Connecticut Radio Information System

To enrich the lives of adults and children who are blind or print-challenged by providing human-narrated recordings of printed materials that serve to increase inclusion and accessibility by enhancing knowledge, improving literacy, promoting independence and reducing isolation.

CRIS, the only reading service in Connecticut, provides audio recordings with human narration of printed materials to children and adults who are blind or printed-challenged. Established in 1978, CRIS launched its broadcast service the following year with a two-hour broadcast to 50 adults. Improvements in broadcast and streaming technology and CRIS’ identification of unmet needs have enabled CRIS to expand its service to patients in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, seniors residing in assisted living facilities, visitors of senior centers, visitors of museums, and students with special needs attending schools, after-school programs, summer school, and summer camps. As a result, the number of people who have access to CRIS programs has grown from 4,000 people in 2010 to more than 60,000 in 2025.