RSR- A Radio Reading Service for the Blind and Print-Disabled

Reading Service of the Redwoods provides on-air access to printed information for people who are blind, visually impaired, or unable to read because of illness or other disabilities.

Each weekday morning RSR listeners can hear dedicated Reading Service of the Redwoods volunteers read current local newspapers and other information. RSR also provides health information, interviews with vision loss professionals, and local and state election information.

Some of RSR's programming is made available courtesy of the IAAIS Program Share. Visit IAAIS (The International Association of Audio Information Services) website at:
IAAIS HomePage

September 2007 Fundraiser

the Friday, September 21, performance of "Madwoman of Chaillot" at the North Coast Repertory Theatre
North Coast Repertory Theathre
with a preview of audio description was a success. Our thanks to everyone who made this event a success.

History

The Reading Service of the Redwoods was established in 1998 in response to a community need for access to local printed for community members who are blind or print-disabled.

Members of Low Vision support groups agreed that they find themselves at a distinct disadvantage without access to detailed information provided in their local newspapers.

RSR volunteers began by reading newspapers articles on cassette tape distributed to individuals. Later, weekly tapes were broadcast on a community access television station and then on KEET-TV’s Second Audio Program (SAP) channel. In 2003, RSR established a live link to the KEET studios and began to read local newspapers, live, from their office in downtown Eureka.

The reading service has grown from 2 hours per week of recorded readings to several hours per week of live broadcast.

In January 2007, RSR launched its broadcast on KHSU’s sub-carrier channel and can be heard on special pre-tuned radios, offered free of charge to qualified listeners.