Kim, I think your idea about the chat line is wonderful and perfect, and I will see if I can do some research on this since I am not able to give any first hand info on chat lines. One additional idea I have to suggest may or may not be realistic, but I am just throwing it out for consideration. Be patient with me, it may not be as goofy as it might first sound.If possible, it might be a way of connecting and feeling less lonely if your friend could learn to text from a simple accessible phone like the Samsung Haven from Verizon. I have considered this phone for myself, but now I just have a cell phone given me as a gift so I am not purchasing the Haven yet. The phone needs no data plan, and is self contained so no need for a computer interface. I suggest this texting idea since I see so many people who text and seem to get a sense of fun and immediate social connection. One twenty something told me he texts one thousand times every month. Now, some people are not home bound, but desk bound in that they cannot make phone calls at work so texting is a default. Texting someone just may also seem faster to some folks than the formalities of a phone call. The main obstacle I can see is that someone would need to go to this ladies home to show her how to use a accessible phone like the Haven , or coach her over the phone she has. Obviously she might not be up for this project, but then again it might be intriguing to her if someone has time and is on her wavelength. A couple of big ifs here, anyway, best to you and your friend, Respectfully submitted, Ginnie -----Original Message----- From: real-eyes-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:real-eyes-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kimberly A. Morrow Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2011 7:18 AM To: real-eyes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [real-eyes] helping a lonely blind acquaintance/chat lines for the blind? Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Question for the list: I have an acquaintance who is blind who also has a number of severe medical issues that prevent her from getting out and about. She also has no access to a computer or to the Internet. I've seen ads for various chat lines for people who are blind and visually impaired, but have never had occasion to need one for myself. What are some chat lines, along with their numbers, that this lonely lady could call in order to talk with others who are blind? Thanks, Kimberly Kimberly Morrow, PhD Communications Specialist Message of Hope Ministry 1901 NW Blue Parkway Unity Village, MO 64065-0001 message-of-hope@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:message-of-hope@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Phone: 866--421-3066 (Toll-free) Hours: M-Th 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (CT) Kimberly A. Morrow Outreach Specialist - Unity.fm Unity 1901 NW Blue Parkway Unity Village, MO 64065 Phone: 816-251-3588 http://www.unity.org/ To subscribe or to leave the list, or to set other subscription options, go to www.freelists.org/list/real-eyes To subscribe or to leave the list, or to set other subscription options, go to www.freelists.org/list/real-eyes