Press Release

RECORDING FOR THE BLIND & DYSLEXIC ANNOUNCES MAJOR TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
NEC Foundation enables RFB&D to launch new
operating management system

October 20, 2004 (Princeton, NJ) —  Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) has announced the installation of a new operating management system (OMS) that, when fully implemented at the end of 2004, will greatly enhance the nonprofit organization's ability to serve its members. Last May, RFB&D received a $20,000 grant from NEC Foundation of America to improve technological efficiency throughout the organization.

The new OMS will significantly add to RFB&D's success in recording, translating and disseminating production information at its headquarters and throughout its network of 28 volunteer-staffed recording studios across the country. Advances will include upgraded computing power and implementation of bar code technology. By increasing the quantity and speed at which information is sent, communication will be strongly enhanced throughout the organization, from production and customer service to studio recording. Such expediency, for instance, will allow recording studios to divide up larger texts and share their workload with other studios, thus minimizing recording time for each book.

NEC Foundation of America, established in 1991 and endowed by NEC Corporation, supports programs with national reach and impact in assistive technology for people with disabilities. The grant was one of four bestowed upon organizations that are dedicated to using innovative technology to advance the independence and full participation of people with disabilities. "We are proud to join in the efforts of RFB&D," said Executive Director Sylvia Clark. "We share the belief that technology can serve as one of the greatest equalizers for people with disabilities."

The OMS will have an immediate impact on RFB&D's members. RFB&D will soon be able to more rapidly respond to shifts in the supply and demand of specific titles, so students will have necessary textbooks in their hands more quickly. "The innovations of our new OMS will enable RFB&D to achieve a greatly improved level of communication with our members," said Gary Lande, manager, unit production planning. "Whether members are looking for the status of a book presently in production, or are inquiring about future book availability, we will be able to serve them more quickly and more efficiently."

RFB&D is the leading provider of recorded textbooks for people who cannot effectively read standard print because of visual impairment, dyslexia or other physical disability.

RFB&D, a nonprofit organization, serves more than 137,000 members of all ages with a one-of-a-kind library of 100,000 recorded textbooks and other educational materials. Students rely on RFB&D's unique accommodation to access the printed page and to achieve educational success.

All of RFB&D's accessible titles are recorded by volunteers working in 28 RFB&D recording studios nationwide.

additional media inquiries:
RFB&D News Desk 1-800-803-7201, press 6
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