Audio-Reader Network

07/25/2025

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming members of a women’s international organization to Audio-Reader. They toured our studios, learned about our services, stepped into the booth to record on-air promos, and explored our beautiful sensory garden. Thank you again for visiting. We loved having you! 🎙️🌍

07/23/2025

Get to know some of Audio-Reader’s amazing staff! 🎙️

In this video, we introduce Development Director Beth McKenzie, Assistant Development Director Meredith Johanning, Volunteer Coordinator Trish Dowd Kelne, Communications and Listener Outreach Coordinator Martha Kehr, and Marketing and Development Intern Caroline Blanke.

Learn more about the passionate team behind Audio-Reader!

07/23/2025

A Lawrence celebration also aims to generate awareness of progress still needed 35 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act passed.

07/22/2025

When the power goes out....our volunteers power on! 💡 Dave and Jim showed the tenacity of Audio-Reader volunteers, reading by flashlight after a power outage in our studios on Monday morning. Each day, our volunteers surpass expectations, finding solutions to continue sharing news and information with our listeners - rain or shine....or blackout! 🙌🎧

07/21/2025

Big news! Audio-Reader brought home THREE national awards from the IAAIS Conference! 🎉

We received awards in the following categories:
✨ Consumer Information/Public Service Award
✨ The Magazines Award
✨ Dramas, Radio Theater, or Holiday Specials Award

These awards recognize excellence in audio production and meaningful service to listeners who are blind, visually impaired or print-disabled. We are so proud of our talented team and volunteers who made it possible!

📖 Read the full press release: https://news.ku.edu/news/article/audio-reader-programs-win-3-awards-from-international-association-of-audio-information-services

07/14/2025

🎉 Kansas City friends: We have exciting news! 🎶
Audio-Reader is now accepting donations of gently used audio equipment and vinyl records in Kansas City!

You can drop off your items at Alphapointe in Kansas City, MO, Monday–Friday between 8am and 5pm.

All donations help support Audio-Reader’s services for people who are blind or visually impaired - and help make our legendary Audio Sale possible!

📍 Alphapointe: 7501 Prospect Ave, KCMO
🔗 More info: reader.ku.edu/audiosale

Thank you for helping us share the gift of sight through sound! 🎧

07/12/2025

Get a free A1C and vision screening at the Lawrence HyVee until 12:30 today, courtesy of the Lawrence Noon Lions Club and Eudora Lions Club!

Come out to HyVee in Lawrence and get your free A1C and vision screenings!
Fcfs, No insurance required. We're here til 12:30.

07/10/2025

🎭 We’re proud to partner with Coterie Theatre to provide audio description for their performance this weekend! Audio description makes live theater more accessible by bringing the action on stage to life through vivid, real-time narration. Don’t miss this inclusive performance - details below! 👇

Get your tickets for our Sensory Friendly and Audio Described performance this Saturday, July 12th at 10:30am! The show will feature modified lights and sound to make a more relaxed environment for our patrons who are neurodiverse. If someone in your party needs audio description services, visit our Box Office and we will assist you in checking out a device provided by Audio-Reader Network. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://thecoterie.org/accessibility/.

07/04/2025

Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July! 🎧

Tune in today at noon for a special edition of Dr. Carl Graves’ History and Music series, “Fourth of July in History.”

Explore important events tied to Independence Day, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Louisiana Purchase, and major Civil War battles. The program also features music from or inspired by those moments in history.

Listen at https://reader.ku.edu/listen

Please note: Audio-Reader offices and studios are closed today in observance of the holiday.

06/27/2025

Lawrence Noon Lions Club Baby Clothes Donation Drive 👶💜

We’re collecting new or gently used baby clothes (0–12 months, especially 0–6 months) to support at-risk girls and women in Uganda through the Magenta Girls Initiative. Your donations will help provide education, training, employment, and a chance to escape poverty and violence.

🍼 Drop off at Audio-Reader (M-F, 8am–4pm) by July 16
📦 Limited pickup available. If you need items picked up, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Lawrence Lions Club at bethmckenzie@ku.edu to arrange.

Let’s make a difference together, one outfit at a time!

06/25/2025

We loved getting to show our space to fellow audio information services during the IAAIS- International Association of Audio Information Services Conference! Attendees toured our recording studios, explored our sensory garden, and got a behind-the-scenes look at how Audio-Reader serves our listeners every day. 💙

To make the afternoon even better, we hosted an ice cream social with scoops from Sylas and Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream and a coffee bar featuring drinks from Uplift Coffee Co, two amazing local Lawrence businesses that helped make the day special. ☕🍦

Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

06/23/2025

We had the honor of hosting this year’s IAAIS Conference right here in Lawrence! We welcomed audio information services from across the country to connect, share ideas, and strengthen our shared mission of making print materials accessible for blind, low-vision, and print-disabled individuals. 💙

A huge thank you to SpringHill Suites here in Lawrence for generously providing space in downtown Lawrence for this amazing gathering. We’re so grateful for your support!

Shoutout to all the incredible attendees: Metro Washington Ear, SunSounds Flagstaff, MindsEye, RTBS, ARS Fort Wayne, RRS Mississippi, Audio Journal, Aftersight, OWL Radio, VoiceCorps, IRIS, Radio Eye, AIRS Radio, GARRS, and the IAAIS Board of Directors. Big thanks also to Content Depot, our Silver Sponsor.

Together, we are building community, reducing isolation, and improving access to information for all!