This page is designed to help ophthalmologists, optometrists, retina specialists, and other providers quickly understand the service and share it with eligible patients.
Both PDFs are to be created; links pending.
What Is NFB-NEWSLINE?
NFB-NEWSLINE provides free, around-the-clock audio access to hundreds of newspapers, magazines, breaking news, emergency weather alerts, and more. It is a program of the National Federation of the Blind, available at no cost to any print-disabled individual in Hawaiʻi.
Eligible patients include those with:
Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Diabetic retinopathy
Retinitis pigmentosa
Stroke-related vision loss or reading impairment
Low vision of any cause affecting the ability to read print
Patients access the service by phone, smartphone app, Amazon Alexa, or computer — no special equipment required.
Why Refer Patients to NEWSLINE?
Staying informed and connected to the world around them is critical to the independence and wellbeing of newly blind and low vision patients. NFB-NEWSLINE provides:
Immediate access to familiar publications, including the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and national papers
Zero cost — no subscription, no equipment purchase required
Multiple access methods usable with existing assistive technology
24/7 availability — patients can access it any time, from anywhere in Hawaiʻi
Emergency weather alerts localized to the patient’s zip code
Referring a patient to NEWSLINE is a simple, high-value action that helps them maintain independence and routine during a major life adjustment.
How Referrals Work
Referring a patient to NFB-NEWSLINE Hawaiʻi is straightforward:
Share this page or the printed referral sheet
With the patient or their caregiver.
The patient (or caregiver) submits a brief application
Online or by phone.
Marcus Bass processes the application and sets up the account
Typically a few business days.
The patient receives their subscriber ID and security code
By email or mail.
They begin using the service immediately
By phone, app, or smart speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions for Providers
Is there any cost to the patient?
No. NFB-NEWSLINE is completely free for eligible Hawaiʻi residents. There is no enrollment fee, subscription, or equipment cost.
Who qualifies?
Any Hawaiʻi resident who cannot comfortably read standard printed materials due to vision loss, a physical disability, or a related reading-access condition. This includes patients at any stage of vision loss — not only those who are totally blind.
How long does enrollment take?
Typically a few business days from application submission to account activation.
Can patients use the service on devices they already own?
Yes. NFB-NEWSLINE works on any touch-tone phone, iPhone, Android device, Amazon Alexa, or standard computer. No special equipment is needed to get started.
What if my patient needs help signing up?
Marcus Bass, the Hawaiʻi program coordinator, is available to walk patients or caregivers through the enrollment process by phone.
Is the service available statewide?
Yes. NFB-NEWSLINE is available to residents on all Hawaiian islands.
Contact the Hawaiʻi Program Coordinator
For clinical inquiries or to request printed referral materials, contact Marcus directly.
Marcus Bass
Hawaiʻi Program Coordinator, NFB-NEWSLINE Hawaiʻi