About The Southwest Region of RFB&D®

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic® (RFB&D®) is a national nonprofit volunteer organization and the nation's educational library serving people who cannot effectively read standard print because of visual impairment, dyslexia, or other physical disability. Twenty-nine units work together across the nation to create opportunities for individual success by providing, and promoting the effective use of, accessible educational materials.

The Southwest Region began as the Texas Unit and was founded in Austin, TX in 1972. In 1999, the Texas Unit launched RFB&D's Learning Through Listening® Educational Outreach program, which continues to expand each year. We are pleased to announce that in 2007, we have expanded services to surrounding states and are now reaching out to students in Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas. The outreach program markets RFB&D's Learning Through Listening Institutional memberships, RFB&D's Learning Through Listening Individual Memberships, and specialized playback equipment to schools. In addition, we provide teacher training and support so schools can customize their audiobook library to best meet their students' needs.

Our studio is located on the property of the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Our administrative office is located at 3520 Executive Center Drive Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731 (View directions). Outreach coordinators are working in cities across our region to support schools in all counties.

The studio in TX was one of the five original pilot units that began testing digital (computer-based) recording in 1998. Our recording software, Volunteer Recording Workstation (VRW), was beta-tested, volunteers provided feedback, documentation was in turn given to the programmers, and the software continued to develop and is now patented. The unit now operates seven digital booths set up on a digital network. This pilot project led the way for a nationwide 'conversion' that is now in place.

The Southwest Region has more than 35,000 members. Meet a few of our members and read what they have to say about RFB&D on our Member Profiles page. If you would like to help please visit our Volunteer page and Give to RFB&D page.

Please Contact Us with any questions or to request additional information.