Audio-Reader News Archive 2016-2021
Audio-Reader Celebrates 50 years
LAWRENCE — On Oct. 11, 1971, Audio-Reader’s first broadcast went on the air from the University of Kansas. For the next 50 years, Audio-Reader has provided access to information and the arts to anyone who has difficulty reading standard printed materials due to vision loss, physical or learning disability, mobility challenges and age.
Hundreds of Audio-Reader volunteers read thousands of publications, including local and regional newspapers, books, magazines and special-interest materials to individuals who are blind, visually impaired or print-disabled across Kansas, western Missouri and beyond. Since its inception, Audio-Reader has made its content available through closed-circuit radios, smart speakers, smartphone apps, over the phone and online. Its multifaceted delivery options came at a crucial time for listeners.
“The year 2020 was one of Audio-Reader's busiest years as local information was essential, from knowing community COVID risk levels and regulations to knowing when and how to access health care and get groceries,” said Dan Skinner, director of Audio-Reader and Kansas Public Radio. “Additionally, Audio-Reader experienced a surge in listeners seeking the companionship of volunteers reading the daily broadcast. Isolation and loneliness were particularly challenging for many listeners throughout the pandemic and found Audio-Reader to be a trusted voice available 24/7.”
To honor Audio-Reader’s legacy, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed the week of Oct. 11 to be “Audio-Reader Week.” Audio-Reader will kick off its 50th anniversary with an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 11, in the Audio-Reader parking lot, 1120 W 11th St. Coffee, doughnuts, prizes and Audio-Reader swag will be available. Special interviews will be conducted with listeners and supporters to be broadcast live on Audio-Reader's airwaves.
During the open house, tickets can be purchased for Audio-Reader's 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 5 at Abe & Jake’s Landing. This celebration will feature guest speakers, live music, hors d’oeuvres from Maceli’s catering and a silent auction featuring a specially curated selection of vinyl records and vintage audio equipment. Details and online registration can be found at reader.ku.edu/audioreader50years2.
For Your Ears Only annual audio sale moving to series of online fundraisers
LAWRENCE – If you love music, collect vinyl records or simply need to update your stereo system, you can do that all from the comfort of your home as Audio-Reader’s annual benefit sale, For Your Ears Only, is going virtual this year. What normally is a two-day sale in the fall is transitioning into a series of online virtual sales to benefit Audio-Reader.
“Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution and safety for the community, our staff and our volunteers, we decided to change our event to a series of virtual sales,” said Beth McKenzie, development director of Audio-Reader.
The first virtual sale begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, on Audio-Reader’s Facebook Live2 page. Hosts will showcase 20 pieces of numbered audio equipment, each priced below market value. This first sale will feature only audio equipment and will include unique pieces such as stereo receivers, turntables, speakers, reel-to-reel tape decks and more. Simply comment “Sold” along with the equipment number to secure the item. Audio-Reader will send a link via Facebook Messenger to pay directly online for the item. Customers will be able to pick up their equipment at Audio-Reader by appointment July 17-18. Audio-Reader is only offering local pick-up and is unable to ship or deliver at this time.
Future sale dates, to be announced, will include more items that normally would be featured at the annual sale, such as vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, musical instruments and more.
“While we are sad we cannot have the sale in the same format as we normally do this year, we think this can be a great opportunity to reach more people who didn’t know about our sale or who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend. As we continue these virtual sales, we plan to have fun with them, focusing on specific equipment, records, instruments and much more. We will have Kansas Public Radio guests and audio technician guests that will make the show even more entertaining,” said Meredith Johanning, Audio-Reader’s assistant development director and virtual sale organizer.
Audio-Reader is not taking in donations for the sale this year. Instead, the audio equipment, records, instruments and other items that will be featured in these virtual sales are excess inventory received over the last year. Dedicated Audio-Reader volunteers have inspected, cleaned and repaired the items so quality pieces can be provided at discounted prices.
Proceeds from the sale benefit Audio-Reader, a service organization providing free reading and information services for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. The University of Kansas decided in the last few years to cease direct funding to Audio-Reader, making fundraisers like these virtual benefit sales vital to Audio-Reader’s operation.
