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Residents to benefit from ‘talking newspapers’By Wellington Shire Council - 25th November 2004 - Back to News Wellington Shire Council and the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB) are teaming up to provide free recorded copies of the Gippsland Times & Maffra Spectator or Yarram Standard News each week to residents with vision impairment and other barriers to reading as part of its library service.
The newspapers are first read onto tapes by a valued team of volunteers and then copied and distributed by Wellington Library Service staff. They can then be returned by users via free post or to their local library.
This year marks the 21st anniversary that the Talking Gippsland Times & Maffra Spectator has been available to residents, making it the second longest running service of its kind in Victoria.
Wellington talking newspaper volunteers recently attended a special briefing session with the RVIB Talking Newspaper Co-ordinator, Nick Stembridge where they were given pointers on enhancing reading and recording techniques.
Eligible residents can register for free recorded copies of the local papers by contacting Heather Richards at the Wellington Library Service on 1300 366 244 or Talking Newspaper Co-ordinator, Madeline Thornhill on 5144 4470.
Said Wellington’s Mayor Jeff Amos: "The council is delighted to be working in partnership with the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and a dedicated band of local volunteers to bring this invaluable service to our residents.
"Our shire has a very active access policy which ensures all residents can utilise the council’s services and facilities. This service is consistent with the council’s commitment to assisting all of our residents with leading full and inclusive lives."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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