Audio-Reader Network of Kansas
Expert-developed at a leading university
App Summary
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Detailed Description
Functionality & Mechanism
This audio information service, a public service affiliated with the University of Kansas, provides access to printed materials for individuals with visual impairments or print disabilities. The network utilizes volunteers to produce audio versions of newspapers, magazines, and books. The service then disseminates this content through its mobile app, web streams, telephone, and smart speakers, facilitating 24/7 access to information and cultural materials for its listeners throughout Kansas and western Missouri.
Development & Context
- A partnership with the University Press of Kansas aims to produce audiobooks from a backlist of over 2,000 titles, increasing content accessibility.
- The network launched an Arts Accessibility Forum, supported by a Kansas Arts Commission grant, to expand audio description services for live arts events.
- The news coverage notes the service won a Program of the Year Award from the International Association of Audio Information Services for its programming.
- Operating for over 50 years, the organization is a public service that utilizes a volunteer-based model to create its free audio content.
Intended Use & Scope
This service is intended for individuals in Kansas and western Missouri who are blind, visually impaired, or have other print disabilities. It functions as a free accessibility utility, providing access to news, books, and cultural materials. The platform supports independent living and information access; all reported capabilities are based on news coverage.
In the Media
New Audio-Reader grant aims to expand regional arts accessibility
The Audio-Reader Network at the University of Kansas launched the Arts Accessibility Forum to significantly expand arts accessibility across Kansas and western Missouri, supported by a Kansas Arts Commission grant running through June 2026. Program manager Nick Carswell concluded that "Audio-Reader needed more collaboration and problem-solving from the organizations and institutions that offer arts experiences together with individuals and advocacy groups from the disability community." The initiative brings together four partner organizations and will feature three convenings plus audio description training in March 2026.
Audio-Reader Network, University Press of Kansas to partner on audiobooks
The Audio-Reader Network, a public service organization affiliated with Kansas Public Radio, partnered with the University Press of Kansas to produce audiobooks, leveraging Audio-Reader's 50-year capability in audio production for blind and print-disabled individuals. "Once we realized that Audio-Reader had the capability to do this for UPK and UPK had the need, it became clear we should try to make this happen," said Feloniz Lovato-Winston, director of Audio-Reader. The partnership will make UPK's backlist of over 2,000 titles available as audiobooks through both commercial channels and Audio-Reader's free accessibility services.
Audio-Reader programs recognized by International Association of Audio Information Services
The University of Kansas-based Audio-Reader Network of Kansas received recognition from the International Association of Audio Information Services for excellence in programming that serves blind, visually impaired and print-disabled individuals. The service won a Program of the Year Award for an audio production of Lawrence's Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition brochure and received two honorable mentions for other programs. Outgoing IAAIS President Maryfrances Evans noted that these awards "highlight some of the extraordinary programs reading services around the country are producing."
App Information
Developer
University of KansasCategory
Evidence Profile
Expert-developed at a leading university
Platforms
Updated
Jul 2025
© 2025 University of Kansas
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