Funds from the sale go directly to helping Audio-Reader listeners stay connected with their communities and live a life of greatest, possible personal independence. More information about Audio-Reader and its upcoming Facebook Live sales is available at https://reader.ku.edu3 or by calling (800) 772-8898.
Creating unforgettable family moments through accessible arts experiences
Many of Audio-Reader's programs and service focus on news and information that supports our listeners leading full, independent lives.
But a full life requires more than access to the most up to date local news or grocery store ads, it also involves experiences that bring us together as a community, and creating meaningful connections between us, and our friends and family.
This is why Audio-Reader also offers access to arts and entertainment programs for those who have difficulty reading standard print, or experiencing live arts & cultural events.
Audio Description2 makes live theatre accessible by providing headsets to our patrons and having our volunteers describe the visual components of the action happening on stage.
In December 2019, we described a live performance of the Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer at the Lied Center of Kansas3. We invited patrons, friends and supporters to join us for a holiday social hour before the performance to enjoy some festive cheer.
Audio-Reader listener Travis brought his family, including his two young sons, to experience the show with him. For fun, his older boy checked out a headset too, so he could share in the audio description with his Dad.
Travis wrote to Audio-Reader after the event, and just in case there's any doubt about the value and impact of programs that make arts experiences accessible, we'll let Travis' own words set the record straight:
"Thank you to everyone for the service you provided so I could have a cherishable experience with my family. It was amazing and we learned a lot. My oldest son had the headset too and when the performance started and the describing began, he grabbed and held my hand.
"There was a point in the show when my youngest son, who was not wearing headphones, said to me, 'Dad, it's snowing!' and I said 'I know, buddy, really hard too, and they're lost' My son turned to me in surprise and asked 'How do you know?' I put the headphones on him so he could hear and he grabbed my hand and said, 'Wow, Dad!' It was then my son realized that his dad was experiencing it at the same level as him. I will never forget what he said and the excitement in his voice. I had to look at the ground because this tough Dad had a tear
"For a brief moment in their lives they were like every other kid and their Dad was like everyone else. Their Dad wasn't different. They didn't have to fill me in on everything and we could all experience the excitement together. I was able to experience it at the magnitude that everyone else who is sighted does. I can't think of a time when my boys have had that experience. They were so proud I experienced it just like them. It was a new world for them.
"People need to do this. You will never forget it. It made me want to go back. This was my first experience and I want you to know that it won't be my last. I will never forget that day.
"There's that saying 'Don't measure life by the number of breaths you take, measure life by the number of moments that take your breath away.' That was it for me."
- Travis S., Audio-Reader Listener
- Thank you to the Lied Center of Kansas for partnering with us to provide Audio Description of live theatre events.
- Also a HUGE thank you to the volunteers who give their time, passion and energy to make programs like this possible.
- Click here to learn more about Audio Description2
Broadcasters Brunch Success!
Audio-Reader has the most amazing volunteers, and we had a great time celebrating their many years of service this October
Chuck Fisher has been reading the Lawrence Journal World every Monday for the last 45 years. He reads in honor of his grandfather, who lost his sight towards the end of his life.
A listener wrote in "Chuck was the very first voice I heard and listened to when I got my radio from Peggy Sampson. I really enjoy listening to him as he has a very calm, comforting andpassionate reading voice. He always interacts as if he really wants to be there and share the news of the day with the listener."
Jan Shumway wrote, on reflection of her 40 years of service to Audio-Reader: “There is a palpable sense of satisfaction in providing “sight through sound” for our listeners. This gift unites us as readers and encourages us to do our best each time we face the microphone. Resulting camaraderie brings us purpose and friendship. We are strongly supported by an encouraging staff who works every day to make lives meaningful.”
35 Years: Frank Day, Cristi Hansen and Harold & Donna Riehm
30 Years: Janis Hutchison & Stephen Smith
25 Years: Chris Miller & Carol Nauman
20 Years: Donald Braker, Carole Smith, Donna Conway, Janet Majure, Shelley Sandberg, Elinor Schroeder, Carol Beth Whalen, Beverley Wilson.
15 Years: Kay Campbell, Hannes Combest, Helen Martin, Sarah Peters, Nathan Poell, Bruce Roberts, Joe Sweet and Gene Vollen.
