We use the medium of radio to provide access to printed information for people who have a vision loss, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, severe dyslexia or any other disability which prevents reading. RIS enjoys the help of more than 250 volunteers who read on the air, help with publicity, office work, and service delivery. In this area alone, there are nearly 6,000 people taking advantage of Radio Information Service. In order to hear RIS, you must use a special radio available only through the station. These pre-tuned radios are purchased by the station and loaned to medically qualified applicants.
Most listeners live on a low, fixed income.
Therefore, RIS does not charge a fee for the use of its service or its special radios. Every eligible applicant is provided service. RIS seeks funding from private foundations, government agencies, and corporations. Individual members of the community contribute as well, providing a broad base of support for the service. Because of their help, RIS has continually provided its service to an ever-growing audience since 1976.