OCTOBER 10 • 2024 | 57
J
N
Y
ou’ve probably listened to
WDET, Detroit’s public
radio station, countless
times to catch up on the news,
weather, and local music and
conversations. However, WDET also
has a jewel you may not know about
— the Detroit Radio Information
Service, which provides radio
reading for the blind and visually
impaired.
Since 1978, DRIS has filled an
information void in the blind
and print-impaired population
by offering a simple method of
accessing printed and visual news
and information published in
hundreds of daily, weekly and
monthly periodicals.
And, starting Thursday, Oct. 17,
from noon to 1 p.m., the Jewish
News will be included in that
programming.
“We’ve been in touch with
local ethnic media to bring them
on board to DRIS,” said WDET
manager Mary Zantina on a recent
tour of WDET studios for JN staff.
“We want to expand our audience
and offerings to reach even more
people.”
Since the JN wants to make our
content available to those who are
blind or visually impaired, it was the
perfect partnership!
WHAT IS DRIS?
DRIS broadcasts 8,760 hours of
continuous audio information
programming a year and engages
local volunteer readers and offers
the verbatim readings of more than
100 local and national newspapers
and magazines a week. Special
interest materials include this week’s
grocery and department store ads,
senior citizen issues, hobbies and
literature. Publications read aloud
include the New York Times, Wall
Street Journal, People Magazine and
Time, among others.
DRIS also offers poetry readings
once a month and a Book Club
featuring titles that present themes
and perspectives that speak to what
makes us uniquely “Detroit.”
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any person who is unable to see,
hold or comprehend conventional
printed matter because of a
diagnosis of a disability, including a
learning disability, may apply for a
free receiver to access DRIS.
An applicant for a free receiver
must be either registered with a
Library for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped or certified by a
qualified healthcare provider,
such as doctor, social worker or
rehabilitation counselor.
Qualifying conditions include
blindness, vision impairment,
cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis,
severe arthritis, amputation, spinal
cord injury, stroke and other
physical conditions, or dyslexia and
other cognitive conditions.
DRIS can also be a valuable
resource for those whom English is
not their first language.
HOW CAN YOU LISTEN?
Like many radio reading services,
DRIS broadcasts its programming
over a private, closed-circuit radio
signal (WDET-FM’s 67 kHz sub-
channel). Qualified listeners can get
a free receiver, but receivers are also
available for purchase to anyone or
any organization who might want
to listen.
Programming is also available
streaming on wdet.org/dris-2.
Jewish News partners with WDET for radio program
for the blind and visually impaired.
On the Radio
JACKIE HEADAPOHL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
If you know of friends or family who would benefit from DRIS and
want to hear the JN read out loud each week by JN volunteers,
please go to wdet.org/dris-2 and help them apply for a free receiv-
er or livestream our program Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m., begin-
ning Oct. 17. If you have questions, contact DRIS manager Diane
Sanders at diane.sanders@wdet.org.
SPOTLIGHT
Thanks to a growing roster of
supporters, including nearly
10,000 attendees through its recent
Hastings Street exhibit at the Detroit
Historical Museum, JHSM (Jewish
Historical Society of Michigan) has
enlarged its staff.
Melissa Shulman
Gould started
Sept. 3 as executive
administrative
assistant.
Gould brings
many different skills
and experiences
to JHSM. She has a history and art
history background, and has worked
in marketing, sales, event planning,
donor management and social
action. A New Yorker, Gould arrived
in Detroit in 1993. She soon became
a docent at the Detroit Institute of
Arts.
Gould recently served as executive
administrative assistant and special
events manager for JCRC/AJC, an
agency of Detroit Federation.
“We are thrilled Melissa is now
part of our staff,” said Catherine
Cangany, Ph.D., JHSM’s executive
director. “She has a markedly diverse
skill set and a passion for our
mission. She is joining us at a very
dynamic time in the organization’s
existence.”
JHSM’s president, Margery Jablin,
notes that Gould is “known in the
community for her warmth and
compassion. Our lay leaders and staff
look forward to working with her.”
Gould said, “I am honored to
begin working for JHSM as it
emphasizes the importance of Jewish
history and social activism at a time
when it is so needed.”
Among JHSM’s undertakings,
Gould is appreciative of its online
gallery of women’s biographies.
“The Michigan Women Who
Made a Difference project is integral
to this jewel of an organization. And
joining an all-female staff is quite
inspiring.”
Melissa Gould
JHSM Announces New
Staffer, Melissa Gould
JEANNIE WEINER