented by Amy Ruell, NFBMA President, followed by the Washington Seminar and Legislative Report with Derek Manners, Massachusetts Association of Blind Students, First Vice-President. At 2:50 p.m., a Legal Update will be presented by Albert Elia, Disability Rights Fellow, Brown Goldstein and Levy LLP.

The Sixty-Third Annual Banquet of the NFB of Massachusetts will be held in the evening along with the Third Annual Auction and Scholarship Presentations.

“We are honored to be able to broadcast live from the NFBMA Convention and make that important connection so that our blind and visually impaired listeners may experience the conference and stay informed,” explained Bunnell.

To learn more and tune-in to the convention, visit ticnetwork.com.

About NFBMA

The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts has thriving chapters in Cambridge (metro Boston) and Springfield, and members from across the state working together to support each other and improve the lives of blind people all over the commonwealth. For more information, visit http://www.nfbma.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 print-handicapped listeners. 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.

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 800-696-9505.

TIC to Broadcast Live at NFBMA Annual State Convention on February 27thRead More