NEWSLINE is not just for adults. For students in grades 6–12 who are blind, low vision, or print-disabled, it’s a practical tool for building information literacy, current events awareness, and independent technology skills that carry into college and career.
Educational Benefits of NEWSLINE
Independent Information Access
NEWSLINE gives students the ability to access newspapers and current events on their own terms — without sighted assistance, without specialized equipment, and without cost. This supports both academic skills and real-world independence.
Current Events and Literacy
Access to daily newspapers and news sources supports reading comprehension, current events knowledge, and the kind of media literacy skills required for civic participation and college coursework.
Assistive Technology Integration
NEWSLINE works with the tools students already use: VoiceOver on iPhone, TalkBack on Android, screen readers on computers. Using NEWSLINE reinforces and extends existing AT skills in a real-world context.
Transition Readiness
For transition-age students, staying independently informed is a marker of adult independence. NEWSLINE can support IEP transition goals related to self-advocacy, technology use, and community participation.
How Students Access NEWSLINE
Students access NEWSLINE the same ways adults do — by phone, smartphone app, or computer. For most students, the smartphone app is the most natural starting point.
Smartphone (iOS or Android)
Download the free NFB-NEWSLINE app and log in with a subscriber ID and security code. Fully compatible with VoiceOver and TalkBack. Includes KNFB Reader Basic as a bonus feature.
App GuidesPhone
Call from any touch-tone phone, navigate with simple keypad commands. Good option for students without a smartphone.
Phone Access GuideComputer
Log in at nfbnewslineonline.org using a screen reader. Supports JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and Narrator.
Online Access GuideEnrollment for Students
Any Hawaiʻi student who cannot read standard print due to vision loss or a related disability is eligible. There is no cost.
Students under 18 require a parent or guardian to complete the enrollment process. The parent or guardian may apply online or by phone on behalf of their child.
Resources for Educators
Educator Information Packet (PDF)
Overview of NEWSLINE for TVIs, transition coordinators, and special education staff. Includes enrollment steps, access method overview, and classroom integration ideas.
Classroom Flyer (PDF)
One-page handout for students and parents describing the service and how to sign up.
Transition Planning Handout (PDF)
How NEWSLINE supports IEP transition goals related to technology use and independent information access.
These materials are to be created. Links are placeholders.
Common Questions from Educators
Do students need special equipment?
No. NEWSLINE works on the smartphones, computers, and accessible technology students already use.
Is there a cost for schools or programs?
No. NFB-NEWSLINE is free for all eligible students and requires no institutional license or fee.
Can NEWSLINE be used in the classroom?
Yes. Teachers can assign publications as part of current events instruction, reading comprehension practice, or technology skill-building.
What age range is eligible?
Students of all ages are eligible. A parent or guardian must authorize enrollment for anyone under 18. Two account types are available for minors: a Limited Access account (recommended for age 12 and under) and a Full Access account (available for teens under 18 with parental consent).
Who do I contact to learn more?
Reach out to Marcus Bass, the Hawaiʻi program coordinator, for information, referrals, or to request printed materials.
Contact
Marcus Bass
Hawaiʻi Program Coordinator, NFB-NEWSLINE Hawaiʻi