[Journalists] How do blind journalists handle the Freedom ofInformation request process?

[Elizabeth Campbell]

Hi Darrell!

Good questions.

I've submited FOIA requests to many cities and to state agencies.

I don't worry about the accessibility as much as I am concerned that I am 
given the information I need in a timely manner.
When submitting a request, be as specific as possible about what is needed, 
such as titles of documents, exact dates when requesting minutes or 
recordings from meetings, and so forth.

I've had few problems with accessibility,and in fact, I've never mentioned 
that I am a blind person seeking this information.

Most Freedom of Information organizations provide sample request letters on 
their web sites,and newspapers will often keep a sample letter on their 
in-house web pages this insures we include everything, such as our contact 
information.

Hope this helps.

Liz
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Darrell Shandrow" <darrell.shandrow at gmail.com>
To: <journalists at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 9:44 PM
Subject: [Journalists] How do blind journalists handle the Freedom 
ofInformation request process?


> Hello Everyone,
>
> I have decided to write a story about how we as blind journalists handle 
> the
> FOI request process for public records from government agencies.
>
> I would appreciate as many of you as possible answering some questions to
> help me get started.
>
> 1. From which federal or state agencies have you requested public records?
> 2. If you asked for reasonable accommodations during the request process,
> what was done to facilitate accessibility?
> 3. When the records were forthcoming, did you ask for electronic copies 
> and
> what was provided?
> 4. What additional information or thoughts do you have about the
> accessibility of the FOI process?
>
> Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
>
> I may ask you for an on-the-record interview in the near future.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Darrell
>
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