What is IRIS?

• IRIS is a not-for-profit communications link to the visually and print impaired.  (Legally blind, Visually impaired, Physically impaired, Reading disabled, Illiterate)
• IRIS is a service which allows the visual and print impaired to dial a toll-free number and listen to the newspaper, recorded daily by volunteers.
• IRIS recordings are accessible to listeners 24 hours a day/7 days a week via any touch-tone phone.
• IRIS is made possible by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and is operated out of the WFYI TelePlex, Indianapolis.

What do IRIS Volunteers do?

• IRIS volunteers record The Republic newspaper, via a toll-free number, from their home using a headset telephone provided by the IRIS Program.
• IRIS volunteers choose the section of The Republic they wish to record and the day of the week they wish to record at time of application (recording takes 30 to 40 minutes to complete).
• Front Page – read all of front page starting with the Weather and end with Thought for the day.
• City/Local – read arrests for all counties, Editorials, Local interest articles, Around Town, Looking Back, and any upcoming events.
• Sports – Local sports, scores and articles.
• Obituaries – List names of deceased, then read each obituary.

How can I become an IRIS volunteer?

• Just follow these simple steps:  
• Contact the Caring Connections Volunteer Programs: 
  
  Bartholomew County  (812) 372-6918 Ext. 2765
  Outside Bartholomew County call toll free
  1-866-644-6407 Ext. 2765
  Email – caringconnections@areaxi.org
• An application and return envelope will be mailed to you.
• Application is processed and an interview will be scheduled at your convenience.

View the Volunteer Reading Guidelines:

• Download Reading Guidelines

Download Applications

IRIS Program Guidelines

• Bloomington—Herald Times
• Nashville—Brown County Democrat
• Columbus—The Republic

How Do I Apply to be an IRIS Listener?

Listeners may apply by calling Caring Connections toll free at 866-644-6407 or WFYI directly at 317-636-2020.  You may also e-mail Caring Connections at caringconnections@areaxi.org or WFYI at awortman@wfyi.org.