[Blindtlk] Has anyone ever had this happen?

[Jewel S.]

You would be surprised how many post office workers have no clue about
Free Matter for the Blind. When I went to the post office, I asked
them if they had any pre-printed Free matter for the Blind stickers
for sale or even a stamp (I can't see print, let alone write it
legibly). All the people I talked to had no clue what "Free matter for
the Blind" even was! They said, "I don't think there is such a thing."
I was like, umm...yea...sure....I went online, printed up the same FAQ
that you probably did, and gave it to them. I also looked on APH and
ordered some Free Matter pre-printed labels for my use with my
penpals. I have not had anything returned yet, but I also make sure
that it follows the rules, as some people do not.

I am sure the cartridges from NLS, even sent from another blind
person, can be sent Free Matter. I know that Braille, cassettes, and
large print (typed, over twelve point) can be sent. Nothing can be
sent Free Matter for the Blind that has *any* handwritten notes, typed
messages under 12 point, or other non-eligible items, such as a check,
money order, CD, or anything else like that. I found that out when a
friend's aunt wanted to send him a check with her Braille letter. It
was returned to her for postage because of the check, even though the
letter was Braille.

I hope the post office in your area doesn't give you anymore trouble
about legitimate Free Matter mail. Just make sure you inform anyone
you know not to take advantage of it for sending non-eligible items,
as this will give the post office reason to reconsider the removal of
the "Free Matter for the Blind" option, which would be a big problem
for the libraries for the blind, the NFB Braille flea market,
organizations that send out Braille and cassette magazines and
newsletters, and many other organizations. Please be sure to use it
correctly, so we don't lose it!

~Jewel

On 4/3/10, Cindy Handel <cindy425 at verizon.net> wrote:
> I downloaded the KJV of the Bible onto a cartridge for the NLS machine, for
> my friend, Ann.  I also bought a mailer, which has "FREE MATTER FOR THE
> BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED" printed right on it.  We put it in the
> mail, yesterday, and it was returned today.  I looked at the sticker, which
> was over Ann's address, and found it said it was returned for $2.07 postage.
> Jerry took the mailer and sticker over to the post office, along with a
> mailer from an NLS book, to show them that it can go free.  I guess they
> have some new people at the post office, now.  The lady there said she
> understood that it was only material being sent from a company or
> organization to a blind person, which could be sent free.  She didn't
> believe that a blind person could do it.  Jerry insisted that we could.  She
> called someone else, to confirm, and the other person, (whoever it was), is
> as clueless as she is.  She did take the mailer, though and said she would
> send it.  So, I found, online, a list of frequently asked questions about
> Free Matter mailings, which I've printed.  I'll take it over to the post
> office, on Monday and give it to her.  It's not the actual law, but it
> references the law in the material.
>
> Has anyone ever had this happen?
>
> Cindy
>
> "Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then...find the way."
> Abraham Lincoln
>
> "Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then...find the way."
> Abraham Lincoln
>
>
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