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