10 Years: Cindy Baker, Betty Baron, Dean Bevan, Christine Bial, Jayne Boggs-Varney, Ann Cobb, Dan Compo, Lucas Houk, Aspen Junge, Mike Krings, Jenny O'Driscoll, Katie Pierron, Virginia Smith, and Doug Washburn.
5 years: Brittany Beck, Brenda Berg Dyck, Erin Bolton, Janet Campbell, Vivian Davidson, Michael Dix, Kathe Dougherty, Randal Dyck, Nadia Hamid, Mary Hamler, Nancy Hause, Lysle Holloway, Chad Johanning, Kristi Kaylo, Clark Lafever, Lori Lange, Keri Lauxman, Susan McCarthy, Don Miller, Connie Mitchell, Rachel Monger, Erin O'Neil, Jacqueline Pierce, Ann Place, Mark Praeger, Michelle Suter, Annette Tucker, Melissa Warren, Joel Wells
Audio-Reader, Lied Center announce accessible theatre performances for 2019-2020 season
- "Rent"2: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6
- "Jersey Boys"3: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2
- "The Color Purple"4: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23, 2020
- "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"5: 7:30 p.m. April 22.
For more information, visit https://reader.ku.edu/audio-description6
Audio-Reader wins multiple awards at International Conference
LAWRENCE — Kansas Audio-Reader was recently honored with six awards in excellence at the 2019 International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS). This year’s conference, held in Phoenix, recognized Audio-Reader in six categories:
Program Award:
Magazines for the Adult Hour
Hosted by Melinda Kearney and Tom Kearney
Producers Nick Carswell and Joe Penrod
Audio Engineer Joe Penrod
Narrative Reading Award:
"Beauty Will Save the World"
Read by Camille Olcese
Producer Nick Carswell
Audio Engineer Nick Carswell and Joe Penrod
Thematic Production Award:
Springfield Regional News Promo
Voiced by Jen Nigro
Producer and Audio Engineer Nick Carswell
Non-Reading Entertainment Award:
New Year’s in History
Researched and hosted by Carl Graves
Producer and Audio Engineer Nick Carswell
Public Affairs Award for Volunteer Excellence:
Carl Graves
Graves was nominated due to his outstanding commitment as a volunteer and his ongoing dedication to Audio-Reader. A $250 contribution was made to Audio-Reader by IAAIS on behalf of the Volunteer Excellence award recipient.
In addition to the program awards, the C. Stanley Potter Lifetime Achievement Award winner was Lori Kesinger, Audio-Reader’s outreach coordinator/listener liaison. The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest award bestowed by IAAIS and brings a new level of distinction and visibility to leaders in the audio information industry. It honors individuals for the exemplary quality of their work in furthering the mission of IAAIS and their contribution to the field of information access. This award is presented to those who have demonstrated a deep commitment to innovative initiatives that not only empower audio information services but also advance the industry and ultimately benefit people who need access to information in audio format. Through the stories of these leaders, IAAIS will be inspired to further our commitment to advance the mission of information access and individual independence in the world.
The nomination, by former IAAIS President David Noble of Voice Corps in Ohio, described Kesinger's commitment and dedication throughout her career.
“Working outside of the spotlight, she ensures that new services are introduced to the main body of the membership. Her deep industry knowledge of where to turn coupled with her complete lack of selfish ambition make her the quintessential ambassador to new members and new staffers at current members. Lori’s efforts have always gone above and beyond,” he said.
The Audio-Reader Network is a reading and information service for blind, visually impaired and print-disabled individuals in Kansas and western Missouri. Volunteers read daily newspapers, magazines and best-selling books on the air and on the internet, 24 hours a day, and Audio-Reader offers automated newspaper readings by telephone. Services are offered free of charge to anyone in our listening area who is unable to read normal printed material.
The Audio-Reader Network fosters independence by providing access to information and the arts for people who have difficulty reading standard print due to vision loss, physical or learning disability, mobility challenges and age.
Audio-Reader's 10th Annual Golf Tournament Most Successful Yet
LAWRENCE — After weeks of heavy rain, Kansas Audio-Reader lucked out with beautiful spring weather for the 10th Annual Golf Classic, one of the organization's key fundraisers. It was the most successful tournament yet, grossing more than $33,000. Erin O'Neil, women's golf coach at the University of Kansas, chaired the tournament committee and played a round of “Beat the Coach” with players throughout the day.
