Signoff: [log in to unmask]


FYI - regarding Web Braille
*****************
May 15, 2006

SENT VIA EMAIL

To the members of the board of directors of the NATIONAL FEDERATION of
the Blind, THE PRESIDENTS of state affiliates of the National Federation
of the Blind, and the members of the north America/Caribbean region of
the world blind union 

Dear Colleagues:

            Last Thursday, I received information telling me that
Web-Braille, part of the National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped Books for the Blind Program, was being taken
offline.  As I was traveling, it took me a little time to seek out
information regarding this action.  The Web-Braille program is one that
was created by the library as an innovative example of ways to
distribute Braille materials to library patrons, and I know that
officials in the library are very proud of the program.  From what I
know of Web-Braille, I understand why those in the library are proud of
it, and I applaud the forward thinking of library staff and officials
who created this most unusual book distribution system.

            With this background, I felt certain that there was an
explanation for taking the program offline.  I have today talked with
Mr. Cylke, the director of the National Library Service for the Blind
and Physically Handicapped.  He has assured me that the program will be
reinstated within a reasonably short time - certainly within the next
ten business days.   The reason the program has been taken offline is
that technical corrections and repairs are required to insure the
continued excellent performance and viability of the program.  Mr. Cylke
assured me that the delay in reinstatement will be as brief as possible.
 I provide this information to you so that you will have the most
up-to-date facts on the matter.  As I receive additional data, I will be
forwarding them to you.  It may be that the Web-Braille site will be
back online before I get the opportunity again to write.

Cordially, 

Marc Maurer, President
National Federation of the Blind

MM/kw


    VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
    Send comments on list operation to
    [log in to unmask]
     VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
    http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html
    Signoff: [log in to unmask]
    Subscribe: [log in to unmask]