Is a loved one no longer able to read due to decreasing vision? Does a friend or neighbor have a physical disability preventing her from holding reading material for a prolonged period of time? For these individuals, a radio reading service can be a valuable addition to their daily lives. It can allow them to stay informed and feel connected to their local community and the world.
Many people experience decreasing vision as they age due to macular degeneration, cataracts, or other eye conditions. When it becomes too difficult (or impossible) to read standard or large-print text, the use of a radio reading service can help a person be more independent and feel less isolated. Often, it can provide a sense of belonging and companionship.
What Is a Radio Reading Service?
A radio reading service provides daily broadcasts of local and national newspapers, magazines, and other useful information. A radio reading service usually broadcasts on a sub carrier of an FM radio station and cannot be tuned in on a regular FM radio. A person must qualify to use the service and will then be given a special closed-circuit radio receiver, free of charge. This receiver is about the size of a table radio and can only pick up that one channel. The service is broadcast in this closed-circuit fashion due to the United States copyright laws.
A radio reading service is allowed to broadcast copyrighted material without the publisher's permission as long as it ensures that those using the service are considered to be print-handicapped. A radio reading service often broadcasts 24 hours a day and is usually affiliated with a state or private agency serving those who are blind or visually impaired. The reading of the printed material is done mostly, if not completely, by volunteers. It's often a popular volunteer job, and many readers like the chance to have their own live hour long "radio show".