The Connecticut Radio Information System, Inc. (CRIS) is Connecticut's Talking Newsstand for the Blind and Print Handicapped. CRIS is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing information from daily newspapers and current magazines to blind and print-handicapped citizens throughout Connecticut, free of charge. CRIS programs keep people informed on the news in the world, nation, state and their local community, and has proven to be a vital resource for individuals who are unable to read printed material.
Listeners enjoy access to national, state and local news, supermarket and department store ads, area events, obituaries, sports, business news, accessible products catalogs, books and short stories and a variety of articles from daily newspapers and national magazines.
CRIS also produces several talk and interview programs including: FOCAL POINT, featuring issues concerning the blind, handicapped and elderly community; FOR YOUR PROTECTION, a program hosted by West Hartford Fire Chief William Austin, featuring important information to assist individuals with disabilities prepare for emergency situations; and the COMMISSIONER'S CORNER, with Dr. Norma Gyle, the Deputy Commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Public Health.
CRIS operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Programs originate from our broadcast center in Windsor, as well as regional satellite studios in Danbury, Norwich, Trumbull, and West Haven. Programs can be heard on pre-tuned radios (provided free), cable systems, the telephone, and (soon) via the internet.
CRIS employs a staff of three full-time and two part-time people. We rely on over 400 volunteers statewide to help with the production, programming and the day-to-day operations of CRIS. Volunteers script, read, and operate the control board for daily broadcasts. Our volunteers also help with office work, bookkeeping, marketing, radio distribution, serving on our Board of Directors, and representing CRIS as speakers at various civic organizations.
CRIS receives financial support from a variety of resources including private foundations, businesses and corporations, Lions Clubs and other civic organizations, individual donations, the state Board of Education and Services for the Blind, and fundraising events including our annual CRIS Radio Classic Golf Tournament. Approximately 90% of our income goes directly to program services.