If you’re reading this, you might consider yourself lucky to be able to.
For many vision-impaired people, the only way they can access print media is by having it delivered to them in a way other than on paper or screen.
Leading Australian print disability radio network Vision Australia Radio is calling for support to raise $50,000 by the end of the month during its current end-of-financial-year appeal.
"We believe that everyone deserves to be heard, regardless of their circumstances,“ Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services manager Conrad Browne said.
“Vision Australia Radio provides a platform for the blind, low-vision and print disability community to share lived experiences and unique perspectives, which often isn’t available on mainstream media platforms.
“Our radio network also provides access to vital news and information via our reading programs.
“We’re powered by incredible volunteers in Shepparton who supply local news and information for the community on 100.1FM and streaming online at www.varadio.org
Traditionally, Vision Australia Radio has hosted an annual ‘radiothon’ with the hope of raising $50,000. However, this year it has been scaled down to focus on a month-long appeal, in the hope that its regular supporters and new ones will dig deep.
Last year the total raised was $18,269.76. So far, this year’s appeal tallies $5856.
The network usually falls short of raising enough funds to be self-sufficient, with operational costs exceeding $2 million a year.
Grants and advertising sponsorship account for about two-thirds of the radio network’s revenue, and Vision Australia helps to keep the lights on, but with other important services the organisation offers to the blind and low-vision community, many of which are children’s services, the network tries to raise its own funds via its listeners to avoid compromising any of Vision Australia’s other ventures.
The Shepparton Vision Australia Radio service has been broadcasting to the Goulburn Valley community for many years and money raised will allow the service to continue into the future.
“With the support of our many dedicated local volunteers, we hope to grow localised content over the next 12 months,” Vision Australia’s Jason Gipps said.
“We’re hoping locals will see the value in our radio reading services, which make publications like yours (The News) accessible to people living with print disability, so they too can access important local news.”
Mr Gipps said there were many ways to support Vision Australia Radio in addition to making cash donations, including listening to and encouraging your friends and family to listen to 100.1FM in Shepparton, encouraging local businesses to sponsor the network, follow Vision Australia Radio on Facebook and by sharing its fundraising messages.
You can also visit the website and fill out an expression of interest form to become a volunteer.
Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible and can be made securely online at www.varadio.org