Customer Support Ruling

Transcribers – Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped
Updated October 1996

PS-194 (703.5.2.1)

This Customer Support Ruling discusses the provisions for transcribers and typists to mail material as Free Matter for the Blind and Other Physically Handicapped Persons.

Under the provisions of Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 703.5.2.1, sighted nondisabled volunteer transcribers and typists may mail, postage free, Braille, recorded, or large print books, magazines, or pages thereof to an eligible, disabled individual for their use or to an agency or organization serving the blind and physically handicapped.

Conventionally printed material in regular size print cannot be mailed postage free, neither by handicapped individuals nor organizations, even though the intent is to transcribe or record such matter for the use of blind and handicapped persons.  Such material is subject to the applicable rates of postage.

All matter mailed under DMM 703.5, must show the words "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped" in the upper right corner of the address side.

(Signed)
Anita J. Bizzotto
Manager
Mailing Standards
United States Postal Service
Washington DC 20260-3436