Talking Information Center Network Awareness Day at State House

More than 50 legislators, affiliates, advocates, board members, volunteers and listeners attended Talking Information Center's "TIC Network Awareness Day" held at the State House on October 4, 2017.

TIC is an award-winning, nonprofit reading service based in Marshfield, MA and the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, which broadcasts 24-hours a day to more than 26,000 visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout the state. Operating with the help of more than 500 volunteers statewide, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC's newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

Representative James Cantwell and Senator Vinny deMacedo took the lead in establishing this special "TIC Network Awareness Day" to promote greater awareness of TIC's critical role in enhancing the dignity and independence of Massachusetts residents. Brian Switzer, a blind runner for Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Team with a Vision and TIC listener, spoke in support of TIC.

Representative Cantwell of Marshfield said, "TIC’s broadcasts open a window into the world for many individuals. I’m honored to join with Senator deMacedo to help showcase the network’s exceptional work that’s happening across the state and on the radio waves."

TIC would like to thank the following legislators for their ongoing support and attendance: Senators Michael Barrett, Vinny deMacedo, Eileen Donoghue, Donald Humason, Patrick O'Connor and Stanley Rosenberg; and Representatives Tom Calter, Jim Cantwell, Josh Cutler, David DeCoste, Kimberly Ferguson, Michael Finn, Carole Fiola, Carmine Gentile, Solomon Goldstein-Rose, Jay Kaufman, Kevin J. Kuros, Joan Meschino, Mathew Muratore, David Nangle, Angelo Puppolo, John Scibak, Aaron Vega, John Velis, and Joseph Wagner.

“The Talking Information Centers provide an extraordinary resource for the visually impaired residents of our Commonwealth,” said Senator deMacedo. “I think today’s awareness event allowed us to showcase the great work they do to our fellow legislators and raise awareness of the vital role they play for individuals and communities across the state.”

TIC would also like to thank their many supporters for attending the event including: Krista Gon, Massachusetts House of Representatives; Dr. Oce Harrison, Ed.D of New England ADA Center - Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD); Valerie Clapham, Vince Lombardi, and Emily Luz of Audio Journal Worcester; Phil and Ann Tierney of UCP Berkshire Talking Chronicle Pittsfield; Sherry Bergeron of Audible Local Ledger Mashpee; Barbara Loh of Valley Eye Radio Springfield; Elizabeth Cannon of Lowell Association for Blind (LAB); Cathy Thornton; TIC board members Bob Daly, Christine James, Beverly Johnston, and Jacky Keith; and TIC volunteers Norm Blair, Joan Dowd, Fred Freitas, Nick Guarda, Dr. Nancy Harris, Dennis MacDonald, Danny Verre, Steve Virta and Joanne Wheeler.

"We are very grateful to all of our supporters. Because of the advocacy of legislators, network consumers, and network leaders, Governor Baker's Administration has committed to sustain funding for our service this fiscal year," said Jim Bunnell, TIC's Executive Director. "TIC will be able to continue to assist the state's most vulnerable residents through human voice broadcasts of local news, articles and a variety of items of interest."

A Fast-Growing Audience
There are an estimated 105,000 elders in Massachusetts with serious sight loss who cannot receive state-funded services because they are not "legally blind". Nevertheless, their vision impairment is serious, and without appropriate intervention, can have a devastating impact on their independence. The number of seniors with low vision is expected to double by 2030, as more baby boomers experience sight loss such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Low vision makes it difficult to complete activities of daily living, puts elders at increased risk of falls, and complicates health care compliance. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older.

Individuals can listen to TIC online, via app, by phone, through radio receivers, and Victor readers. TIC's future plans include expanding listening “easy access” through a dedicated app with community cable providers around the state.

For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.