Help Make XM Radio Receivers Accessible to the Blind

I apologize to each of you for sending a mass mailing. However, the
following information came to my attention, and I want to share it. Even if
you are not blind or if you do not use XM, your help would go a long way
toward changing what may be the face of new and upcoming satelite radio
receivers. As you will see from an excerpt below of an e-mail I received
earlier today, XM is considering moving to a touch screen interface. this
will mean that all of us who are blind or have low vision will be locked out
from a fabulous source of entertainment. Please consider writing the
contact below, let him know that speech output is not only a benefit to the
blind, but will also benefit sighted folks in low-light situations as well
as ensure that those who are driving down the road will have access to the
radios without having to take their eyes off the road.

Thank you for any help you think you can offer by sending an e-mail as
discussed below. If you've read enough and just want to send the e-mail,
the recippient's name is Ralph Stewart, and the address to use is:
ralphs@myradiostore.com

Marlaina Lieberg and Agnes
the A#1 Guide Dog
It's all about Agnes
www.guidedogs.com

<snip from e-mail received>
Hello all!
I was speaking with Mr. Ralph Stewart of My Radio Store Dot Com. I was
inquiring about which XM Radio Receiver was accessible to Blind Persons
these days!

A number of changes have taken place which necessitated some
changes in XM receivers. The demodulator needed to be turned down to
minimize interference to those listening to standard radio stations
especially in an automobile. Some people didn't like Howard Stern coming
over their favorite religious station as an example. Many of the newer XM
portables are using touch screens these days which aren't accessible for us!
Mr. Stewart then said it's about time for XM receivers to have audio
feedback or prompts for those who cannot see the screen. Some engineers he
spoke with said the chips used in XM receivers would easily support speech
output. He wants to know how many people would be interested in an XM
Receiver with speech? Please Email him at:
ralphs@myradiostore.com
.
Let's open the flood gates and let him hear from us! He will forward our
mail to appropriate engineers and personnel at XM Radio. Perhaps we can
make a difference!