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About
IAAIS is a volunteer-driven membership organization of services that turn text into speech for people who cannot see, hold or comprehend the printed word and who may be unable to access information due to a disability or health condition.
Since its formation in 1977, IAAIS (formerly the Association of Radio Reading Services) has assisted, represented and set standards of good practice for audio information services worldwide. The organizational name was updated in 1999 to reflect the advent of new technologies for producing and delivering audio and an increased need for reading services throughout the world. IAAIS currently represents 80-some services and developing services.
Audio Information Services can be found throughout the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa. Many IAAIS members in the United States are associated with public radio stations, colleges, universities or libraries. For a complete listing, visit our online directory.
Mission
The International Association of Audio Information Services connects and supports organizations for people with disabilities worldwide.
Funding
Every IAAIS member service has its own fund-raising methods. Some receive support from local or state government or are operationally part of such an agency. Others receive private contributions from foundations, service organizations, businesses or corporations and some operate with a mix of public and private funds. Many rely on the generosity of listeners, volunteers and other individuals for voluntary donations.
​Policy Statement
It is the position of IAAIS that everyone with a visual, physical or learning disability has a right to equal access to all forms of information available to the general public. IAAIS works actively to promote and protect this access.
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Volunteers
Volunteers provide thousands of hours to produce live and recorded programs for radio reading services each day. With the assistance of these dedicated individuals, audio information services are able to provide their listeners a wide variety of timely and informative programming. Volunteer readers also offer listeners—many of whom are isolated, frail, or elderly—with a unique companionship and community connection.
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Establishing a New Service
If you’d like information about starting an audio information service for the benefit of print-impaired members of your community, go to Membership Growth and Mentoring
For additional information about becoming a member, listener, volunteer or donor, call the International Association of Audio Information Services.
National Office: 844-218-8430
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