Why I Give

Why I Give

Elinor Schroeder and Harlan Roedel hold a sign that reads "I Am Audio-Reader" while standing in the live recording studio.

A Legacy of Service: Elinor Schroeder's 25 Years with Audio-Reader

This past spring, Elinor Schroeder celebrated an incredible milestone: 25 years as a volunteer with Audio-Reader. Her journey with Audio-Reader is a story of dedication, personal connection, and a deep commitment to giving back.

Elinor first learned about Audio-Reader while teaching at the KU School of Law, a role she held for an impressive 40 years. However, during those early years, her busy schedule and commute from Kansas City made it difficult to find time to volunteer. But in 1998, when she moved to Lawrence, one of her first priorities was to audition to become an Audio-Reader volunteer.

For Elinor, volunteering for Audio-Reader wasn’t just about giving back to her community - it was personal. “My father lost almost all of his vision later in life, initially due to glaucoma and later macular degeneration,” she shares. “He had some vision, but it was very limited. He was always an avid reader and missed that part of his life dearly.”

Her father’s church stepped in to help, with volunteers reading to him five days a week - books, newspapers, magazines, and the Bible. This act of kindness lasted for the final 10 years of his life, enhancing his quality of life and helping him stay connected to the world around him. “That made such a difference for him,” Elinor recalls.

In honor of her father, Elinor began volunteering with Audio-Reader as a way to “pay it forward.” She knows firsthand the impact that reading and access to information can have on someone’s life, especially for those with visual impairments. “Audio-Reader is a terrific service for people who are print disabled. It’s available any time of day, and accessible in so many different ways.”

After 25 years, Elinor is still as passionate about her work as when she first began. “If you want to find an organization where you can have an immediate impact, this is one of them,” she says. “It’s a good service, and it’s local. I’m happy I can contribute.”

Elinor Schroeder’s two and a half decades of volunteer work have not only honored her father’s memory but also made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals. Her story reminds us of the profound effect that small acts of service can have, and the legacy they leave behind.