Iowa Radio Reading

IRIS Delivers Access To Information

IRIS is a free radio reading service that reads print information aloud to over 11,000 print-disabled listeners throughout Iowa. Volunteers sit down in front of an IRIS microphone and read aloud from their local newspapers each day. The readings are heard on custom receivers that are provided to our listeners at no cost to them. Listeners can also access IRIS programming on our website, smart speakers, our podcast network and DTV through Iowa PBS.

Saturday, July 11

Our popular AccessiBEER and AccessiWINE events have delivered unique and informative fun! Now we’re turning our blindfolds to coffee with AccessiBEAN!

Saturday, July 11 – after you enjoy the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market, head over to the Central Library for AccessiBEAN!

Presented by the City of Des Moines Community Impact and Relations and Horizon Line Coffee Bar and Roastery.

YOUR GIFT KEEPS THE VOICES OF IRIS STRONG!

IRIS is an independent non-profit organization. We serve our listeners with a 24/7 audio signal of print information read aloud by volunteers on a tiny annual budget of only $190,000. We get about $30,000 from the State of Iowa. The rest is all contributions from corporations, organizations and friends like YOU!

In 2025, a beloved donor who had contributed $15,000 per year passed away. This leaves quite a hole in our budget.

We would truly love your support to help us fill that gap.

$50 sponsors one IRIS listener for a year.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Audio Description Services

IRIS delivers equal access to the ARTS through our Audio Description Services. Our trained volunteer Sensation description team calls play by play on the visual elements of a performance or community event. We’re so proud to partner with organizations throughout the state to ensure that blind and visually impaired patrons can participate in arts and culture in their communities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT UPCOMING AUDIO DESCRIPTION PERFORMANCES

IRIS By the Numbers

hours a day

IRIS provides continuous programming 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Listeners

2000

From around the state, listeners hear IRIS from their homes, hospitals, and living facilities.

Volunteers

Volunteers read from 7 different locations around the state of Iowa.

Ways to Listen

IRIS provides accessible options for listeners, including custom radio & digital receivers, web stream, podcasts, mobile phones, smart speakers, & mobile devices.

Costs to iris

$ 1

Equipment costs to IRIS range from $50-$335 per listener, depending on location.

Programming cost to IRIS is approximately 13 cents per listener per day.

Cost to Listeners

$ 0

We are able to keep our services free to all listeners thanks to donors like you.

Listen to IRIS

IRIS is a service provided at no cost to you. Anyone in Iowa living with a visual, cognitive, or physical disability that prevents them from reading print material can become an IRIS listener today for free.