The Berkshire Chapter Of Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic Introduces Downloadable Audio Textbooks

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For 60 years Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) has produced audio textbooks proven to boost student performance in reading and comprehension, while also boosting independence and self-confidence. Over time, the original practice of recording books onto phonographs eventually gave way to reel-to-reel technology, cassette tapes and finally compact discs.

Now, with the new AudioAccess, RFB&D members and their schools can simply download thousands of RFB&D audiotexts onto a compatible media player. All students need to install the software is Microsoft Windows XP or Vista, high-speed Internet, and a compatible portable media player. Gaining access to the largest library of unabridged audio textbooks and literature in the United States just got a whole lot easier!

Join RFB&D and try new AudioAccess today - the benefits go beyond words.

For information about AudioAccess, please contact Cyd Melcher at (413) 464-2655 or cmelcher@rfbd.org

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) is a national nonprofit organization whose volunteers read and record textbooks and other educational materials for students who have visual, learning, and physical disabilities. Locally, almost 200 people volunteer their time in the Lenox and Williamstown studios. The recorded texts are used by over 10,000 students of all ages throughout Massachusetts.


Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Learning Through Listening(tm)

Lenox Studio - 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA 01240 (413) 637-0889

Williamstown Studio - 622A Main St., Williamstown, Ma. 01267 (413) 458-3641

We invite the general public to stop by our studios to see what we do and to learn why our work is so important to students with print disabilities.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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