[access-uk] FW: [bcab] Articles for the Blind
- From: "George Bell" <george@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2005 16:30:01 +0100
Minutes after Carol raised the issue of postage, I received
the following on the BCAB list.
George.
Sent: 19 August 2005 13:31
To: BCAB List
Subject: [bcab] Articles for the Blind
Folks
There has been an update to the definition of Articles for
the Blind. RNIB has just sent a document to its staff
clarifying the new system and I copy the document below. If
you wish to point others to this information, it will be
available on the RNIB website.
Steve
Articles for the Blind (AFB) 2005
What Is The Articles for the Blind Scheme?
Royal Mail have, for a number of years, operated a scheme
(Articles for the
Blind) that allows blind and partially sighted people to
send certain items of post free of charge. The latest
legislation covering the provision of this service is the
Postal Services Act 2000. Royal Mail have extended the
scope of the scheme to include carriage of large print
materials from 22nd August 2005.
Who Can Use the Articles for the Blind Scheme?
Blind and partially sighted people, individual customers who
are blind or partially sighted and have close-up vision with
spectacles of N12 or less.
Organisations working with blind and partially sighted
people mailing items specifically prepared for use by
blind/visually impaired individuals.
This will include national and local societies for blind and
partially sighted people and organisations producing Talking
Newspapers/Tape Magazines etc.
What Can Be Sent By Articles for the Blind?
Only items that have been specially produced or adapted for
blind and partially sighted people may be sent using the
service. The scope of the AFB scheme has been extended to
include large print (minimum 16 point).
Details below of all items covered by scheme:
Books, papers and letters - either embossed or in large
print (minimum font size 16pt).
Computer disks and CDs which have been prepared for blind or
partially sighted people
Relief maps
Spoken audio, video (with added commentary - audio
description) and electronic media.
Talking Books and talking newspapers which are recordings of
readings from printed books, journals, newspapers,
periodicals or similar publications, but not entertainment
programmes which are available on radio or recordings.
Equipment used to play or record audio, video and electronic
media i.e.
Talking Books and Talking Newspapers.
Electronic and optical magnifiers
Games, mathematical devices watches, clocks and measuring
equipment
Embossed or blank plates and devices for producing tactile
information.
Stationery for tactile information for mail
Mobility aids including sticks and guide dog equipment
Items Not Accepted for Posting Under Articles for the Blind
Music audio (more than 2 minutes or more than 10% of the
total duration)
Printed material in a font smaller than 16 point, unless it
is a faithful copy of information that has been transcribed
into braille, tape, CD, disk or large print, and where it
accompanies the transcribed version.
Weight & Size of Items Sent by AFB
The maximum weight limit of any package is 7kg. The size
limits are:
Rectangular packages maximum dimensions - 610mm x 460mm x
460mm.
Cylindrical packages - the length must not exceed 900mm and
the length added to twice the diameter of the packet must
not be more than 1040mm in total.
How Does the Scheme Work? What Do You Have To Do To Use The
Scheme?
Items sent by AFB will be treated as first class mail.
All mail posted using AFB must have 'Articles for the Blind'
on the front cover, either on a label or in writing. It
must also show an external return address.
All mail sent by AFB is subject to inspection, so it must be
left open, be easy to open and re-seal or the contents must
be visible through the wrapper (enough that the contents can
easily be confirmed as complying with the specification).
The only exception is heavy or fragile items, which can be
sealed provided prior notification is given via Customer
Services. To arrange for sealed items to be accepted for
carriage contact 0845 607 6140.
It is recommended that personal, sensitive or confidential
correspondence i.e. health or financial information, in any
format should not be sent using AFB as there is a risk that
it could fall out of an unsealed envelope and be disclosed
at any point in it's journey. This type of correspondence
should be sealed and sent as normal, paid-for mail.
How To Arrange For Collection Of Items Of Post Being Sent By
Articles for the Blind.
Blind and partially sighted customers can arrange a free
collection from their home by calling Customer Services on
08457 740 740. For a same day collection customers must
call before 12.00pm. This is subject to local availability.
Organisations requiring a collection of AFB must comply with
the Business Collections Specifications.
What Happens If You Are Out When Your Postman Tries To
Deliver An Item Of Post Sent By Articles for the Blind?
In the event that an item of post is undeliverable your
Postman will leave a
P739 'While You Were Out' card.
Surcharges
Royal Mail will levy surcharges if :
* the scheme is used by someone not allowed to use AFB * an
item not covered by the scheme is sent via AFB Royal Mail
will endeavour to avoid levying a surcharge against the
recipient, however, in some cases this will be unavoidable,
particularly where return addresses are not provided on the
label. If return addresses are provided, then Royal Mail
will return items to sender (without surcharge but
requesting that full postage be paid before re-posting).
Queries
If you have any queries about how the Articles for the Blind
scheme operates please contact your local sorting office or
the Royal Mail Customers Service Dept on 0845 774 0740,
Businesses should contact 0845 795 0950.
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