It provides them with what listeners like Maureen describe: "I have JAWS screen reader and a computer at home, and I can go on a newspaper website to read but it’s not the same thing. Reading something that is written from text is different from listening to somebody giving you a little personal touch as these volunteer readers do."

A not-for-profit organisation, Cris Radio (Chicagoland Radio Information Service), has been bringing news from newspapers and magazines since 1977.

By using a special radio receiver it picks up Cris Radio broadcasts through a sub-carrier. Listeners have access to the same written news that sighted individuals have.

Every listener has his or her favourite. Some listeners like to listen to the comics and some like to hear sports news. To produce their shows, Cris Radio relies on its volunteers who read out the news to the listeners.

The radio service caters to half a million people in Chicago, U.S.A., who have print related disability. Last year, the radio reading service was acquired by the Chicago Lighthouse which works for visually impaired people.

The next step for Cris Radio is to expand 24/7. Jim Kesteloot, President and C.E.O. of the Chicago Lighthouse, says: “We’re planning on having a number of programmes actually produced by people who are blind."