Triangle Radio Reading Service

Radio stations are run by computers these days and I assist with computers and office equipment at Triangle radio Reading Service. I have been a volunteer since 2005 and this is my way of giving back to the community. Volunteer work at a radio station is different from the normal computer work I do during the day and a exciting challenge which also helps people.

I have been a volunteer reader for a few years now. I derive a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that I'm helping the blind and sight impaired with things they cannot read for themselves. It's a great organization.

I have been a volunteer reader since August 2000 and I can't think of anything more rewarding than to read articles of interest from the local newspaper to those who can't do it themselves. Although they have been on the air for more than 25 years, Triangle Radio Reading Service has kept current with technology by providing podcasts of various shows to those who have computer access. It's amazing to think that from our small studio in Raleigh we are able to reach people in 22 counties and many others on the web. In this down economy when money is so tight, our 2 paid staff and numerous volunteers have been able to keep us on the air by soliciting sponsors and having annual gala fundraisers to enable us to continue providing this much needed service. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful program.

TRRS is worth your time - and donations! Triangle Radio Reading Service provides a vital channel for information to the visually impaired in the greater Raleigh Triangle area. Something like 20,000 listeners tune in daily...and the more tech savvy listeners can tune in to podcasts of the readings, as well. With only 2 paid staff members, it's amazing what this non-profit has done....and it has a lot more planned, to reach more of the computer, ipod, iphone, droid generations. Funding is needed to upgrade the technology to create formats for these markets. As for my volunteer experience....totally worth it, and I recommend for anyone who likes to read aloud. There are opportunities to read newspapers on air, or record magazines, books, articles, poems, etc. I've enjoyed reading the local papers on air, and the buddy system for reading is a good one, so you can trade off reading. The other volunteers are an easy-going bunch - the reading shifts go by quickly! The volunteer coordinator does an excellent job of working with our life schedules - a real plus. I was worried that a news anchor type accent would be required, but that's not the case. The range of ages, voices, and accents is really wide, and anyone who can speak and read clearly is welcomed.

This organization reaches thousands of households in NC on a daily basis and touches the lives of many throughout the world through its podcasts. This is all done with a paid staff of just two ! These two work so many extra hours and in so many roles that they too are among the hundreds of volunteers who contribute time and expertise to provide eyes to those who need assistance reading. And as our population ages and our eyes weaken, this service will become even more essential. Specifically, I am struck with the testimonials that the public shares with us about the importance of our services during the gift wrapping event held each December at Barnes and Noble.

I have been a volunteer for TRRS for about 6 months and have found it very rewarding. Because of my work schedule, I am a substitute for the steady volunteers. It is a wonderful program for the sight impaired and all the volunteers that I have met have been very dedicated and helpful.

I have been a volunteer at TRRS for only six months, yet I totally enjoy recording programs as I have done this for similar agencies in three other states. Volunteers make the world go round and if you ever want to meet a group of dedicated volunteers you need go no farther than TRRS.

I have been a volunteer at TRRS for over 15 years and have filled the positions of regular reader on the air, reader of novels, and Board Member for 6 years. I have headed up the Gala Committee for the past six years and have learned that raising money for non-profits is a very difficult task. The job that TRRS is doing is one that is done by no other agency. If we disappear due to running out of money, there is no one to take our place. We have a huge number of listeners that depend upon the information that we provide. TRRS fills this need in a very usable way on a daily basis.

The TRRS is the eyes for the blind in North Carolina. I have been a volunteer for appx. 3 years and am often dismayed by the lack of financial support given to TRRS. I realize that time are difficult for many people but time are more difficult for the Blind and visually impaired citizens of the Triangle. The TRRS is the only cogent service to meet the needs of these people,without fees and in the venue of the computer age as well. I have been told that the web cast are listened to by many who have family members that access the webcast for them. The number who have diseases that prevent holding a book or paper stady enough to read,these people are often overlooked and ar in need of the TRRS as well.

I have been a reader for the Triangle Radio Reading Service for almost 9 years. I started out reading children's books, and switched over to adult books a few years ago. My experiences as a reader have been extremely rewarding. I know people are listening to these books that they would otherwise never enjoy. I visualize people hearing these stories which broaden their worlds. I even have a fan, a woman who wrote in that I was her favorite reader. I treasure that.

My last volunteer effort with TRRS was to do a very extensive telephone survey of all its visually impaired, blind and otherwise physically disabled keeping them from holding print material. Others may have a cognitive disability – the result of a stroke or closed head injury – and can no longer comprehend print material. These listeners are highly complimentary of this radio service that provides a connection with the sighted world. Some of the benefits sighted men, women and children take for granted were shared with me. *I love the exercise program! * I wouldn't know what Food Lion had on sale. * I'd be lost, it's a blessing to me. * I'd hate to lose it, I listen to it everyday. * It adds to the richness of my life. * It would affect your ability to do your shopping. * I'd miss it. I'm thankful it exists. * It keeps me informed. * Keeps me current - a companion for me sometimes. * It would be dull. I think it's wonderful! * I would never hear other opinions, obituaries, or grocery ads. * Life would not be as rich. * It's a bright spot in my day. * It means I can talk intelligently with my friends and I don't feel so isolated. I'm proud to be a volunteer with Triangle Radio Reading Service and encourage you to consider it and above all DONATE to keep it going for these appreciative people.

RE: Triangle Radio Reading Service in Raleigh, NC I've been a volunteer for over a decade and have been consistently impressed with the excellent programming provided to the print or visually impaired. The quality and care that Linda Ornt and Gai provide is impressive. What a marvelous organization!

I have been a regular Friday morning reader for the Reading Service for almost 15 years. I love it! On a personal note, I like telling my friends that I "have a radio show". But more importantly, I like being able to help all the folks that listen to us. It is especially great when we get feedback from them. I have friends from the print impared community, and I know how much this means to them. I enjoy sharing anecdotes with my friends. And, it is always challenging and fun to cope with the typos in the newspaper since we read most of the items "cold". You really have to be on the ball!

I have been a volunteer reader since January 1995 as well as a board member and board president for three years. As a writer for newspapers and magazines, I am somewhat of news junkie. I enjoy getting before a microphone and feeling for my reading period of 90 minutes that I am a junior Edward R. Murrow. I have enjoyed this relationship for 15 years, and I hope that those who listen to me derive as much pleasure. bob otterbourg durham nc

I have been a volunteer at this service for a few months and have found it to be deeply rewarding. I feel like through TRRS I am making a difference in the community. The other volunteers on staff also contribute to an enjoyable atmosphere. I would highly recommend availing ones self of the opportunity to do this kind of work.

TRRS works to keep people with a print disability informed about current local events. Even if you don't have the time to sit beside a radio to hear the news, you can still stay up-to-date. Just download the readings you wish to hear from the internet and put them onto your MP-3 player or i-pod. How cool is that?!? And they are read by a human voice, not one from a text-to-speech synthesizer.