To apply for our services, simply download and complete the Listener Application Form . BE SURE TO INCLUDE VERIFICATION OF THE VISUAL/PRINT IMPAIRMENT. Verification of the impairment can come from a doctor, licensed social worker, ophthalmologist, optometrist, rehabilitation counselor, or other medical professional. Also, please be sure to read and sign the LOAN AGREEMENT. When you have completed the listener application form, mail the form to:
Radio Information Service
Birmingham Towers, Suite 140
2100 Wharton Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Who is Eligible
Anyone with a visual or print impairment is eligible for the services provided by RIS. Visual and print impairments are defined as those impairments which make it difficult to read or hold standard print material. A visual or print impairment can be the result of such illnesses as diabetes, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, strokes, macular degeneration, among others. The natural aging process is also a large factor in loss of vision or the ability to read.
The RIS service is available for the nominal fee of $40.00 per year billed in two installments of $20. Once your application is accepted, you will be invoiced for the fee. Then each following year, you will be invoiced at the same time. If you cannot afford the fee, please still apply as we have scholarship funds available. We want everyone to enjoy the service!
The traditional way to get RIS' service is to listen to it over a radio receiver. RIS loans you a special receiver that can be tuned to our private signal. Several types of receivers are available. Because we are "piggybacking" on the signal of WDUQ-FM, you may sometimes hear cross-talk in the background. If WDUQ has problems with their equipment or signal, then we will have problems, too.
RIS's signal is available through Comcast cable systems in the Pittsburgh region. If you have basic cable, a receiver can be connected to your system so that you can hear the RIS signal. The advantage of using cable is that there is no cross-talk or other signal interference.
Radio Information Service is proud to offer our dial-in service. You can now hear many informational programs through your telephone. The list of programs includes:
The buyer's guide category includes:
If you are a current subscriber you can call Tracy O'Neill at (412)488-3944 to apply for an account on the dial-in service. If you are not a current subscriber, but would like to be, she can start the process for you. If you would like a demonstration of the dial-in service, call (412)432-7044 and enter code 5555. You will be able to use the dial-in service for three minutes.
NEW!!! For listeners outside the 412 area code, RIS is proud to announce our new toll-free number for the dial-in service. Dial 1-888-218-1816 and get access to all of the information without having to pay for a toll call.
The program guide audio listings are now on the web and the dial-in service. You can get the program guide audio listings on the dial-in by pressing 7 from the main menu and selecting numbers 20 through 32. You can get the same listings on the web by selecting the On Mic audio listings link from the archives page, and select On Mic from the categories on the navigation links on the left hand side of the page.
Below is a listing of the functions of the buttons.
Below is a listing of the categories and the shows.
The Telephone Reader software used in our dial-in service was developed by the Audio Reader radio reading service in Lawrence, Kansas.
You can listen to newspapers, buyer's guides, TV listings, cable listings, and many other programs on our audio archives page by choosing the audio player you have on your computer. The most popular audio players are supported. You can listen using WinAmp, Windows Media Player, or Real Player. You can also listen to what is currently being broadcast by choosing the RIS live stream link.