Incorporated: August, 1978 as the Connecticut Radio Information Service. Name changed June, 1990 to Connecticut Radio Information System.
First Broadcast: November 26, 1979
Length of first broadcast day: 2 Hours
Number of First Day listeners: 50
Began 24-hour service: February 18, 1985
Telephone Reader Service introduced: September 13, 2000
Listeners: CRIS programming is produced exclusively for individuals who are unable to read printed material due to vision loss or other disability.
Estimated number of individuals in Connecticut who are eligible to receive CRIS: 50,000
Mode of transmission: Pre-tuned FM radio (provided free), cable providers, telephone. On-line audio coming soon!
Volunteer support: Approximately 400 volunteers contribute their time and talent to produce CRIS programming every month.
Organization: A volunteer Board of Directors guides the operation of CRIS. CRIS employs 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff members.
Financial Support: As a private, non-profit organization, CRIS depends on financial support from a variety of sources including the state's Lions Clubs and other civic organizations, foundations, corporations, individuals, Connecticut's Board of Education and Services for the Blind, and fundraising events including the annual CRIS Radio Classic Golf Tournament.