Mary Chappell, an Audio-Reader listener and former director of KU Recreation Services, was the featured guest speaker. She talked about her love of sports and how after losing her sight in a water skiing accident, she’s remained an active sports enthusiast with help from Audio-Reader.
The 2019 winning teams were determined by a scorecard playoff:
- First flight, first place: Kent Beisner, Kyle Beisner, Bob Kerr and Mark Praeger
- First flight, second place: Kansas Commercial Real Estate, Mark Rezac and friends
- Second flight, first place: Fred DeVictor, Jim Lynch, John Potter and Jim Thompson
- Second flight, second place: Mike Corcoran, Pat Maxon, Keith Smith and Randy Wilson
“We are so grateful for our tournament committee members Erin O’Neil, Randy Austin, Bud Jacobs, Pete Knutson, Jim Moore and Mark Praeger, as well as all of our sponsors, donors, golfers and volunteers for making this such a successful event,” Audio Reader Director Dan Skinner said. “After our recent budget cuts from the university, support for our fundraisers and from the community is more important than ever.”
The tournament was presented by McDaniel Knutson Financial Partners.
All proceeds from the tournament go directly toward Audio Reader’s mission to foster independence by providing access to information and the arts for people who have difficulty reading standard print due to vision loss, physical or learning disability, mobility challenges and age.
Photo: First Flight, First Place team: Kent Beisner, Kyle Beisner, Bob Kerr and Dr. Mark Praeger, pictured with Erin O’Neil and Mary Chappell.
Audio-Reader Celebrates 50 years
LAWRENCE — On Oct. 11, 1971, Audio-Reader’s first broadcast went on the air from the University of Kansas. For the next 50 years, Audio-Reader has provided access to information and the arts to anyone who has difficulty reading standard printed materials due to vision loss, physical or learning disability, mobility challenges and age.
Hundreds of Audio-Reader volunteers read thousands of publications, including local and regional newspapers, books, magazines and special-interest materials to individuals who are blind, visually impaired or print-disabled across Kansas, western Missouri and beyond. Since its inception, Audio-Reader has made its content available through closed-circuit radios, smart speakers, smartphone apps, over the phone and online. Its multifaceted delivery options came at a crucial time for listeners.
“The year 2020 was one of Audio-Reader's busiest years as local information was essential, from knowing community COVID risk levels and regulations to knowing when and how to access health care and get groceries,” said Dan Skinner, director of Audio-Reader and Kansas Public Radio. “Additionally, Audio-Reader experienced a surge in listeners seeking the companionship of volunteers reading the daily broadcast. Isolation and loneliness were particularly challenging for many listeners throughout the pandemic and found Audio-Reader to be a trusted voice available 24/7.”
To honor Audio-Reader’s legacy, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed the week of Oct. 11 to be “Audio-Reader Week.” Audio-Reader will kick off its 50th anniversary with an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 11, in the Audio-Reader parking lot, 1120 W 11th St. Coffee, doughnuts, prizes and Audio-Reader swag will be available. Special interviews will be conducted with listeners and supporters to be broadcast live on Audio-Reader's airwaves.
During the open house, tickets can be purchased for Audio-Reader's 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 5 at Abe & Jake’s Landing. This celebration will feature guest speakers, live music, hors d’oeuvres from Maceli’s catering and a silent auction featuring a specially curated selection of vinyl records and vintage audio equipment. Details and online registration can be found at reader.ku.edu/audioreader50years2.
Audio Description of Broadway Shows Launches this Weekend at Starlight Theatre!
Audio-Reader is excited to offer accessible live theatre experiences this Summer at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre.
The 2019 Summer Broadway series at Starlight includes productions of The Wizard of Oz, Cats, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Hello Dolly, Rock of Ages and more.
Trained Audio-Reader volunteers will be on site with live audio description, so that visually-impaired patrons can catch all the action via radio headsets distributed before the show. This service is offered free of charge to Audio-Reader subscribers.
For tickets, call the Starlight Box Office at (816) 363-7827. Be sure and let them know you will be making use of audio description, with Audio-Reader.
