Founded in 1976, Radio Information Service (RIS) is a Pittsburgh-based radio reading service that broadcasts the reading of print material for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty holding standard print material. RIS was originally broadcast from the campus of Duquesne University.
Since its first broadcast to only a few hundred listeners, RIS has grown to a 24-hour-per-day radio station, serving hundreds of listeners in Western Pennsylvania and parts of neighboring states. Today, RIS operates from studios in the South Side of Pittsburgh, where a small staff oversees more than 200 volunteers. RIS is on the air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing news, entertainment, and information to those who have difficulty using print material.
In November 2005, the RIS board outsourced the day-to-day operations of RIS to WDUQ 90.5 FM. Radio Information Service remains an independent, charitable nonprofit organization with the board responsible for fundraising and mission performance.
To further the independence, education, and self-reliance of children and adults in Western Pennsylvania who are blind, visually impaired, or unable to read or hold print material, by providing current information from print media and other sources not readily available to them.