The Communication Center of State Services for the Blind is a special library and transcription service providing reading material in alternate formats to citizens of Minnesota who have difficulty reading normal print. This provides them with the tools needed to enrich their lives and gain personal independence through access to information.

What is Available?

• Textbooks, vocational and leisure reading materials on tape or in braille
• Fee for Service for schools, colleges and universities, businesses, government and nonprofits.
• Radio Talking Book: news and current publications, radio shows on blindness, technology, and independent living accessed by special radio, 24 hours a day
• Audio equipment: cassette and phonograph talking book machines
• Dial-In News: Local newspapers accessed by touchtone phone
• Repair services for all audio equipment provided by the Communication Center
• Newsline: Local and national newspapers accessed by touchtone phone

Who is Eligible?
Services are provided to individuals who have difficulty reading newspaper print due to one of the following:

• Blindness or visual impairment
• Physical impairment (unable to hold a book)
• Reading disability (dyslexia)
• Temporary visual or physical disability
• Terminal illness

How to Apply
Fill out the information request form to request more information or an application. Completed applications should be mailed to the Communication Center at: 2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114-1840.

History of the Communication Center
The Communication Center began in 1953 as a nonprofit, private organization providing braille and audio transcription services. Initial funding came from the Hamm Foundation of St. Paul, and services were extended by grants from other family and corporate foundations, public funds and individual gifts. The Radio Talking Book went on the air in 1969 through the continuing support of the Hamm Foundation and cooperative agreements with Minnesota Public Radio.

The Minnesota Legislature passed legislation in 1979 that made the Communication Center part of Minnesota State Services for the Blind. This allowed the Communication Center to receive additional funding from the State of Minnesota and Federal Rehabilitation funds. Dial-In News was established in 1990 to provide access to local newspapers through the use of a touchtone phone. Newsline for the Blind, a service of the National Federation of the Blind providing national newspapers, came to Minnesota in 1996. SSB began providing financial support in 1998 and in 1999 took over responsibility for running the local service center. In March, 2002, NFB/Newsline became available to all blind and visually impaired Minnesotans via a nationwide, toll-free number. Private funding also assists in providing services to blind and print disabled individuals throughout the State.

Tax deductible gifts in any amount are welcome, and the person or organization who contributes will receive a personal letter of thanks. Checks should be made payable to the Communication Center and mailed to: Communication Center, 2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240, Saint Paul, MN 55114-1840. Or see Support Us.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please use our Information Request form.