Diane Kuebler volunteers with the ARS
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – PBS Fort Wayne and the Allen County Public Library say they have simplified access to the Audio Reading Service (ARS), a free library service providing broadcast and digital access to audio readings of local news, magazines, and other programming for individuals who have visual, physical, learning or language challenges to reading normal printed materials.
The service is now broadcast on its own dedicated television channel, PBSFW 39.6. This advancement marks a major step forward in accessibility for individuals who have difficulty reading traditional printed materials due to a disability or other condition.
“This new channel ensures that anyone with an antenna-connected television can receive the ARS in their home,” said Bruce Haines, General Manager at PBS Fort Wayne. “It’s a meaningful improvement for those who rely on audio services to stay informed and connected. This is another way PBS Fort Wayne honors its calling as a valued organization by giving back to our community.”
ACPL representatives released the following:
For more than a decade, the ARS was delivered through a secondary audio channel on PBSFW 39.4, requiring complex tuning and limited accessibility. With this upgrade, users throughout northeast Indiana can now access the ARS quickly and easily using just their TV remote, making the service more convenient and inclusive than ever before. The legacy PBSFW 39.4 service will continue as well for the foreseeable future.
Margi Miller volunteers with the ARS
This move coincides with PBS Fort Wayne’s 50th anniversary, symbolizing the station’s enduring mission to inform, educate, and inspire.
“This collaboration makes finding and using the ARS far more convenient and increases the reach of this vital service,” said ARS Manager Monica Hadsall. “Our listeners and their care partners tell us that our volunteers’ voices are a comfort and companion to keep them connected to local news, events, and more. We are so grateful to PBS Fort Wayne for its continuing support of our listeners.”
The ARS and PBS Fort Wayne are grateful to AWS Foundation for its financial support to acquire the final equipment required to create this new broadcast service on 39.6.
For more information about the Audio Reading Service, CLICK HERE
For more information about PBS Fort Wayne, CLICK HERE
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