Abour GaRRS banner showing newspapers, magazines, books, and a GaRRS microphone.

What is GaRRS?

Illustration -- a facnciful drawing of people flying through space while seated on books, as if books were magic carpets.

As the State’s only radio reading service, the Georgia Radio Reading Service (GaRRS) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit closed circuit radio station whose mission is to improve the quality of life for every Georgian who is blind, visually-impaired or has difficulty with access to the printed word by broadcasting current information via sub channel radio transmission and streamlining on the internet. Founded in 1980, GaRRS broadcast is provided by more than 200 volunteer readers from across Georgia who deliver approximately 150 different radio shows each month including cover-to-cover readings of magazines, newspapers, and books, population-specific programming (Seniors, Veterans and Hispanic/Latino News), public service announcements and information regarding community-support programs and activities. GaRRS programs are broadcast 7 days a week, 24 hours a day by way of special sub channel (SCA) radio receivers and a password protected audio streaming link from our website.

Who Listens to GaRRS?
GaRRS' listening audience is as diverse as its programming. Some listeners have been blind since birth while others lost their sight through illness, age or accident later in life. Still others have retained sufficient peripheral vision to remain physically active, but not enough to read. GaRRS' listeners also include senior citizens too weakened to read, people with palsy whose hands can no longer hold books, and the dyslexic.

"You have no idea how much pleasure your programs bring to my husband. He especially enjoys the reading of newspapers, sports, and books."
"Since my husband's death, I have been trying to find the words that could adequately tell you what your service meant to him for a number of years. When his vision failed to the point that he could no longer drive a car, or read, he was devastated. He used to read his newspaper from front to back. Your excellent readers made it possible for him to sit back in his recliner and almost feel that he was reading it again."

Illustration -- two huge books held overhead by two small figures.

"It was only a small box with two dials, one station. Not much you might think but turn the dial and realize this box makes it possible for my mother to again be part of the world. I will never forget the doctor who years ago was surprised at the books my mother had listened to and enjoyed over this little box. I return it now because at 90 she has alzheimer's. Thank you all for the years of pleasure this little box gave her. Again thank you for caring."
"My 91-year-old father recently passed away and he had benefitted from your services since 1983. When his eyesight failed after being an avid reader, GaRRS was so important in keeping him in touch with daily events and greatly contributed to his mental health. He especially enjoyed hearing the newspaper reading."

The Vision

A unique opportunity now exists for GaRRS to expand and diversify its programming, its volunteer corps, as well as, its outreach to new audiences in Georgia. GaRRS envisions itself as a continuing center of excellence and expertise for its listeners to help ensure their quality of life, their independent access to printed information, and their status as informed, secure, and participative members of their communities. GaRRS endeavors to provide a radio receiver to every resident who wants one, and to make technological improvements to our broadcast equipment and signal strength.

In Georgia more than 800,000 people are classified as legally blind or visually impaired. Their numbers are increasing, with the majority of these individuals being senior citizens, many bound to their homes. GaRRS serves as their second sight.

GaRRS is supported by government grants, the United Way, and general donations from businesses and individuals like you. For more information click here, or call Jae Traina Cosby at 404-685-2822.

Page by Will Ryan wryan@mindspring.com