About the Communication Center

The only facility of its kind in Minnesota, the Communication Center began in 1953 as a nonprofit, private organization providing Braille and audio transcription services.

Initial funding came from the Hamm Foundation of St. Paul, and services were extended by grants from other family and corporate foundations, public funds and individual gifts.

The Radio Talking Book went on the air in 1969 through the continuing support of the Hamm Foundation and cooperative agreements with Minnesota Public Radio.

The Minnesota Legislature passed legislation in 1979 that made the Communication Center part of Minnesota State Services for the Blind. The change allowed the Communication Center to receive additional state and federal funding.

Dial-In News was established in 1990 to provide access to local newspapers through the use of a touch-tone phone. Newsline for the Blind, a service of the National Federation of the Blind providing national newspapers, came to Minnesota in 1996. SSB began providing financial support for Newsline in 1998 and in 1999 took over responsibility for running the local service center. In March, 2002, NFB/Newsline became available to all blind and visually impaired Minnesotans via a nationwide, toll-free number. 

Private funding also assists in providing services to blind and print-disabled individuals throughout the state. You can help support us by with a donation or by volunteering. Read more about how to help. 

Communication Center Annual Report
Select the following link to view, download or print our Communication Center Annual Report