We are sad to announce the closing of WXXI Reachout Radio as of May 30, 2021.
(Rochester, NY) May 17, 2021 – After three decades of service, WXXI announced that it will be ending its radio reading service, Reachout Radio, as of May 30, 2021. The closed-circuit radio broadcast that provides access to daily newspapers and magazines for people who are unable to read standard print due to vision loss or physical disability has become obsolete. With advances in digital accessibility, the availability of 24-hour news services, and the shift of print journalism to electronic distribution, new technology has surpassed Reachout Radio's usefulness. Listeners found that their need for a radio reading service had greatly declined over the years.
“The decision to discontinue our radio reading service did not come easily, or without a thorough evaluation,” said WXXI President Norm Silverstein. "After surveying our listeners, it became clear that that they had outgrown Reachout Radio and turned to newer, more available technology. We are proud to have been able to provide the service to our community for more than three decades, but realize that people with vision loss are consuming news and media on digital platforms that are more accessible.”
WXXI and ABVI-Goodwill launched the radio reading service in 1984. At that time, the service had nearly 1,500 registered listeners. Today, only a handful of people are registered for the service, and of those, just a few said they were listening only occasionally if at all.
“It makes sense for WXXI to end Reachout Radio given the demographics and the audience’s changing preferences,” said Jennifer Lake, president and CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes/ABVI. “WXXI and ABVI together share a common purpose in advocating for accessibility of programming and media for those who are visually impaired.”
WXXI will continue to provide audio-described television programming, which provides concise descriptions of sets, scenery, costumes, action, and other important visual elements between the dialogue of the program. WXXI is also dedicated to its Move to Include initiative, a partnership with the Golisano Foundation designed to promote inclusion for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities through programming and special events.
WXXI Reachout Radio is grateful for the support of ABVI/Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, and the hundreds of volunteers and many financial supporters who have sustained the service over the years.
WXXI recognizes that people with vision loss still need services, which is why we have reached out to Goodwill of the Finger Lakes/ABVI to ensure that a variety of services for people with vision loss are available. We are also including a listing of a number of organizations, services and podcasts that may provide additional resources, including how you might want to continue listening to the TIC Network out of Massachusetts.
ACB Reports podcastThe American Foundation for the Blind
The American Printing House for the Blind
The Association for Macular Diseases
The Braille Forum The official publication of the American Council of the Blind
College Consensus: Navigating College with Visual Impairments
Enhanced Vision -- NYS Low Vision Resources
Flying Blind, LLC publishers of Top Tech Tidbits
The Foundation Fighting Blindness
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes/ABVI
Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
International Association of Audio Information Services
Low Vision Optometry of Western New York
NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH)
National Federation of the Blind
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
New York Connects Low Vision Center
Regional Transit Service - RTS Access
Rochester Area Blind Athletes, Inc.
Suppliers of Reading Materials in Large Print and Braille
Suppliers of Reading Materials in Audio
Verizon Wireless Assistive Technologies