RIS is a Pittsburgh-based 501(C)3 non-profit radio station operated by and for people who cannot read print information. We use the medium of radio to provide access to print material for people who have a vision loss, stroke, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, severe dyslexia or any other disability that inhibits the independence of reading.
RIS enjoys the help of more than 200 volunteers who: read on the air, help with publicity, do clerical work, and provide service delivery. We need this much help because RIS is on the air 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is available in 12 counties of southwestern Pennsylvania plus parts of West Virginia and Ohio. In this area alone, there is the potential for nearly 50,000 people to benefit from the use of Radio Information Service.
RIS provides much the same information that is read by the
general population, including: daily local and national newspapers, popular
magazines, grocery and department store advertisements, best-seller books, and
publications of special interest to people who have a disability.
Radio Information Service is available through broadcast on special receivers to eligible subscribers.
Many programs are available to RIS subscribers through our Dial-in service.
Most RIS programs are available on the the Web. WinAmp, Windows Media Player, and Real Player are three of the most popular players which are supported.
Subscribers of Comcast cable can receive RIS on the FM radio through their cable system.
RIS offers the production of material in both Braille and audio format. Audio can be done on cassette or CD. RIS volunteers regularly translate personal and public documents into Braille and audio formats. RIS' Braille Team creates Braille letters, menus, informational packets and more. Volunteer readers create audio tapes of books and other documents. Is there something we can translate for you? If so, please call (412)488-3944 for more information and a free price estimate.
As a nonprofit, RIS is overseen by board members who are dedicated community leaders, several of whom are listeners themselves.
Four staff members work with RIS' over 200 volunteers to produce all of our programming.