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Frequently Asked Questions
What is RFB&D?
RFB&D is the first and only national nonprofit organization in the United States devoted to providing accessible educational materials at all academic levels to people who cannot effectively read standard print because of a visual impairment, learning disability or other physical disability.
What is RFB&D's mission?
RFB&D's Mission Statement: to create opportunities for individual success by providing and promoting the effective use of accessible educational materials. Last year, over 100,000 students and professionals used RFB&D's services nation-wide, and over 5,000 of RFB&D's members live in New Jersey.
How did RFB&D start?
Founded in 1948 by New York City philanthropist, Anne T. Macdonald, Recording for the Blind (as it was known then) operated out of the attic of the Yorkville Branch of the New York Public Library. The idea was born out of a need expressed to the library from blinded veterans of World War II who desired a college education on the GI Bill but could not because college texts were not readily accessible.
Why did the name change?
In the last few years, the organization's name has changed to reflect the growing number of learning disabled people using RFB&D's services as a successful accommodation. Today, RFB&D's national library includes textbooks and other educational materials serving students at all academic levels, kindergarten through graduate school.
How is the New Jersey Unit unique?
The New Jersey Unit, chartered in 1957, had its first four recording booths located in space donated by the Princeton Theological Seminary. Needing to expand its recording capacity, the unit opened a satellite studio in West Windsor in 1993. New educational outreach efforts are bringing RFB&D's "Learning Through Listening" program into schools throughout the state, especially in disadvantaged Abbott school districts. In 2001 alone, nearly 500 volunteers at the New Jersey Unit contributed over 32,000 hours of their time helping to make the printed word accessible to all.
In March 2003, the New Jersey Unit consolidated its studios and moved to a large, state-of-the-art studio located in St. Joseph's Seminary in Plainsboro.
What do RFB&D New Jersey Unit volunteers do?
- Convert published materials into universal formats, including digitally recorded textbooks and refreshable braille.
- Believe everyone should have equal access to the printed word.
- Train other volunteers in all areas of production and recording.
- Reach out to New Jersey schools, bringing vital services into the classroom.
What are RFB&D's goals?
- Recruit more volunteers to complete projects and meet growing demand.
- Reach more students who need our services.
- Raise funds to provide more and better resources.
How is the New Jersey Unit funded?
Only 10% of the New Jersey Unit's work is funded through the government. The other 90% depends on donations from caring people, companies, and foundations.
How is the technology changing?
RFB&D currently distributes its texts on CD's, RFB&D's AudioPlus®, formatted for special playback equipment. Some texts are also available on four-track audio cassettes, fitting more material onto fewer tapes than standard two-track cassettes.
Where is the New Jersey Unit located?
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic-New Jersey Unit is located in St. Joseph's Seminary in Plainsboro, New Jersey
Our address is:
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic-New Jersey Unit
69 Mapleton Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 609-750-1830
Fax: 609-750-9653
The RFB&D New Jersey Unit Educational Outreach Hotline is
1-877-4-RFBDNJ (877-473-2365)
Need more information about RFB&D-NJ Unit? Click here.