an online magazine from eyeway.org

issue 6 september-october 2005
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sections in this issue: by george | focus | feature | perspectives | profile | headlines

Headlines : world news
other headlines sub-sections: india news | calendar of events

'Free post' for visually impaired users

www.news.bbc.co.uk; U.K.; August 21, 2005

Royal Mail has scrapped charges for visually impaired people sending print material in 16 point font or larger. The free mail service, for books, letters and other print material is an extension of the company's "Articles for the Blind' postal service.

The U.K.-wide scheme delivers specified items -- such as talking books and white sticks -- free of charge, for those registered blind or partially sighted.

Seven million items are sent each year under the scheme, which began in 1906. The items must be labelled "Articles for the blind" to qualify for the concession.

Royal Mail Product Manager Sharon Palmer said: "Royal Mail has offered a special service for blind people for nearly a century and is proud to do so with its unique access and reach to the U.K.'s 27 million addresses."

Other World News stories in this issue:
Visually impaired stage performer wows audiences
Blind citizens gain new voting option
West Indies about to set up its first blind cricket team
Students mix technologies to help blind people
First talking A.T.M.s installed in New Zealand
Tour operator offers Europe Walking Holidays for visually impaired enthusiasts
Visually-impaired singer makes history by winning 'Project SuperStar'
Audio description service theatrical experience for blind patrons
Better Web accessibility for all

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