[Blindtlk] Has anyone ever had this happen?

Mon Apr 5 03:57:43 UTC 2010

Dear Jewel and All,

The point size has to be 14 point or larger to be considered large print 
type and to qualify for "Free Matter for the Blind and Physically 
Handicapped."
I have used this ability for over 20 years to send out monthly newsletters 
to our chapter members and to send out notices to clients of the Division of 
Blind Services.
I have sent out large print, and audio tape and computer disk and even a 
little Braille materials over the years.
It is a good way to keep your chapter members informed and to get out 
notices for action.
I have even written grants to get equipment to do it.
I have used the grants to buy paper, mailers, stamps for the "free Matter", 
address labels, computers, printers, embossers,copiers, fax machines,toner 
and ink, high speed audio tape duplicators, audio tapes blank, tape 
recorders and eracers, software and even paid for the phone services to 
provide it by e-mail.
A good newsletter can be a great tool in energizing your chapter and 
affiliate.
If you want to know more, just ask.

David Evans, NFBF
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jewel S." <herekittykat2 at gmail.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2010 12:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Has anyone ever had this happen?

> 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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>
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