Georgia Radio Reading Service Inc.

The Georgia Radio Reading Service (GaRRS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals in Georgia who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-impaired. Founded in 1980, GaRRS provides a vital broadcast service that offers access to printed materials through audio programming, enabling its listeners to stay informed and connected with their communities.

Mission and Service

GaRRS's mission is to enhance the life experiences of Georgians with visual or print disabilities by delivering diverse audio content. Volunteer readers from across the state record approximately 200 different programs each month, which include local and national newspapers, popular books, magazines, and a variety of quality-of-life segments. This programming is broadcast continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is accessible via multiple platforms such as Amazon Alexa devices, special radios, telephone, mobile applications, and online webstreams.

The service is provided free of charge to any Georgia resident who is visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled. The listening audience encompasses people affected by a wide range of conditions including macular degeneration, blindness or low vision, stroke, glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, dyslexia, and other reading disabilities[2][5].

History

GaRRS began as a volunteer-driven initiative with "radio quality" voices reading printed materials aloud, aiming to connect with listeners like trusted friends. The original operation started in the basement of the Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, with a single small broadcasting booth. Early volunteers came from major Atlanta businesses, and a board of directors comprised representatives from companies such as Cox Communications, BellSouth, The Coca-Cola Company, IBM, Deloitte, and others helped guide the nonprofit through its startup phase. GaRRS officially went live in October 1980.

In 2007, GaRRS moved from its original location to its current facilities at the Georgia Public Broadcasting Headquarters in Atlanta. The organization continues to grow its services and listener base across urban and rural areas of Georgia[4].

Funding and Support

GaRRS is financed through a combination of state funding, local grants, individual contributions, and partnerships. A critical early supporter was the Georgia legislature, which has provided ongoing budget sponsorship through various state agencies, including the Georgia Vocational and Rehabilitation Agency. This funding is leveraged to maintain and expand services, ensuring access regardless of a listener’s ability to contribute financially[4].

Organization and Volunteers

The organization operates with a small paid staff of six employees and is supported by over 200 volunteers statewide. These volunteers are essential to the service, providing recorded readings of printed materials that are then broadcast to listeners. The volunteers’ efforts enable GaRRS to maintain a wide variety of programming and uphold its mission of accessibility and community connection for print-impaired Georgians[1][5].

The Georgia Radio Reading Service remains a key resource in Georgia for those who face barriers to accessing printed information, offering them independence, education, and entertainment through its comprehensive audio services.