For more information on audio description click here: https://reader.ku.edu/audio-description2
Audio-Reader Celebrates One Year in Springfield
Audio-Reader is excited to celebrate one year on the air in the Springfield, Missouri region!
The Audio-Reader Network began in October of 1971 broadcasting on a subchannel of public radio station KANU in Lawrence, KS. Since that time the signal has expanded across Kansas and into a large portion of Missouri. Through a partnership with KSMU Radio at Missouri State University, Audio-Reader now serves seven counties across southwest Missouri via closed circuit radio as well as through an on-demand phone system known as Telephone Reader. Local volunteers read from area newspapers, regional magazines and grocery ads. All services are provided free of charge to anyone who, due to physical, visual, or cognitive issues, cannot read standard print.
A first anniversary celebration for our studios in Springfield Missouri was held on Friday, April 5th. A contingent of readers, listeners, Lions, and community members attended to eat cake, win door prizes and celebrate a year of live broadcast in the Ozark region.
Following the open house, Outreach Coordinator Lori Kesinger took to the airwaves for a visit with Lions Past International Director Jerome Thompson of Moulton, Alabama to discuss the work of Lions Clubs around the world and to promote membership in Lions Clubs throughout the region. The Lions of Missouri District 26-M6 held their District Convention the following day (Saturday) at the Ozarks Technical College. Audio-Reader joined Kids Sight; Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service; Vision Resource Center of the Ozarks; New Voices (leadership initiative for women in Lions); USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum; and hearing aid recycling project in the exhibit hall.
Audio-Reader volunteers and staff appeared on the local radio show Prime Time with Juli Jordan and Chris Thompson on AM1340 Kick:
KU plans to cut funding to its Audio-Reader program by 2022
For Your Ears Only sale vital to Audio-Reader’s future
This year, the sale is more vital than usual for Audio-Reader, which provides audio recordings of daily newspapers, magazines and best-sellers to the visually impaired. In August, the University of Kansas announced it is phasing out direct funding to Audio-Reader over the coming three years, and eventually will stop its $330,000 in annual support for the program.
Read the full article here: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/ku/2018/sep/13/for-your-ears-only-sale-vita...2
Program facing funding loss was instrumental in helping blind woman get degrees
Without the Audio-Reader service, Kim Morrow might not have earned her master’s degree or her doctorate.
Read the article here: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/ku/2018/sep/23/program-facing-funding-loss-...2
Want to Read the Daily News? Audio-Reader Network Needs You
KOLR’s 10:00 News featured a story on Audio Reader. The show aired on January 23rd, 2018. You can watch the video by clicking the URL below:
https://www.ozarksfirst.com/video/want-to-read-the-daily-news-audio-read...2
2018 IAAIS Award Winners Announced
The International Association of Audio Information Services2 has announced the winners of its annual Program Awards for quality audio production. Audio-Reader is among the honorees.
Volunteer Appreciation Brunch 2017
Audio-Reader held its annual volunteer appreciation celebration on Sunday, October 29, 2018.
You can listen to audio from the event, including comments from Audio-Reader listener Travis Smith, here.
[audio coming soon]
Public Radio and Audio-Reader Services Face Budget Cuts
Two auditory services are receiving large cuts in funding from the University of Kansas.
“There was $200,000 for Audio Reader and $200,000 for Kansas Public Radio,” said General Manager Dan Skinner. “The two organizations combined, it’s a total of $400,000 in cuts over the space of two fiscal years, this fiscal year and next fiscal year.”
Audio-Reader in the News
KUJH-TV News: Audio-Reader helps local student
The Kansas Audio-Reader program was named "Academic Partner of the Year" from WellSpring MTTI for helping a local blind student. WellSpring MTTI is a natural health and wellness school in Lawrence.
NBC Nightly News: Seeing-eye radio
"Volunteers at New Jersey's Electronic Information and Education Service radio broadcast make sure the pleasure of the morning paper isn't lost to those who are unable to read it themselves. NBC's Pete Williams reports."
Watch the video here: http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/28200929#282009292
Channel 6 News: Audio-Reader link KU, Detroit youths
Channel 6 news ran a story about how Audio-Reader has helped Detroit youths