October is National Disabilities Awareness Month, and WJCT continues to do its part by helping thousands of blind and visually impaired individuals stay connected to the news.WJCT’s Radio Reading Service is a free public service where volunteers read programming to print challenged individuals.
Carol Michael, vision rehabilitation training specialist with the Independent Living for Adult Blind program (ILAB), said the program keeps people in touch with local, state, national and international news.
“It really enhances their knowledge and quality of life,” Michael said.
The program, which airs on a sub-channel of WJCT 89.9 FM, has been around for twenty years and is supplied 24 hours a day to individuals who are incapable of reading the news themselves.
The broadcast is not accessible on traditional radios. Those who sign up for the program are sent a special receiver, courtesy of Deercreek Women’s Alliance. On-air sponsorship provided by Florida Eye Specialists.
The Radio Reading Service provides entertainment as well as news through a variety of publications, including the Florida Times-Union, USA Today and Wall Street Journal, as well as popular magazines and bestselling books.
Michelle Corum, manager of WJCT’s Radio Reading Service, said the program has between 1,200-1,300 listeners and 40 regular volunteers who keep the program strong.
Twenty-year volunteer Russ Kirk said listeners often recognize him just from his voice, and are grateful for the program. Kirk said he plans to volunteer for another twenty years.
Click to become volunteer or to sign up to become a listener.
