press

releases

01.23.2009
The Legacy Banks Foundation Supports Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic

Pittsfield, Mass. – The Legacy Banks Foundation has contributed a grant of $2,500 to the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), which operates two studios in Berkshire County – one in Lenox and one in Williamstown. A national nonprofit, volunteer organization, for more than 60 years, RFB&D has been the leading accessible audiobook library for students with disabilities, such as visual impairment or dyslexia, that make reading standard print difficult or impossible. With titles available in every subject area and grade level, RFB&D’s digitally recorded audio textbooks on CD and downloadable audio textbooks help students challenged by the printed page.

Legacy’s grant specifically benefits the Berkshire County chapter’s operating expenses as well as their Every School Campaign, which supports the RFB&D’s national goal of reaching 1 million individuals struggling with print disabilities. Lynn Terelle, Director of Development of the RFB&D Berkshire Chapter, thanked Legacy for its donation saying, “Funds raised through our "Every School" Campaign will be used to deliver that service to schools and students with need. Generous partners such as the Legacy Banks Foundation are helping us to achieve this goal.”

Locally, RFB&D has nearly 200 volunteers donating their time to record audio texts. Recently, the organization has significantly expanded its educational outreach to serve more students with print disabilities, and to increase teacher/student training to ensure optimal use of the program. Nearly 600 students are serviced throughout Berkshire County at all grade levels including graduate, post-graduate and vocational.

Richard Sullivan, the president of The Legacy Banks Foundation commended RFB&D’s local chapter saying, “We applaud the Berkshire County offices of the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. They fulfill an important need in our community and schools. We thank those who work at the studios and those who volunteer their time for their commitment to those who benefit from these valuable services.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the RFB&D, may contact the local office at 413-637-0889.