Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS)

The Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS) is southeast Michigan’s Radio Reading/Audio Information Service for people with disabilities. It is a special audience service of WDET 101.9 FM — Detroit’s NPR station and Wayne State University

DRIS is a comprehensive, service provided by WDET- Detroit’s NPR station, to visually impaired individuals connecting our community’s most under-served population group to life changing information. Since 1978, DRIS has filled an information void in the blind and print-impaired population by offering a simple method of accessing printed and visual news and information published in hundreds of daily, weekly, and monthly periodicals. DRIS aspires to offer even more, including news and public affairs programming specifically for and about its target audience of blind and print-impaired people.

DRIS broadcasts 8,760 hours of continuous audio information programming a year, helping to offset the impact of vision loss and the inability to hold or comprehend print. DRIS engages local volunteer readers and offers the verbatim readings of more than 100 local and national newspapers and magazines a week. Special interest materials include this week’s grocery and department store ads, senior citizen issues, hobbies, and literature. Rehabilitation programs that focus on topics like adjustment, employment, education and legislation.

Like many radio reading services, DRIS broadcasts its programming over a private, closed-circuit radio signal (WDET-FM’s 67 kHz sub-channel). Specially built radio receivers are loaned free of charge to qualified applicants.

Any person, who is unable to see, hold or comprehend conventional printed matter because of a diagnosis of a disability, including a learning disability, may apply for a receiver. If qualified, receivers may be sent free of charge and are tuned to DRIS. Apply to use DRIS.

An applicant for a receiver must be 1) registered with a Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped or 2) certified by a qualified healthcare provider such as doctor, social worker or rehabilitation counselor.

Qualifying conditions include blindness, vision impairment, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, severe arthritis, amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke and other physical conditions or dyslexia and other cognitive conditions to acquire a receiver.

DRIS can be a valuable resource for those whom English is not their first language.

Streaming:

To stream DRIS, click on the PLAY button icon to start the broadcast. Factors such as traffic bandwidth, network speed and device may affect audio quality.

Apply online »

Download Listener Application »

DRIS offers year-round volunteer opportunities including regular on-air reading, substitute reading, studio work, clerical work, community outreach, fundraising and research. For more information, please contact Diane Sanders at diane.sanders@wdet.org.

As a self-supporting service at Wayne State, DRIS strives to remain fiscally viable by raising its operating funds through private donations, grants and special restricted projects. Your donation will help DRIS air 8,736 hours of programming a year and distribute radio receivers to new applicants. Thank you!

Give Online

Visit Wayne State’s secure online giving page, then select “DRIS” the from drop-down menu.

Mail Check

Print, complete and mail the DRIS donor form, and return to WDET 101.9 FM, 4600 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201.

As part of WDET’s Book Club, we’re inviting metro Detroiters to learn and engage through books that present themes and perspectives which speak to what makes us uniquely “Detroit.”

Whether books from notable Detroit and community authors or about Detroit themes and perspectives, the WDET Book Club connects readers through discussion and conversation on the selected titles.

We are using the WDET Book Club in hopes of helping to alleviate isolation and foster a sense of community for those who can’t gather in person or read printed matter on their own or are homebound.

Welcome if it’s your first time reading along with us — and thank you if you’re joining the WDET Book Club again.

WDET is proud to partner with metro Detroit media outlets to increase the accessibility of news in our community.

• EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
• Michigan Chronicle
• The Detroit Jewish News