We had a great time Saturday but I woke up Sunday with a head cold in full swing - so the day sort of dragged. But there was one bit of awesome news.
There is an organization in Kansas called the Kansas Audio-Reader Network at the University of Kansas. They are a reading and information service for blind, visually impaired and print disabled individuals in Kansas and Western Missouri. According to their website "We read daily newspapers, magazines, and best-selling books on the air and on the Internet, 24 hours a day and we offer automated newspaper readings by telephone."
This non-profit service has brought a lot of joy to those in the area that are blind, or otherwise have physical limitations that prevent them from enjoying books and printed material. The readers are all volunteers and they have great support of not just the university they are part of, but Kansas and Missouri Lions Club.
So why am I sharing this?
The Book of Barkley was selected as one of the best sellers they would be reading for the visually impaired. I will be receiving a copy of the reading as well, which I can't wait to hear.
Their website is: http://reader.ku.edu
It's a wonderful thing they are doing, not for profit, but simply to help their community.
I've not mentioned this, but this is something close to my heart. I have a still young family member that has lost much of their vision due to a hereditary issue that results in retinal detachment, with little that can be done, so it's a subject close to my heart.
Barkley, for one, would be very happy to be part of this effort and we both give our support and thanks to the organization.
Very cool about the reading! Sounds like a wonderful organization. Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteThat's really pawesome! Congrrats. That's a whole new audience who will love hearing from Barkley.
ReplyDeleteBTW, my sister Jessie is just the opposite to Barkley about the bed. She HATES it when Momma washes her bed and furst puts it back all poofy. She makes Momma flatten it a little before she'll even step on it.
How wonderful! We knew 2 people who were using the books for the blind and it was very impawtent to them!!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
OMD that is a SUPER SERVICE that they are doing fur those who can not read fur themselves.. and how WONDERFUL that the BOOK OF BARKLEY was chosen to be one of the selections available. Congratulations to you fur that Honor..!!!
ReplyDeleteOMD.... it looks like Squirrels had a Fight on your bed... I would refuse to sleep on it Too!!!
How lovely that your book was selected. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThis is also a subject close to my own heart, as my niece (among many genetic problems) is blind. She relies on spoken books and narrated movies... I am investigating a function on Youtube whereby one can do voice-over on vids there so that the blind can join in the fun! Such an important service. I am DELIGHTED that BOB got chosen... I read it on my flight over to OZ (pawfect company for such!) and have Saving Grace lined up for my return trip &*> YAM xx
A long time ago, in a galaxy (state) far, far away, I was a volunteer reader for Audio Reader. It was a fun time, and I usually read the small town Kansas newspapers. There's a particular cadence they prefer for the volunteers, and you had to pass a reading test to get approved. In some ways, it's harder than you'd think.
ReplyDeleteI bet if you ever had cause to be in Lawrence one day, you could get a tour of the facility there, especially as an author of one of the books they've read!