The Berkshire Chapter Of Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic Introduces Downloadable Audio Textbooks

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For 60 years Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) has produced audio textbooks proven to boost student performance in reading and comprehension, while also boosting independence and self-confidence. Over time, the original practice of recording books onto phonographs eventually gave way to reel-to-reel technology, cassette tapes and finally compact discs.

Now, with the new AudioAccess, RFB&D members and their schools can simply download thousands of RFB&D audiotexts onto a compatible media player. All students need to install the software is Microsoft Windows XP or Vista, high-speed Internet, and a compatible portable media player. Gaining access to the largest library of unabridged audio textbooks and literature in the United States just got a whole lot easier!

Join RFB&D and try new AudioAccess today - the benefits go beyond words.

For information about AudioAccess, please contact Cyd Melcher at (413) 464-2655 or cmelcher@rfbd.org

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) is a national nonprofit organization whose volunteers read and record textbooks and other educational materials for students who have visual, learning, and physical disabilities. Locally, almost 200 people volunteer their time in the Lenox and Williamstown studios. The recorded texts are used by over 10,000 students of all ages throughout Massachusetts.


Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Learning Through Listening(tm)

Lenox Studio - 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA 01240 (413) 637-0889

Williamstown Studio - 622A Main St., Williamstown, Ma. 01267 (413) 458-3641

We invite the general public to stop by our studios to see what we do and to learn why our work is so important to students with print disabilities.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 
 
"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 
 
The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 
 
The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 
 
Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center
 
The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 
 
The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.
 
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