Articles for the Blind – Free Postal Service
What is the Articles for the Blind Service?
Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) provides the Articles for the Blind (AftB) service, a free postal option that allows blind and low vision individuals, as well as organizations supporting them, to send and receive accessible format materials across New Zealand at no cost.
The Articles for the Blind Care Package is a product of this service, designed to allow members to send and receive small Braille and audio packages independently.
For larger items, such as Perkins Braillers, Daisy Players, or other heavy accessible format materials, members must contact AFS Logistics to arrange delivery, as these items do not qualify for the standard care package but can still be sent using the AftB service.
To arrange shipping for large items, email: afslogistics@blindlowvision.org.nz
Who Can Use This Service?
The Articles for the Blind service is available to:
✔ Blind Low Vision NZ members
✔ Anyone with a print disability
✔ Organizations that work with or support blind and low vision individuals
What Can You Send?
The Articles for the Blind service allows you to send:
✔ Braille materials (documents, books, transcriptions)
✔ Audio material produced specifically for blind and low vision individuals
✔ Perkins Braillers, Daisy Players, and other related accessible format equipment (via special arrangement)
🚫What You Cannot Send Using the Care Package:
🚫 Print materials, including Large Print
🚫 Non-accessible format materials
🚫 Large or heavy items (e.g., Perkins Braillers, Daisy Players) – these must be arranged separately through AFS Logistics
Packages must meet NZ Post guidelines to qualify for free shipping
The Articles for the Blind Care Package
To make using this service easier, BLVNZ provides an Articles for the Blind Care Package, which allows members to send and receive Braille and audio materials on their own accord.
What’s Included in the Care Package?
📦 6 Braille boxes (each holds up to 60 embossed pages)
📑 6 BLVNZ AftB labels (ncludes To and From address fields)
📬 6 NZ Post courier tickets (free, trackable within New Zealand)
📖 1 Set of step-by-step instructions
How to Use the Care Package
1. Assembling Your Package
a. Take a flattened Braille box and fold it along the pre-creased lines.
b. Secure the tabs with box tape to create a sturdy container.
c. Ensure the box is properly assembled before adding your items.
2. Packing Your Items
a. Place only approved materials inside the box.
b. Ensure the total weight does not exceed 3kg and the size stays within 0.005m³.
c. Seal the box securely with box tape.
3. Labelling Your Package
a. Attach one BLVNZ Articles for the Blind label (ensure To and From details are accurate).
b. Affix one NZ Post courier ticket to qualify for free, trackable shipping.
c. Make sure all labels are clearly visible and securely attached.
🚨 Packages without these labels will not be accepted by NZ Post.
How to Send Your Packages
✔ Drop it off at an NZ Post shop.
✔ Bring it to a BLVNZ office, and we will arrange the pickup.
✔ Contact NZ Post directly for a courier pickup.
📞 For NZ Post assistance, call 09 977 0102 or visit nzpost.co.nz
Tracking Your Package
Each NZ Post courier ticket includes a tracking number that allows you to monitor your package’s delivery.
🔍 To track your package:
Visit nzpost.co.nz and enter your tracking number.
Call 09 977 0102 for assistance.
Reordering a Care Package
Once you’ve used all 6 boxes and labels, you can request a new care package every 3 months by:
📧 Emailing: afslogistics@blindlowvision.org.nz
📞 Calling: 0800 24 33 33
Need to Send Larger Items?
If you need to send a Perkins Brailler, Daisy Player, or related large accessible format equipment, please contact AFS Logistics to arrange shipping, as these items do not fit within the care package but can still be sent through the Articles for the Blind service.
📧 Email: afslogistics@blindlowvision.org.nz
Need Help?
We want to ensure you have a positive experience using this service.
📌 For help with the AftB care package, contact:
📧 afslogistics@blindlowvision.org.nz
📞 0800 24 33 33
📌 For courier-related inquiries, contact NZ Post:
📞 09 977 0102
🌐 nzpost.co.nz
At BLVNZ, we are committed to making accessible materials available to our community. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, spread the word!
Articles for the Blind: Enabling Accessibility, One Shipment at a Time.