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

[Darrell Shandrow]

Hello Liz,

In many cases, though, one is required to fill out a form that's not
completely online as part of the request process and documents come only in
print.
 
How do you handle these inaccessible components? Do you have regular access
to sighted help on the job for these tasks?

Would you be interested in a short interview for possible inclusion in my
story? 

Who else would you suggest I contact?

Thanks,

Darrell

-----Original Message-----
From: journalists-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:journalists-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Elizabeth Campbell
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 8:46 AM
To: Blind Professional Journalists List
Subject: Re: [Journalists] How do blind journalists handle the
FreedomofInformation request process?

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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