Archie King of Parsons has two radios to receive Audio-Reader broadcasts.

KU’s radio reading service keeps the world current for Kansans with diminished vision

Archie King listens to the radio a lot late at night — but not to music or talk shows. He listens to books, magazines, and newspapers.

King and almost 7,000 other Kansans whose eyesight has diminished are still able to enjoy the printed word because of Audio-Reader, a radio reading service for blind and visually impaired persons. Broadcast throughout the state, the service is free to all who qualify.

The retired Parsons farmer enjoys nonfiction books and newspapers, just some of the material read by more than 350 volunteers. Archie has used the service so much for 30 years that he has two radios – one in the living room and one on his nightstand.

“I sometimes fall asleep with it on,” he said, “and when I wake up I’m listening to something interesting."

➤ Application for Service forms are available on the Audio-Reader Web site, reader.ku.edu. Health-care and social-service professionals need to certify the application. For more information, call (800) 772-8898.

reader.ku.edu