Free reading service for print-impaired Hoosiers marks 25th anniversary
IRIS' services streamed through a unique partnership between WFYI and IHETS.

March 12 , 2007
Contact: communications@ihets.org

Through modern-day technology and the assistance of more than 400 active volunteers, IRIS affords individuals with visual, physical and learning limitations with access to daily readings of 19 Indiana newspapers, in addition to several popular magazines, books and national news publications. This free, around-the-clock communications link can be accessed online, over the telephone, or through a special radio receiver.  IHETS began hosting Web-based streaming audio of the IRIS service in the spring of 2006.

“For more than a quarter of a century, IRIS has quietly equipped print-impaired persons with a vital communications service that’s kept them in tune with their world,” said Richard Miles, director of IRIS and vice president of audio services at WFYI Public Broadcasting. “By embracing IRIS’ advanced technology, dynamic volunteer force and proven track record, we’re poised to expand our statewide services and significantly boost our listenership in the coming year.”

As a means of accomplishing this feat, IRIS will launch a grassroots public awareness campaign this spring that’s designed to promote greater public awareness of the service.  Individuals wishing to receive additional information or to sign up for the free service (requires brief application and certification process), can call IRIS toll-free (877) 854-0077 or visit their Web site — indianareading.org. 

IRIS currently offers print-impaired citizens access to daily readings of 19 Indiana newspapers:

Anderson Herald, Chronicle Tribune (Marion), The Elkhart Truth, The Goshen News, The Indianapolis Star, The Herald Bulletin (Anderson), The Herald-Times (Bloomington), Journal & Courier (Lafayette), The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne), Kokomo Perspective, Kokomo Tribune, Palladium-Item (Richmond), The Post-Tribune (Gary), The Republic (Columbus), South Bend Tribune, The Star Press (Muncie), The Times (Hammond), Times-Mail (Bedford) and Tribune-Star (Terre Haute).

IRIS relies on the efforts of volunteer readers who reside in the communities where the featured newspapers are published. This ensures that IRIS listeners are receiving their news from individuals who are familiar with the local issues and culture heritage of the community.

Any one interested in learning more about IRIS’ volunteer opportunities, can call toll-free (877) 854-0077 or visit the organization’s Web site — indianareading.org . IRIS’ state-of-the-art technology allows individuals with full schedules or transportation difficulties to become volunteer readers from any available touch-tone phone for as little as 15 minutes at a time.

Weekly readings of The Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis Business Journal and The Criterion are now being made available to a statewide audience via IRIS’ dial-up and online services.

IRIS —a free service of WFYI Public Broadcasting — is an around-the-clock communications link for Hoosier citizens who cannot read normal print due to blindness, low vision, physical limitations, learning disorders or illiteracy.  As a trusted catalyst for lifelong learning, WFYI Public Broadcasting engages and enriches the local community through distinctive programs and services. For more information on IRIS, or WFYI’s programs and educational outreach services, visit wfyi.org.

IHETS has provided real-time and on-demand video streaming services to state government, higher education institutions, and public-sector partners like WFYI for several years. IHETS offers a host of other services including IHETS Interactive, video conferencing, audio conferencing, and more.

To learn how your organization can use streaming to increase access, enhance information sharing, or improve community outreach, contact George Khazal, IHETS digital media services consultant, at gkhazal@ihets.org or 317.263.8870