Talking Information Center

CONTACT:

130 Enterprise Dr., Box 519
Marshfield, MA 02050
781-834-4400
www.ticnetwork.com

Ron Bersani, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

TIC is the hub of a network of radio reading services that daily aid 20,000 print-disabled (blind or visually impaired) people throughout Massachusetts, and many more across New England. Over 90% of blind people cannot read Braille; TIC provides 24 hours of broadcast time to over 17,000 people daily; its signal is heard on the closed-circuit frequency of 16 radio stations, and more than 125 cable audio channels. It also streams its audio over the Internet and to four of its affiliates as well. Its program content varies widely, but focuses on popular print media: newspapers, magazines, books, and special-interest talk shows.

TIC was founded in 1978, as the first such service in New England. It still has only 3 full-time and 6 part-time staff, and 250 volunteers at its central facility. Over 500 volunteers are active statewide.

TIC now needs more than its usual philanthropic help, because it is undergoing a necessary and overdue major technological upgrade—from analog-tape recordings to a PC-based digital recording and broadcasting system. This transformation will significantly lower costs of operations, and increase both sound quality and operating reliability. It will also enable listeners to access special information via their telephones, and open up entirely new possibilities for this community of listeners. Gifts both in dollars and in kind are needed. Can you help?

(1997: HUMAN SERVICES: Health and Aging: Disabilities and Children's Disease)