National Federation of the Blind urges continued funding for talking‑book service
Loading...
Summary
A National Federation of the Blind representative told the subcommittee the National Library Service's Talking Book Service is critical for blind and low‑vision Americans and asked the subcommittee to maintain current funding.
Jesse Shirek, a government affairs specialist with the National Federation of the Blind, asked the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch to continue funding the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, also known as the Talking Book Service.
Shirek described the service as "critical" and spoke from personal experience: he said he became a talking book patron at age 7 and that the service transformed his ability to read independently and pursue education and employment. "It's a transformative moment in their life and it helps blind people to be successful in school, be successful in their jobs and be successful, for our older adults who are retired," he said.
Shirek told the subcommittee the Talking Book Service provides audio and braille materials that materially increase reading access for blind and low‑vision people, and asked the committee "to continue supporting the National Library Service and keep funding it at its current level."
The hearing transcript records no formal action or vote on the request; the witness emphasized personal experience and the service's role in supporting education, employment and quality of life for blind and low‑vision Americans.
